Robert Ward Commissioner, DMV

DMV is now making it simpler to renew a vehicle’s registration by combining everything needed into one mailing from the agency. The change, which starts this month, will save taxpayers about $400,000 annually.

“Modernizing the way we do things and saving taxpayers money has been my number one focus at the DMV,” Commissioner Robert Ward said. “Eliminating this mailing will save on postage and printing costs in this time when taxpayers are looking for the government to find cost savings.”

Vehicle owners previously received two mailings. Now owners will receive from the DMV only one registration renewal mailing, which will include a renewal notice with the center portion being the actual registration certificate. Vehicle owners will be instructed to keep the center portion of the application – the actual registration certificate – in the vehicle.

People who want to check that the registration was renewed can use DMV’s new online verification system at www.ct.gov/dmv/verifyreg.  The validity of their registration can be checked by law enforcement through computer links with DMV registration information.

In July, DMV eliminated vehicle registration stickers, a savings of about $400,000 a year. This combined with the single mailing increases the total savings to about $800,000.

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The Fisherman Restaurant of Noank is the place to be for the very best in local “flavor.” A mere 5 minutes from downtown Mystic, The Fisherman sits directly on Palmers Cove facing Fishers Island Sound and Esker Point Beach. Water views from every seat in the house, fresh quality foods prepared with imagination and care, friendly staff and a feeling of comfort are just part of why The Fisherman has become the areas “new” old favorite.

We have the great fortune of having exceptional relationships with local Fisherman, no one offers better quality, our oysters are from Noank, our scallops from Stonington, fin and ground fish from our good friends in Narragansett and Maine.

We offer the areas’ best burger – a half pound Certified Hereford Beef burger with sweet vidalia onion, smoked bacon and jack cheese, served with hand cut coleslaw and crispy fries.We feature choice meats, all natural turkey breast, amazing salad creations and so much more! Gluten free items and lots of choices for our vegetarian friends as well.”

Our specials are just that, special we offer the best of whats’ fresh and flavorful, and there is no better value anywhere, there may be cheaper options here and there, but remember, you get what you pay for, and at The Fisherman, rest assured that thought and care have been taken to make your meal exceptional!

Our Thanksgiving menu is online at www.fishermanrestaurant.com, don’t delay, reservations are filling in, don’t miss out! We look forward to serving you!

937 Groton Long Point Road, Noank • 860.536.1717

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by Angela Olsen

National Geographic photographer Todd Gipstein presented “Geography of the Human Spirit: A Journey Through Life” at the AAUW meeting on October 14, at the Waterford Public Library.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) proudly presented a mixed media presentation entitled “Geography of the Human Spirit:  A Journey Through Life” by Groton resident Todd Gipstein at the Waterford Library, Thursday, October 14th.  Todd worked on over 70 projects as a photographer and producer for National Geographic Magazine and continues to scour the globe for images that touch the human soul.

He was pleased to share his moving presentation “Geography of the Human Spirit,” a progression of spectacular photos which he narrates live, to members of the AAUW in the Waterford Library media center.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, there is no danger of spoiling the splendor that is Todd’s collection with the written word.  That said, WOW!  We are all a part of “The Geography of the Human Spirit,” it knows no boundaries.  In one segment, Todd reveals the pictures inside an old photo album.  When asked how that idea came about he said, “I used that book as a prop for a Titanic piece for National Geographic and looked inside one day.  That is where this theme of anonymous immortality originated.”  It is deeply thought-provoking.

As the presentation progresses, certain wrongs are righted in Todd’s own way, a story about the Titanic as well as one about the Civil Rights Movement come full circle leaving not a dry eye in the house.  This ability to present events which question our own moral fiber, yet display some resolution, however minor, is part of the appeal. So many people made the ultimate sacrifice in hopes of a better tomorrow.

Fear not, there is plenty of humor and ‘warm fuzzies’ in the presentation as well.  Todd shared this voyage with a room full of women whom enjoy the efforts of the AAUW such as “advancements in equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.”

“The Geography of the Human Spirit” is a must see; it is for everyone.  We live in an uncertain time and great inspiration is within that one hour!

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Why do dogs eat dirt?

by Sam Mazzotta

Dear Paws4Pets: I have three rescued dogs that each dig a small hole, usually with their teeth, and proceed to eat the dirt. I feed them quality food, so I don’t know what they’re after. Is this typical behavior or are they lacking a mineral that the dirt is providing? I’m also not real happy about the holes in the lawn. I’ll bet I am not the only one with this issue.

- Jeannette V., Billings MT

Dear Jeanette: You’re right, this behavior is actually fairly common and a source of distress for a lot of dog owners. Termed “pica” — defined by the Angell Memorial Hospital’s Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs as “an abnormal desire to eat things that are indigestible” — this behavior includes eating dirt and rocks. Some dogs will eat sticks, socks or whatever is handy.

A common form of pica is coprophagia, a fancy term for “eating poop,” which many dog owners also deal with.
Pica is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder, although a nutritional deficiency also can be a cause. So the first thing to do is consult the dogs’ veterinarian. The vet may ask you to bring in samples of the dogs’ stool to check for worms or other problems. (Separate each dog’s sample in plastic baggies labeled with their names.) Even if the vet doesn’t find a physical cause, he or she may recommend you add a vitamin supplement to their diets.

You’ll also need to address the obsessive-compulsive component. This means going outside with the dogs (or taking them out one by one for awhile). When they start digging or chewing at the ground, distract them immediately and call them over for a short spell of basic obedience training, rewarding them with either treats or praise depending on your training style. You also must fill in and re-sod the small holes in the lawn.

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by Bryan Golden

People often ask too little from life because they are cautious.  Their reasoning for this is the desire to stay safe.  Caution can keep you from getting hurt.  Being extra cautious is often stated as a reason to avoid something new.  Caution can also be used as justification for being indecisive.

If caution is overly exercised, you will miss opportunities.  Undue caution causes paralysis by analysis.  In this syndrome, a person is so consumed with avoiding mistakes that they are unable to make any decision at all.

When used appropriately, caution plays a valid role in decision making.  When misapplied, caution is used as an excuse for inaction.  In order to succeed, it’s important to use caution wisely.

People are overly cautious when they consistently fear the worst.  Caution must be balanced with reason to keep it from being a detriment.

The other end of the spectrum is being reckless.  Reckless people don’t care about potential risks.  They rarely plan for the future.  The reckless individual acts as if they are not at all concerned about the consequences of their actions.

You want to use caution to your advantage.  In order to do this, you have to perform a realistic risk / benefit analysis.  Consider the worst case scenario, along with the chances of it occurring.  Life is not risk free, but most of the situations we worry about never come to pass.

There is no way 100% safety can ever be guaranteed.  Whenever you attempt something new, evaluate the potential benefits compared to the risks.  Perhaps you are unhappy at your job.  You would really like to work someplace else but are concerned you may not find another satisfactory position.

The overly cautious person wouldn’t bother looking for other employment.  Their caution will cause them to stay where they are rather than risk something worse.  A person who is realistic about the potential of a better job realizes that even if a new job doesn’t work out, there are many other opportunities for employment. They will look for something else instead of suffering.

Caution causes people to settle for less than they really want.  They convince themselves circumstances could always be worse.  Although this belief is technically true, it doesn’t lead to happiness and a high quality life.

Appropriate caution can also prevent you from squandering your future in favor of a short term, temporary gain.  “I don’t know why I did that, I must not have been thinking,” is a statement you don’t want to be making.  The carpenters saying, “measure twice, cut once,” contains much wisdom.

Reaching your goals always involves some degree of risk.  However, the degree of risk is reduced by your preparation, determination, hard work, and positive attitude.  Use caution to avoid needless risks which offer little or no reward.  You also want to avoid risks where success is based on luck.  Don’t let caution keep you from getting all you want from life.

NOW AVAILABLE: “Dare to Live Without Limits,” the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.

© Bryan Golden

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