CRITTER CHATTER: Critters ready for release

/0 Comments/in /by
by Jayne Winters

When I stopped by to chat with Don at the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center today, I expected to see the usual pet carriers and cages with rescued critters in the living room. I was surprised to find no one in the incubators or cages!

Sadly, the chipmunk that had been admitted last week with injuries from a dog bite didn’t survive. The litter of four red squirrels brought in a few days ago has been transferred to another rehabber for the extra feeding and care needed for such small ones. The most recent admission is a young raccoon that had been found in a barrel; it seems to be in good condition other than being dehydrated and hungry, so after a few more days of fluids and food, will be released. Outside pens are currently housing several red foxes and one gray; the three fawns I mentioned in last month’s article have been transferred together and continue to flourish at their new rehab facility.

Don is planning to release three of the red foxes and the gray next week. I looked through some old columns and rather than re-invent the wheel, thought I’d share a portion of one written by the late Carleen Cote in 1996 about release sites:

“Our gratitude can’t be expressed enough to the landowners who have allowed us to enter their properties to release critters. To protect their privacy and the animals, we do not reveal where any of the critters are released. Without the landowners’ generosity, finding appropriate sites would be difficult, maybe impossible.

“For the mink and skunks who are usually released in August, we always find a source of water: marsh, beaver bog or stream. The mink scurry into the water, diving and splashing, swimming away with nary a look back. The skunks immediately start grubbing, looking for their natural food of slugs and insects.

“The release sites we have selected for raccoons [and foxes] are deep in the woods, away from people. We never know how close we will be able to drive into the site; in many places, a trek by foot is needed to arrive at a source of water. So, a wheelbarrow is tied onto the cap of the truck to use for transporting the raccoons, safe in a dog kennel, through the woods. We learned early on that carrying a kennel with four or five raccoons weighing 10-15 pounds each was a task we didn’t want to repeat! The trek could be through water, brush piles, and over fallen trees – quite an obstacle course. The beauty and serenity of being alone in the woods, listening to the singing birds and rushing waters from a nearby brook is spoiled only by the buzzing, biting mosquitoes and deer flies. We soon reach our destination and prepare to say farewell to the raccoons we have cared for over the last five months. The ‘coons cautiously emerge from the kennel. Some stop to look around, others dive into the water or start climbing a tree. We leave three to four days’ supply of food and say, “Good-bye and good luck!” As happens every year when we have made the last trek into the forest… I say to my husband, Donald, “Do you know what I’m thinking?” He says, “Yeah! What will we get next year?” He’s right!”

As noted above, other rehabbers are generously providing assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. They are greatly appreciated! Please check the following web sites to see if there is a rehabber near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine. gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html –

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center, on Rte. 3, in Vassalboro. It is a nonprofit state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. Please note the previous e-mail address is no longer monitored.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: How to Overcome Anxiety at the Dentist

/0 Comments/in /by

Keeping your mind at ease while your teeth get cleaned may be easier than you realize.

(NAPSI)—If you experience anxiety and stress while visiting your dentist, you’re not alone. For many people, the idea of going to the dentist stirs up anxiety; however, it’s so important to combat those thoughts to keep your smile strong and healthy. To help, here are four tips so you can remain calm while your teeth receive care:

Talk to your dentist – Be open about your anxieties and stress before the appointment so the dentist can ease your mind. If you want to know what’s happening during the appointment, they can explain the procedure to you. If you would rather not know, your dentist can tell you when to close your eyes or distract yourself. Work on a signal with your dentist – for instance, if you raise your hand during your appointment, it could mean you need a break, or something hurts. Don’t be afraid to communicate what you need for a successful trip to the dentist’s chair.

Use tools to distract yourself – If the tools or sounds of the dental machines cause you anxiety, find ways to busy yourself. You can bring headphones to listen to your favorite music or podcast while you lounge in the dentist’s chair. Objects such as stress balls or fidget spinners are also a great way to keep busy.

Practice mindfulness – To keep your mind off your dentist’s appointment, you can practice mindfulness both before and during. Focus on breathing while you’re in the waiting room or in the dentist’s chair with slow, deep breaths. Relax all the muscles you can, one at a time, with a body scan. Start from your feet all the way up to your neck and shoulders while you’re reclined for your appointment.

Bring a friend – Do not feel embarrassed or shy to ask for support! If you have a trusted friend or family member who makes you feel safe, see if they can help you in facing your fear of the dentist.

While these tips may not get rid of dental anxiety completely, they are a great place to start so any patient can conquer any dentist appointment.

Learn More

For more information on your oral health, visit Delta Dental of Washington’s blog at www.deltadentalwa.com.

THE BEST VIEW: The debut

/1 Comment/in /by
by Norma Best Boucher

I was backstage opening night of my debut performance peeking through the curtain at the audience, asking myself, “What the heck am I doing here?”

Since I was a little girl, I had dreamed of acting. I had dreamed of dancing and singing, also, but I knew early on that those careers were going nowhere…stage fright and nooo talent. I joined the band.

Now, in my 30s, I was answering an ad for acting lessons. “Call Sam O’Connor and learn to act,” the ad said. “Fifty dollars for five lessons.” It took me all of two minutes to decide.

There were 20 of us at that first class, all eager and all pretty average. As we were leaving, Sam called out to me, “Can you memorize?”

“I am a great memorizer,” I told him.

“Good. I need an actress for a play I’m directing. Can you be here for auditions tomorrow night at 7:00?”

I was there at 6:30, and I got the part. Apparently, I fit the bill. I was a female, I was an English teacher, and I was the only one who showed up for the audition. He handed me a script and told me that I was to play the part of Sylvie in Neil Simon’s play, The Odd Couple, the female version.

The three actresses playing the other character parts were seasoned women, seasoned English teachers, and seasoned actresses, all making a comeback.

I had the smallest part, 75 lines of spicy dialogue. We were billed as the town’s own Golden Girls with my playing the Rue McClanahan type – the sassy one. My young son read through my lines with me every night, and with the patience, the coaching, and the friendships of the director and these women, I went out on stage and did not make a fool of myself.

I had succeeded. I was an actress – an amateur, a one-time flash in the pan – but an actress.

Lack of talent hadn’t stopped me; stage fright hadn’t stopped me; and I had experienced that proverbial 15 minutes, or, in my case, 75 lines of fame.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Elsie Baker & Frederick Wheeler

/0 Comments/in /by

Elsie Baker

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Elsie Baker
Frederick Wheeler

A ten-inch acoustic Victor shellac disc presented the duet of contralto Elsie Baker (1883-1971) and baritone Frederick Wheeler (1877-1951) performing There Is Nothing, Dear, I Wouldn’t Do for You from a vaudeville musical revue, All Aboard, produced by comedian Lew Fields who was part of the early 1900s comedy team, Weber and Fields ; and the Orpheus Quartet singing The Girl in the Gingham Gown, which came from a Hippo­drome production, America.

The Girl in the Gingham Gown was recorded October 3, 1913, at the former church in Camden, New Jersey, which Victor used during the World War I years and on into the 1920s; the Baker/Wheeler duet, October 6 of the same year.

Elsie Baker was not only a wonderful contralto with many shellac records to her credit but also an actress on stage and intermittently in silent films and talkies. She even appeared in one of the Ma and Pa Kettle films from the early ‘50s and did a cameo appearance in Jack Lemmon’s hilarious 1964 classic Good Neighbor Sam.

Frederick Wheeler

Baritone Frederick Wheeler recorded for a number of labels in addition to Victor, including duets with his wife, the wonderful soprano Elizabeth Wheeler (1875-1971); I own a ten-inch 78 featuring him and a tenor named Ballard singing a now forgotten but then very popular Nativity classic Star of the East which was recorded during the 1920s for the Sears Roebuck Silvertone label and which can be heard via YouTube.

The Orpheus Quartet consisted of bass William F. Hooley (1861-1918), baritone Reinald Werrenrath (1883-1953), and tenors John Barnes Wells (1880-1935) and Harry Macdonough, a pseudonym for John Scantlebury Macdonald (1871-1931). All four vocalists were high-calibre singers and each of them recorded frequently, both as soloists and as part of different quartets.

The reason for pseudonyms was because these singers recorded so often and for so many different labels that the record labels feared that over exposure might lead to a decline in record sales.

Both sides of this Victor disc were very quaintly pleasant music, even if forgettable, and can also be accessed on the Internet. But I admit to a bias for dusty old 78s.

A footnote – the Hippodrome, during its early 20th century first three or four decades, hosted concerts, circuses and various other large scale extravaganzas and could seat over 5,000 people. The Wikipedia article makes for some interesting reading.

VETERANS CORNER: Addressing veterans’ concerns about facility abuses

/0 Comments/in /by

Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

Welcome back readers. I want to thank you all for the great response we received regarding our last couple of issues. I hope you continue to read and comment as that is the way we draw attention and also get things done. There is a right and a wrong way to do things and we hope that attention leads to doing things which lead to the right way.

I will address some of the negatives that were presented to me this week and then get on to things which hopefully will aid all our veterans in the path they would like to take. This path will lead to better care and hopefully much deserved financial gain.

The first thing I will mention is veterans and especially non-veterans taking advantage of the “Service Dog Allowance”. Service dogs began a few years ago when it was discovered that man’s best friend was truly that. Some veterans were all alone without any support to aid them through loneliness. It was noticed that animals could fill that role if properly trained to negotiate the hurdles involved with dealing with the public. Dogs were and are the number one pick. The old adage, ” Man’s Best Friend”, is truly the case. However, that being said, some dogs are not and never will be able to cope with the public. Also, some are very difficult to train. That is why some wear signs saying, ” Dog In Training”. You are not supposed to have any interplay with these dogs as they are in the learning phase and should not be confused or distracted. The time will come when they will greet you as will their masters. After all, both are being trained by each other.

The other issue is the abuse that some people take regarding the rules of the system. The first thing I heard was, the small areas of lawn were being used as bathrooms for all dogs riding with veterans to their appointments at the VA. This shows ignorance and lack of consideration for others who use these lawns for break time, lunch and just lounging around. I have seen this all myself, so this is not news to me. I just needed you readers to see, and object to it before I brought it up.

It used to be, and still is supposed to be, that the owner of the dog would carry a scoop and a bag for this event. It’s now being taken for granted. If it continues, only certified companion dogs will be allowed. Also, the abuse continues when civilians bring in show dogs on multiple leashes. We have allowed the initial intent to become abused through the allowance of these things. Several people I know are allergic to dogs and after all, it is supposed to be a hospital. You don’t see this at other hospitals. In years past you only saw a dog leading a blind person.

Now anyone can say, I have stress, x-military or civilian. I have actually seen dogs urinate in building 200. This is the entrance to the emergency and the main treatment rooms and hospital. It is popular opinion that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Don’t get this writer wrong, I love all animals as you can tell by some of my previous articles. I have owned many pets in past years. I believe you have to agree with the veterans who brought this to me.

The veteran’s dog should be what is allowed and if you are a guest you shouldn’t be bringing your animals because you don’t want to leave them at home. This facility is about the care and well-being of our veterans, respect the rules and laws. Our police force needs to see this as a threat and danger to guests as well as patients. One dog bite will lead to a lawsuit, we don’t need that. We also don’t need a contaminated hospital facility. Check other hospitals and you will see what I mean. The Administration is not doing his job.

I mentioned last week that I would check on a couple of things. I have spoken with several regarding the Fisher Hospitality House and its supposed sinking/listing to one side. It seems to be true. If you approach the rear pond side of the building you can see it is listing to that side.

VA has initiated a cover up by keeping the area well groomed, with lights all on and allowing the Fisher House parking lot to fill with non-resident cars and trucks. This only makes things worse as it adds to congestion that I tried to warn them against three years ago. As our readers may recall I went to the State of Maine and filed a complaint regarding “Wetland Violations”, they took my report and said they would get back to me regarding any action taken. I never heard from them. I didn’t think I would, but occasionally you meet some honorable people who take these things seriously.

I didn’t want to see our pond disappearing, nor the ducks leaving. Many of us enjoy them coming every year and raising new families. It’s very nice for us to watch. Wildlife is very healthy within Togus’s 500 acre property; you can see most anything. I visit almost every night. I visit our graveyards also, just to see that all is well. I noticed a “No Dogs Allowed” sign has been placed outside the gate there. Lately, my wife and I have observed some rabbits. We haven’t seen those here for years.

Our charity event in Sidney went off very well. People had a great meal, met new and old friends, as well as donated to some of our ongoing projects for the least advantaged among us. Also, I had a couple of veterans approach me and ask for help with some issues. I never can say no to a veteran in need. I feel everyone with the ability to help should.

For some reason some veterans are very shy when it comes to asking for assistance with an issue. Veterans should never feel that way. There are many things that VA can do to help, but you must let them know. Togus VBA has some of the most knowledgeable Service Officers anywhere. I for one am very proud of the staff we have acquired. You will feel welcome from the very first minute you arrive. Also, you probably will leave with what you came for. You’ll even get a free pen to mark the first day of the rest of your life.

God bless. Until next time.

LAKE LIFE TODAY: part 9

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Elaine Philbrook

Lake Life Today is a series of articles that are hoped will inspire you to see how, by taking just a few steps, you can make a difference and help preserve the quality of water in our lakes for future generations.

These articles have been collected and organized by LakeSmart Director Elaine Philbrook, a member of China Region Lake Alliance (aka “the Alliance”) serving China Lake, Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond, and Three-Cornered Pond. The Alliance would like to thank our partners at Maine Lakes and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) for information to support this article.

Septic System
Get your septic tank pumped!

It’s that time of year when we start thinking of the change of seasons. Along with the change of seasons it’s also time to think about how your septic system is functioning, and specifically about maintaining your septic tank. It’s always a good idea to know where your septic tank and field are located, and to look for signs of any malfunctions. Foul odors, lush and tall green grass, and certainly outbreaks of black effluent (i.e., liquid waste or sewage) are some signs of a failed septic field.

Untreated effluent that escapes from a failing septic field is a potential source of additional and unwanted phosphorus into the lake. Also, other chemicals and other toxins that may be part of the untreated effluent may also contaminate nearby drinking water wells. That same untreated effluent may break out of the septic field and run over the ground and into the lake, or flow directly into groundwater which then carries unwanted nutrients, bacteria, and viruses along with it. This is not good for you, your family, your pets, your neighbors, and especially your lake.

Your treatment (septic) tank is an essential component of your septic system. There are baffles at the inlet and outlet of the tank, but it’s the outlet baffle that prevents “suspended solids” from exiting beyond that point. If the outlet baffle fails, this could be a major source of compromising your septic field’s capacity to distribute and treat effluent as the septic field clogs with suspended solids. Pumping your septic tank removes sludge and scum before it builds up and potentially flushes into your septic field due to a failed outlet baffle. While pumping your septic tank it’s extremely important to have your septic pumper check the septic tank’s baffles, particularly the outlet baffle.

The major factors affecting the frequency of pumping are the number of people using the septic system. This amounts to the total wastewater volume entering the septic field based upon your septic tank size.

It’s a good idea to check with your service provider at the time of pumping to see if they think you are on a schedule that fits your tank’s capacity and volume.

As a rule of thumb, you should pump your septic system’s tank every two to three years for year-round residents and every three to four years for seasonal residents.

Many owners of seasonal properties pump their septic tank far less often in the mistaken belief that their camp’s limited seasonal use justifies an extended pumping schedule. In fact, most seasonal properties have at least several weeks of intensive use due to large family occupancies or large numbers of visiting guests. This intensive use can put a huge demand on the septic system’s capacity. Regular pumping on a conservative schedule is the best way to assure your septic field isn’t compromised, which could result in shortening your septic system’s useful life. The prorated cost of regularly pumping your septic tank and checking your baffles is a minor cost compared to the substantial expense of having to completely replace your septic field.

For more tips on caring for your septic system see:
https://cdn.branchcms.com/DrynVOJolO-1457/ docs/ Lake%20 Library/ Septic-two-pager-11×17-FINAL-5.14.21.pdf.

If you have any questions about what you can do to ensure the integrity of your valued lake or if you would like a free LakeSmart evaluation you can reach Elaine Philbrook by email at chinalakesmart@gmail.com and follow-up to read the next Townline Newspaper.

Live lightly on the land for the sake of the lake (LakeSmart).

Read the complete series here.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, August 24, 2023

/0 Comments/in /by

To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

MMM, MMM GOOD: Emily Poulin, of South China, captured this monarch butterfly enjoying the nectar.

STRANGER: Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, photographed this strange looking bug resting on a flower.

GARDENING IN VASSALBORO: Sharon Farrington shows off some of her gardening skills.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Lip Care is an Important Part of Your Oral Health Routine

/0 Comments/in /by

Don’t kiss off your lips. Protect them from damage and neglect.

(NAPSI)—Lips are one of the most sensitive organs in the body, composed of more than a million nerves, yet they are often neglected and not treated properly. Without healthy, fully functioning lips, your everyday life would look very different­—which is why it’s so important to take the necessary steps to protect them.  

Why protect your lips  

Lips are the body’s thinnest and most fragile layer of skin, and lack the sweat glands—or sebaceous oil glands—necessary to provide strong protection. This combination of thin skin and lack of natural moisturizing leads to dryness and susceptibility to becoming chapped, especially in drastic weather conditions. Over time, untreated chapped lips could lead to severe oral deterioration and susceptibility to wounds.  

As seasons and temperatures change, your lips can be greatly affected if not properly cared for. During the hot summer months, it’s important to protect your lips with lip balm and SPF lip care. Continuous and unprotected sun exposure can cause breakage to the skin barrier and lead them to look aged and discolored, and in some cases, even to oral cancer.  

No matter the weather—or your age—it’s important to pay close attention to your lips, and to develop a regular lip care routine to help keep your lips soft, smooth and healthy.  

“The lips are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, and ongoing neglect can lead to serious consequences including mouth cancer,” warns Kyle Dosch, DDS, who serves as Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director. “It is important to schedule your twice annual check-ups with your dentist where they perform oral inspections to detect any urgent mouth issues.”

How can I protect my lips?  

Many think that licking your lips provides them with sufficient moisture but, in reality, this actually dries them out even more. To keep your lips hydrated, use a moisturizing lip balm, which can be applied as often as you feel your lips need a hydration boost.  

When looking for a good lip balm, check the ingredients for shea butter, which is a great source of moisturization. Also, when choosing a lip balm, check for SPF 30 or SPF 40. Even if it’s not sunny out, there are still strong UVA and UVB rays that can cause more damage to your lips, according to Healthline experts.  

Another way to protect your lips is by exfoliating at least once a week using sugar or salt mixed with your preferred nourishing oil, then follow up with a lip balm. Make sure, when exfoliating, you’re not applying too much pressure because you don’t want to break the skin barrier any further.  

Your body works in wonderful ways to communicate what it needs, so make sure to listen and look at what it is saying. Following these simple and easy steps will let your lips be full and healthy, which contributes to your overall well-being.  

Learn More

For further information on lip care visit www.deltadentalwa.com.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Meet me for lunch

/0 Comments/in /by
by Debbie Walker

It was a wonderful idea to go to lunch with Ms. Gloria, and for a bigger treat her husband Russ came, too. The two of them are very entertaining. I worked with them both, well…. Maybe more years ago than I am willing to admit, but there was never a dull moment.

I arrived first and actually enjoyed my wait in the little tea shop. The name of the place is “SWEETIES”. The building begins to give off her age, you will be caught up in the outside and plants. There is also a rocker, at least the day I was there.

Inside, the tables were all full, except for me by myself. I was a bit embarrassed sitting there at a table for six as groups came in and left! I was there for a while and I decided to order a cup of soup, the best potato soup I have ever had in my life. I was more than glad to see Gloria and Russ come through that day.

Once they got in, picked out their orders (including that potato soup), and then turned their attention to me and what was I up to (they know I learned a lot of what I know from them).

Debbie Walker at lunch

I explained I needed some pictures of me, for my column. Just then Gloria laughed because she knew where my head was going. She began looking around the room for the right hats. Russ, having been left at the table alone, he started making the rounds with his many, many jokes and stories. He could have done this for a week and not repeated himself. So he was happy.

It may be possible to introduce you to some of Gloria’s photograph skills. It all depends on what Eric and Roland have to say about the subject.

Let’s see if we get some of the picture’s printed and you turn in a name for each one. It might just be fun!

Okay, so now I will share some tidbits that I found last night:

I found some information in one of my Farmer’s Almanac about fishing and folklore. *Never tell anyone how many fish you have caught. *When owls hoot during the day it’s a good day for catfishing.

What would you do if you went fishing or camping and you forgot to bring anything to protect yourself from those darn biting bugs, what would your answer be? Salt! Mix a ¼ tsp. of salt with two drops of water, rub the paste over bites.

Ice Cubes: I love rice but only that first meal, the rest is usually just too dry. Guess what. Add an ice cube to the plate or bowl and loosely cover with a lid before heating on high for 2 -3 minutes: Fluffy.

I’m just curious what names you came up with for the hat pictures. I have to tell you that was so much fun. Wish there were easy, inexpensive ways to come up with some of the older style, maybe there is, sounds like another lunch with Ms. Gloria.

Can’t wait to hear your comments, questions, etc. Have a great week. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

/0 Comments/in /by

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s finest poems is My Lost Youth, originally published in his 1858 volume, The Courtship of Miles Standish. Having been raised in Portland, the poet wrote some verses that evoked what must have been for him the then unspoiled beauty of the Pine Tree State’s city by the sea.

“Often I think of the beautiful town/That is seated by the sea;/Often in thought go up and down/The pleasant streets of that dear old town, /And my youth comes back to me./And a verse of a Lapland song/Is haunting my memory still:/’A boy’s will is the wind’s will,/And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts’….

Longfellow powerfully poeticizes certain geographic details of the city – the harbor; “the black wharves and the slips…sea tides tossing free….Spanish sailors with bearded lips…the beauty and mystery of the ships…magic of the sea.”

The poet then evokes his boyhood memories of the city’s wonderful Deering Oaks:

“I can see the breezy dome of groves,/The shadows of Deering’s Woods;/And the friendships old and the early loves/Come back with a Sabbath sound, as of doves/In quiet neighborhoods.”

Being also a realist even when being a outpouring romanticist, his ability to balance these sides of himself is one of his greatest strengths as a thinker in poetic form and he writes here:

“There are things of which I may not speak;/There are dreams that cannot die;/There are thoughts that make the strong heart weak,/And bring a pallor into the cheek,/And a mist before the eye.”
But Longfellow grandly concludes in a bittersweet wistful manner:

“And Deering’s Woods are fresh and fair,/And with joy that is almost pain/My heart goes back to wander there, /And among the dreams of the days that were,/I find my lost youth again.”

The poem is included in the 1989 Maine Speaks anthology.

Two recent viewing experiences:

Christopher Walken

The 1997 Suicide Kings featured a cast in which the only actor familiar to me was Christopher Walken. He also gave the only decent performance as a Mafia kingpin who is kidnapped by a group of college age idiots and held for ransom.

The film was highly recommended by movie reviewers. I disagree, having found it, except for Walken, a bore.

Another viewing experience is the TV series Madmen, which ran for seven seasons on AMC from 2007 to 2014.

It is a skillfully produced period piece drama depicting the 1960s world of Madison Avenue advertising agencies and their constant high pressure work environments, complete with constantly fascinating period details and surroundings – the dialog, clothing, cars, city streets, constant cigarette smoking indoors and outdoors, suburban gossip, adulteries, very small screen TVs, department store interiors, etc.

The acting of the entire cast is superb; and yes, two performances stand out – those of one agency CEO and founder portrayed by the great Robert Morse (1931-2022) and January Jones who gives an eloquent nuanced characterization of the wife of one of the ad men. She conveys the harrowing emotions of a woman leading a life of quiet desperation.