Meet the Arcola Board

Jill Greenhalgh – Board Chair

Returning after 20 years, Jill describes herself as a “Communitarian” and has served on the board or steering committee of many St Croix Valley nonprofit organizations. She first became involved with what is now Arcola Mills over twenty years ago. She is honored to be rejoining the efforts to breathe new life into this beautiful resource. Jill is the foundation director for the Horst Rechelbacher Foundation in Osceola, Wisconsin; previously she worked in higher education. Jill has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and religion and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. When not volunteering or working with nonprofits, Jill enjoys baking, creative activities and exploring the abundant parks and natural areas found in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

Rolf Dittmann

Rolf is the owner of River Valley Restoration, a design/build firm based in the St Croix Valley that specializes in historic restoration and adaptive use of historic structures. Notable completed projects are May and Stillwater Town Halls, Fields of St Croix community barn, Arcola schoolhouse, and most importantly the Mower / Van Meier mansion at Arcola Mills! Rolf holds a BA from St Olaf College and post graduate studies in design from Art center college in Pasadena, CA. When not restoring history, you can find Rolf on his bicycle, in his kayak or on all things automotive. He and his wife have lived in the St Croix Valley for 25 + years and have three terrific adult children. Rolf joined the board three years ago to help ensure that the Arcola mansion he helped to restore will reach its full potential use as an education center.

Steve Mower – Treasurer

Steve is the 2x great nephew of John and Martin Mower, the founders of Arcola Mills.  Steve was born and brought up Maine and was part of the Mower family that stayed in Maine to continue farming the “homestead”.  Steve’s interest is not only the preservation of the Arcola Mills property and Mower Mansion, but learning more and more about the extensive history in this area as well.  Steve lives in Somerset and works in Hudson.  Steve is involved with the sales, marketing, and export of cattle genetics around the world.   When not traveling or digging up history, Steve loves variations of jazz, food & culture, and cattle breeding history & development.  

Scott Eickschen

Scott, a husband, a new father to two little ones, a musician and an outdoorsman. He is very passionate about the area’s streams, lakes, rivers and other natural resources.  He also volunteers with Kinni Corridor Collaborative, a non profit organization in charge of restoring the Kinnickinnick River in River Falls, WI. The natural beauty and energy of Arcola Mills caught Scott’s attention and he’s been hooked ever since. His aspirations for Arcola are that the organization reaches operational and financial sustainability, and that Arcola continues to become a place of rest, peace and inspiration for the spirits of people of the area.

Fitzie Heimdahl

Fitzie is lucky enough to have been raised and still live in the St. Croix Valley so knows firsthand that arts, culture, history, and the environment are important to the community.  Fitzie is involved personally and professionally with organizations and initiatives that are uniquely special to the St. Croix River Valley.  As a historian, preservationist, environmentalist, and patron of the arts, Arcola Mills has a special place in Fitzie’s heart.  Fitzie works at the Wisconsin Historical Society as the State Historical Marker Program Coordinator. Fitzie is excited to see how this program can tell the many stories of the state.  In his free time, Fitzie enjoys hiking, bike riding, exploring new places, visiting historic sites (of course), and trying new food. 

Alexa Eickschen

An enthusiast for all things outdoors and a lover of history, Alexa fell in love with Arcola the minute she passed through the gates. Doesn’t everyone? In search of the perfect outdoor location for her wedding in 2016 Alexa found Arcola and has been volunteering and serving on the board ever since. Alexa enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing, and spending time with her two young kids, two pups,  family, and friends.  She believes in Arcola’s  mission statement of Educate, Preserve, and Renew – and enjoys working with the numerous organizations who are invested in the Arcola site.  

Reese Glaser – Vice Chair

Although Reese resides in St. Paul, he works throughout all of Washington County.   Just coincidently, as a crew leader for Sentence to Service, Reese discovered the Arcola Mansion and instantly fell in love.  So, w hen given the opportunity to join the board and support this truly magical place, Reese jumped at the opportunity and we are glad he did!  Reese enjoys his travels throughout  Washington County and is amazed at how beautiful it is and all it has to offer.  When he’s not on the move, Reese can be found camping alongside a small lake with a roaring bonfire and his camera.

Kerri Kolstad – Board Secretary

Through her business, Wahoo! Adventures, Kerri helps people “Get Outside and Play”.  So, when she was asked to join the board at Arcola Mills, it was the perfect fit with its beautiful location and opportunity to help get Arcola guests on the river and learn the history.  Although Kerri grew up in the Bemidji area, her husband Dave and dog Addy live in White Bear Lake and have spent over 25 years paddling the river.  Kerri was introduced to Arcola Mills back in 2011 through Community Thread’s “Spring into Service” volunteer initiative and helped removed buckthorn.  She knew it was special then and is excited to be more engaged by sharing the mansion and lumbering history with others.

Merry Domke

Merry L. Domke joined the Arcola Mills board in March of 2020.  She lives in Stillwater currently but resided in Marine on St. Croix for several years before that.  Her love for Arcola started about five years ago when she volunteered helping with the gardens and learning the history of the grounds.  Her interests include art, baking, cooking, foraging, architecture of buildings and cities, music, painting watercolors, spending time with family, and volunteering. She is eager to help take Arcola Mills to the next level and dreams of one day seeing the mansion full of guests with an art gallery open in the basement!  Merry’s high energy and outgoing personality make her perfect for introducing new people to Arcola’s splendor.