The Foundation

Formerly a for-profit business, Butte Creek Mill became a foundation shortly after the devastating fire that destroyed most of the building on Christmas Day, 2015. The Mill then received its 501(c)(3) status in 2017. Aside from the traditional benefits of having tax-exempt status and tax-deductible contributions, there are many long-term benefits the Foundation will provide to the Southern Oregon community once it is restored.    As a non-profit organization, Butte Creek Mill Foundation will enrich the community by boosting the local economy as it revives tourism in Eagle Point. It will provide educational opportunities to all as it increases its accessibility, environmental sustainability as it secures the water rights to the creek, and historical preservation as the Mill becomes operational again. In addition, the Foundation will continue to oversee the running of the Mill General Store once reopened. Once the Mill is again operational, the Foundation will become self-sustaining and will be beneficial to the community in perpetuity.       All of this is possible with the continued support of donations and community support to “Rebuild the Mill”. The Butte Creek Mill Foundation is an integral part of the community as it works to bring people together and create lasting connections for the betterment of all. It also provides the opportunity for people to learn and participate in Southern Oregon history as the Mill rejoins local tours. The Mill creates an environment where the community can come together and make a difference. With continued support, it can be restored to its rightful place as a historical monument and enrich the neighborhood for many years to come.    The Butte Creek Mill Foundation mission is to preserve heritage, build community, and improve the environment. Our goals are implementing a core curriculum about Native Americans, early settlers, nutrition, ecology of Butte Creek and early building methods. We will adhere to a policy of sustainability and integrity.

 


OUR BOARD  

 

 

Jay O'Neil, Board Chair

Jay is an Eagle Point resident and has 46 years experience in the Grain industry. He is the proprietor of HJ O’Neil Commodity Consulting. Previously Jay  spent 12 years as the Senior Agricultural Economist at the International Grains Program (IGP) at Kansas State University. Prior to that he worked as a Grain Trader and Trade Group Manager for Continental Grain, The Pillsbury Company, The Ferruzzi Group, Bartlett Grain Co. and as a private consultant to domestic and international grain companies. Jay also publishes a weekly Transportation and Export report for subscribers. 

Jay has traveled to and worked with Grain Buyers in 46 countries as well as an emeritus member of the NAEGA (North American Export Grain Assoc.) Contracts and Arbitration Committee and continues to serve as an arbitrator with the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA).

Don Blaser, Board Treasurer

Don Blaser left Southern California to move to the beautiful Rogue Valley in 1970. He graduated from Southern Oregon State College and is Managing Partner at Peaks Ranches Commercial Properties. He has been active in local and interstate commercial real estate for over 40 years. He focuses on building relationships and enjoys helping people find the right location and watching their business thrive. He has volunteered on the Board of Directors for Campus Life, and is currently the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Butte Creek Mill Foundation.

Carolyn Ryder, Board Member at Large

Carolyn Ryder was raised in Ashland, Oregon and attended what is now Southern Oregon University. She has worked in public accounting since 1985 and is now a partner/owner of Isler Medford, LLC. She and her husband have lived in Eagle Point since 2001. Their son graduated from Eagle Point High in 1994, graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and is now a Specialist in the US Army stationed at Del Din Italy. Carolyn’s other community involvement includes being a member of the Jackson County Fair Board, Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo committee, and various barrel racing associations where she competes.

 

John Parsons, Board Member at Large

John was first introduced to Oregon by way of Southern Oregon University in 1973.  Having loved the Rogue Valley so much, he returned in 1994 and became a resident of Eagle Point in 1999.  He has enjoyed sales and sales management for over 45 years and is currently an Office Solutions Specialist for Kelley Connect.  He and his wife live in the Eagle Point golf community and have six children and ten grandchildren.  

John is active in the community as Board Chairman of Crater Lake Academy, Board Chairman of Community Ed, and Chairman of Eagle Point Community Bible Church Finance Committee. He was previously a member of the restoration committee for the Holly Theatre. He is pleased to be part of the Butte Creek Mill Foundation and believes the Mill is a monumental asset to the city and county.  He looks forward to the Mill being restored to its former glory.

 

 

 ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

 

 

BOB RUSSELL - An Oregon native and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. He was the owner of the Butte Creek Mill before it burned down in 2015. He gave up that ownership so that it could become a foundation, which would make fundraising, and therefore the rebuilding of the Mill, possible. The Butte Creek Mill Foundation is now the owner of the Mill and is a non-profit entity.

Bob was also the Mayor of Eagle Point. He was first elected in 2010, and reelected in 2012, 2014, and 2016. He was vice president of the Economic Development Commission and active in the Eagle Point and Upper Rogue Chamber of Commerce. He is currently on the advisory board for the Butte Creek Mill Foundation. He currently is the owner of Butte Creek Mill Antiques.

THERESE HOEHNE - a resident of Eagle Point for 25 years, she has her degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Preschool before becoming a home educator for her five children over the span of 30 years, with history being one of her favorite subjects. She worked for Bob and Debbie Russell at the Butte Creek Mill until the fire in 2015, and since then has remained passionate about the rebuilding of the Mill to become the center of activity in Eagle Point once again. She currently serves on the Board of Jackson County Home Educators and manages her Etsy shop at home.

 

 

 

 DENNIS GODFREY- Oregon native and resident of Eagle Point for the last 18 years.  He holds degrees in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Oregon and Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oregon State University.  Dennis spent much of his career in the hospitality industry as a Catering Director and General Manager for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Interstate Hotels and others.  He has also achieved success in real estate sales and investing.

Dennis served on the Board of Directors of the Eagle Point Museum and is currently serving on the Eagle Point Planning Commission.  He is passionate about historic preservation and dedicated to seeing the Butte Creek Mill rebuilt.