Programs – Summer Program Director

Beth Waterhouse

Beth Waterhouse has now completed her fourth summer as Executive Director (and summer program director) of the Ernest C. Oberholtzer Foundation. She is currently your primary contact regarding applying for work weeks, program weeks, host applications, and all things related to Mallard Island's summer schedule.

This past summer offered its own peaks and valleys of experience. The season began with the news that the Frigate Friday houseboat tanks had not made it through the winter. Try as we might with dozens of ideas, several people could not design affordable ways to float or level a 40-ton houseboat, and the September board of directors decision was (sadly) to dismantle it. There will be good wood available for future creative projects.

Beyond the houseboat story, however, the Mallard Island 2011 summer unfolded in a glory of people and landscapes once again. Some fierce wind in June reminded us of our humble spot on a spine of rock. The loons in late June graced us with "our" chick. Gardens were glorious through June and dry in the heat of July. August smoothed out to be a warm swimming month and a very musical month on the island with flute students plus songwriters who even took a concert into town. The island shared her riches, to be sure.

Beth and her husband, Don Maronde, split their summer lives so that Beth can be north while Don is south keeping the home fires burning. Don also commonly leads workers or stays on the island as a caretaker for a few weeks each summer. Home is Excelsior in the "off Mallard" season, where Don works as a carpenter on home-repair projects. Both are honored to have Mallard Island as a rich part of their life stories, and to come to know so many of you through the association with this magic isle.