In an annual competition honoring education design excellence, the American School & University (AS&U) 2007 Architectural Portfolio spotlights designs that represent some of the most effective learning environments in America. We are pleased to announce that the Academic and Performance Center at Curry College was selected for that honor and was featured in the November 2007 edition of the magazine and also on the web at www.SchoolDesigns.com.

Featured designs were selected based on their consideration of security, student safety, and plan for technology, while incorporating aesthetics, technology and function to work together at a cost that makes sense over the life of the building.

Congratulations to Dr. Allan Hunter on his newest book, Stories We Need to Know, which hit bookshelves this month.

In Allan's words, "Stories We Need to Know shows us that in the literature of the Western Canon there are six specific archetypes that recur, and that these can be seen as depictions of specific stages we can achieve as we go through life. Since this wisdom has been with us for about 3000 years - and has been largely ignored for the last 400 - it may indeed be true to say that the Canon is composed of stories that we need to know if we are to become who we can fully be. So you see there really is some worth in reading these old stories, since they tell us how we can live more fully. (There speaks an English Professor)"

Robert Atwan, Series Editor, The Best American Essays has this to say about Allan's latest work, "Stories We Need to Know refreshingly reminds us of what our heavily sedated and theoretical age has sadly forgotten: that great literature was always a source of healing and a path to personal growth. In this groundbreaking study, Allan Hunter uncovers the vital interplay of literature and psychology as he takes a bold new look at the way archetypes-whether found in The Odyssey or Harry Potter-can profoundly transform both individual lives and our spiritually starved society."

Stories We Need to Know is available from Findhorn Press and on Amazon.com for $17.95. You can read an extract from the book on Allan's website, www.allanhunter.net . This is Allan's sixth book and fifth since coming to Curry. Allan is already hard at work on number seven!

Many of us spend the majority of our day sitting at a desk working with computers, both at work and at home. While not exactly what we think of as a high risk activity, this time at the computer can cause major discomfort and lead to a number of health problems including Repetitive Stress Injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Properly setting up your workstation can make a world of difference in how you feel on a daily basis. Here are a few simple things you can do to create an ergonomic workstation.

• Keep items you use often close so you don't strain to reach them.
• Laptops are best used on a table rather than on your lap. Consider using a separate keyboard and mouse rather than the built in keyboard/mouse to reduce strain on your wrists.
• Your keyboard should be placed so that your arms are parallel to your thighs. Keep wrists elevated when typing and don't hit the keys too hard.
• Properly adjust your chair to provide lower back support and to allow you to easily reach your keyboard and mouse. Get a footrest if this brings your chair up high enough that your feet don't reach the floor.
• Keep your mouse easily within reach and don't grip too tightly. If the mouse bothers your hands, try a trackball or a touch pad.
• Use a document holder on your desk as not to strain your neck looking down while you type.
• Center your monitor in front of you at an arms length distance and adjust the brightness setting so it is easy on your eyes. The monitor should be at eye level so you are not looking up or down. Take frequent breaks from staring at your screen. Use larger fonts so you don't hunch forward to read your screen.
• Adjust lighting to reduce glare and reflection. Dim overhead lights and use a desk lamp.
• Do not cradle phone between your neck and shoulder. If you multi-task, consider getting a hands free headset.
• Get up and stretch and walk around to give your body a break from sitting.

Now is the time to keep those New Year's resolutions you made just a few weeks ago. If weight loss or fitness is on your list, here are a few reminders about what Curry has to offer that may help you get started on reaching your fitness or weight loss goals.

Many of us find that one of the biggest obstacles to exercise is finding the time to fit it into our busy days. Fitness trainers recommend scheduling time into your day specifically for exercise and to treat it as an appointment you can not miss. Consider using the Curry weight room to schedule your workout while you are on campus. The weight room is open to faculty and staff members from 7:00 a.m. until 10 p.m. during the week and Noon until 10:00 p.m. on the weekends. It includes a wide array of cardio equipment including treadmills, ellipticals and bikes, as well as machine weights and free weights.

Faculty and staff members are also invited to participate in the weekly yoga class offered on Thursdays from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. The class is adapted for students of all abilities. If yoga and the weight room don't appeal to you, why not take advantage of Curry's 137 acres and get walking. Consider a vigorous lunchtime walk or simply park your car and walk from meeting to meeting instead of driving.

If you belong to, or plan to join a gym, keep in mind that Blue Cross offers a reimbursement up to $150 as part of The Fitness Benefit. When you or a covered family member enroll in a qualified health club or fitness facility, you can receive up to $150 per calendar year toward your club memberships fees.

If being in your best health means better managing and maintaining your weight, then Blue Cross has another healthy incentive: The Weight Loss Benefit. When you or a covered family member enroll in a qualified Weight Watchers or hospital- based weight loss program, you can receive up to $150 per calendar year toward your program fees. Contact Human Resources for more information on the Fitness and Weight Loss benefits.

What you need to know about the MA 1099-HC Form

All Massachusetts residents were required to have health insurance by December 31, 2007. Uninsured residents will be assessed a penalty on their 2007 state income taxes. In order to avoid this penalty, MA residents will need to provide evidence of health insurance. The 1099-HC is a new Massachusetts Document which serves as proof of Health Insurance coverage.

Every MA resident who had insurance during 2007 will receive a 1099-HC form completed by their insurance carrier (Blue Cross Blue Shield for Curry Participants). You should receive the 1099-HC form in the mail by January 31, 2008. Please make sure you save the 1099-HC once you receive it in the mail. The form will be used to complete the new Schedule HC Form, which is a new required tax return attachment for all MA residents. The 1099- HC does not need to be attached to your State Income Tax forms, but should be kept in a safe location, as it is your proof of health insurance.

The new Schedule HC Tax Form can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) website at www.state.ma.us/dor, or you can consult with your tax professional.

If you take a close look at the Curry College seal, you will read 'Rem tene; verba sequentur' beneath the shield. These words, the Curry College motto, reflect the College's roots as a School of Expression. The quote comes from the Roman statesman, Cato the Elder (234-149 BC). Translated to English, it means, "Grasp/Master the subject, and the words will follow." The lesson is this: once you sufficiently grasp the concept you wish to speak about, the words will flow with greater ease. These are wise words for teachers, students alike.