Animal Refuge a Better Alternative to Zoos

The recent news has brought to the forefront the tragedy of zoos, both for visitors and more frequently, for the other primates incarcerated there. No matter how “humane,” a zoo is no place for wild animals born to roam thousands of acres.

I speak for those who cannot: please don’t spend your dollars at zoos. Think about visiting or supporting an animal refuge, instead.

Educate yourself about zoos, and “teach your children well.”

Candace Watson, 
Bath

Nancy Clark the Teacher

For those of us at Freeport High School with her in the 70s and 80s and 90s, Nancy Clark was the ultimate professional teacher and role model and colleague and friend!

She could be termed “traditional” in representing the discipline, standards, and stern-but-warm character of an earlier time.

Every single day of her teaching career, Nancy lead by uncompromising example. She showed us the importance of the professional facade, of manners and courtesy, of standing for what you believe in, and of relentlessly adehering to high educational standards. She was always prepared for meetings and classes, her desk and classroom were always neat. She always had a smile and an appropriate if sometimes pithy comment. She was always aware of the strains and the achievements in the classroom and the faculty.

Nancy was always impeccably groomed, no small matter to professionals run ragged by ever increasing demands. I remember thinking that however much I combed my hair and planned my outfit, I would never look as neat and tidy and professional. Even Nancy’s raincoats were spotless and wrinkleless. And – yes- it does matter.

I taught in the wing by the library. Whenever I went to the main corridor, I would have a clear view of her at her desk. Seeing Nancy there, straight-backed and focused, was always an inspiration. Whatever was happening in my life or hers or the school, Nancy kept up her standards! Nancy always always made me smile and straighten up. There she is as always ! I’d think, and somehow I knew I could get through the day.

No one could admonish a teacher or student or administrator like Nancy. She did not tolerate fuzzy thinking or inconsiderate actions. Once, when she felt a new colleague has been mistreated, she simply blared out, “Shameful!” A student who was routinely surly was told, “Don’t ever ask me for a recommendation!”

She never compromised her standards. Students learned not to give her lame excuses or messy work. Her own comments and grades and notes were always written in the beautiful crisp cursive taught in an earlier time.

Nancy was beloved by the young teachers. She was proof that they could survive the stress and strain of teaching and even love the profession. She would bring in small treats and leave people kind notes.

She came to Freeport High School when it had a business department with several classrooms of its own. The business students learned much more than typing. The business classroom always looked and functioned like an efficient office (no gum, no slovenly dress). Over the years business classes were cut back and back, retiring teachers were not replaced and finally the department disappeared. Nancy adapted, however hard the transition, changing her teaching to fit the times, learning computer technology, teaching consumer math. There was something valiant about her survival in a profession so beleaguered, with her original training in a disappearing major. She showed us that adaption was possible.

Nancy was devoted to the Freeport Teachers’ Association, understanding well the need for professional institutions to protect us.

The morning after the election for state senate that Nancy lost, in spite of distinguished service there, her desk at school was heaped with notes and small gifts from all of us. We hurt for her. One note read “Augusta’s loss is our gain.”

Her retirement events were epic! She was toured through town on a fire truck. The teachers got together and made her a quite spectacular quilt that replicated one she’d had way back. We sewed a lot of love and admiration in to that quilt.

And one fine day a graduate of Freeport High School rushed up to me in the hall.”Mrs Clark!!” she cried joyfully. “I’m not Nancy Clark, “I replied, “but thank you for the compliment!”

At her two packed memorial events in Freeport, Nancy Clark the Community Member and Friend, Nancy Clark the Politican and Activist and Loving Relative were lauded.

I remember Nancy Clark the Teacher.

Peggy Muir,
Bowdoinham