Protecting Your iPhone

Review: Speck’s ToughSkin and PixelSkin iPhone cases, and RadTech ClearCal screen protector

by Sandra Miller
www.macnn.com

Like a mom with a newborn baby, I felt scared: I just bought my first iPhone, the 3G, and I wanted it to be protected. Truth be told, my kid was a lot tougher than this delicate little phone. I braced myself, and told myself I wouldn’t buy any accessories immediately until I had test-driven a few cases. (I learned the hard way with my newborn, and have a basement full of underused “safety” products.) As it turns out, I couldn’t use my video iPod cases, like my fave leather TuneWear case that comes with a with protective flap and credit card pockets.

I don’t really need the credit card pockets, but I do want to protect my newest child. Since neither the Skin-Pro nor the PixelSkin came with any kind of screen protection, I ended up first applying a RadTech ClearCal for iPhone transparent Mylar sheet, which was very thin and tough-feeling.

It was easy to install, with hold-tabs to help you remove the front and back of the adhesive surface. It smudges very easily, but is easily wiped clean with the edge of my T-shirt; it also can be reapplied several times without leaving sticky residue. RadTech says it has a “blemish-healing effect” that hides minor scratches and surface defects. I took a scissors to the surface and although I could see the scratch even after rubbing it, I didn’t notice it when I powered up. After a week of using it, I don’t notice any scratches, and it is designed to last years. Designed for both 2G and 3G phones, the ClearCal offers a protector sheet for the back of the 2G phone only.

Once that was installed, I first tried out the PixelSkin for the 3G. This is the former ArmorSkin, designed for 2G iPhones, came in fewer colors, was equipped with a holster, and was $5 more. My skin came in “Blueberry Blue,” which I installed easily by sliding the bottom of my iPhone in through the screen cutout, then pulling the top corners around it. Billed as “fun, flexible protection,” the skin at 4 ounces is still fairly lightweight, and was easy to slip onto my phone. It covers the push-through button covers for the Sleep/Wake, Home and volume buttons, and exposes the ports and camera. One report says the hole for non-Apple headphone plugs will be a bit snug, but I didn’t find this with the couple of headphones I had lying around.

The skin is tough, and doesn’t slip off the iPhone at all. Its textured tile pattern allows for some grip, although I think it is still a little slippery. About 2mm thick, my iPhone would be safe in most accidental drops, although the screen is still vulnerable. As the mom of a 4-year-old with lightning-quick grabhands for shiny new toys that come in Blueberry Blue, I would like to have had a leash installed for extra security. Other kid-friendly colors are Spearmint Green, Sherbet Pink, Huckleberry Purple and Corncob Yellow, and it also comes in Licorice Black and Marshmallow White.


Still, I find the PixelSkin a little bulky to slip into my pocket or a smaller purse, so I tried the Skin-Pro, a “rugged case and holster with stand” for the iPhone. Unfortunately, this was made for the 2G, but I tried it anyway.

The Skin-Pro silicone skin comes in black or a milky-clear color, while the polycarbonate plastic hard case holster is just offered in black. It offers a more rubbery, grippy feel than the PIxelSkin, and fits like a wetsuit for a slim profile. It’s easy to slip around the iPhone, and stays put. You don’t have to remove the case to sync using the cable or dock.

The holster works nicely as a stand – both horizontally and vertically -- once I figured out how to push the clip into the little hole. The holster features a click-swivel belt clip that fits easily onto my belt or along a purse pocket for easy grab. I considered the holster clip a tad loose-fitting, and wouldn’t trust it to hold my iPhone safely.

Still, while I wouldn’t use it as a belt clip, a friend of mine who used it loved the beltclip, and said it was easy to clip on and off and was more lightweight than the leather holsters she’s used to.


Again, using a 2G holster with my 3G iPhone, it felt a little slippy inside the hard case. I would consider using some Velcro to secure it, or use the holster inside my purse or as a stand, but not on my belt.

As a woman, I’m not big on placing phones on my hip, anyway. It adds pounds to the profile For 3G, consider the ToughSkin for 3G, which features thicker edges with rubberized corner bumpers for extra shock absorption. Or SeeThru, a $29.95 hard Shell Case and Stand with candy colors, a removable bottom for docking.


PixelSkin
http://www.speckproducts.com/products/pixelskin/iphone-3g/143

Msrp: $24.95
Rating: 4
Pros: Thick case that retains shape and fit, fun colors
Cons: doesn’t protect screen, still a bit slippery, could use a leash


Skin-Pro
http://www.speckproducts.com/products/skinpro/iphone/117
Msrp: $24.95
Rating: 4
Pros: stand, slim fit
Cons: no protection for screen

Speck of Palo Alto, Calif.
http://www.speckproducts.com/



ClearCal screen protector -
RadTech
http://www.radtech.us/Products/iPhone_ClearCal.aspx
MSRP: $9.95 for one sheet; $17.95 for 2G front and back panel set


Pros: easy to apply, scratch-resistant, long-lasting
Cons: smudges easily although easy to clean; doesn’t repel bullets

www.neu.edu/curry

Student Life Awards press release

March 23, 2008

Contact: Chris McGill
c.mcgill@neu.edu
(617) 373-2642

Student Life Awards to recognize involved campus leaders and student groups
Many nominated for April 15 Blackman event

On April 15, the Northeastern community is invited to celebrate student involvement on campus when The Office for Student Affairs hosts its annual Student Life Awards at 6 pm in Blackman Auditorium.
Top awards include Advisor of the Year Award, Husky Award for Organizational Excellence, Phoenix Award for Organizational Excellence, Program of the Year Award, Richard E. Sochacki Organization of the Year Award, and Student Organization Award for Community Service. Details are online at www.neu.edu/curry.
“We had an incredible year for student involvement,” says Chris McGill, director of Student Activities, Leadership & Scholarship. “This event is a time to recognize student organizations and advisors for their time and talents. We want to thank all who add to the quality of life at Northeastern.”
The ceremony will also announce the five student organizations and five student leaders who won the Husky Leadership Award, which recognizes those who have positively impacted campus life and shown quality leadership to others.
The Student Center Awards will recognize Student Center Employees of the Year, Student Center Leader of the Year, and Unsung Hero.
"Beyond the classroom and co-op, Northeastern is a campus rich with opportunity,” says Ed Klotzbier, vice president for Student Affairs. “This night is to honor both students and student organizations who this year have done some remarkable things to add to the student experience here on campus. Our student groups promote diversity, culture, career networking, academic enhancement, and entertainment. They are creative and hardworking, and the hours they put into creating a fulfilling experience on campus not only make it fun to go to school here, but enhance our goals for practice-oriented education.”

This awards ceremony will also recognize students for the following awards:

• Student Leadership Scholarships, comprised of the Clara and Joseph Ford Scholarship, Gilbert MacDonald/Charles Havice Scholarship, Greg Jarvis Memorial Scholarship, Joseph Spear Award, and the Karen Rigg Shining Torch Award
• Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador Award
• Asian American Center Award
• Center for Community Service Award
• Coop Connections Award
• Fraternity & Sorority Life Awards
• ISSI Intercultural Award
• John D. O’Bryant African American Institute Awards, which include Brutus “Skip” Wright III Organization of the Year; Nguzo Saba Award; and Kwanzaa Award
• Latino/a Student Cultural Award
• Spiritual Life’s Cardinal Cushing Scholarship

Attendees will view a slideshow and video of the year in review for student involvement on campus. All student groups are welcome to submit photos of their events and other highlights of the year to studentcenter@neu.edu.
A lavish reception follows the ceremony, in the Curry Student Center Indoor Quad.

Student Organization Handbook

This 80-page handbook was edited, written or rewritten for consistency, and designed in Quark by me. Excerpt, from Chapter I:

The John A. and Marcia E. Curry Student Center is the crossroads for community life at Northeastern University, serving all members of the University in a celebration of diversity and student life. The Student Center is more than a building, it is also an organization and a program. It contributes cultural, social and recreational programs and services that are integral parts of NU’s mission. The Student Center serves as a laboratory for citizenship, training students in social responsibility and leadership in a global society. It encourages self-directed activity and the free exchange of ideas. The Student Center provides and promotes maximum opportunity for self-realization and growth in individual social competency and group effectiveness. Its goal is the development of the whole person. As the “living room” of NU, the Student Center is a unifying force in campus life, cultivating enduring regard for and loyalty to NU.
–Adopted April 1991 by the Student Center Committee and the Curry Student Center staff

The Curry Student Center (CSC) is located in the heart of the NU campus, convenient to most academic and administrative facilities. The building is a comprehensive activity complex, offering a comfortable environment for both commuter and resident students, and services for the entire NU community.
The Curry Student Center opened in the fall of 1965 as the Carl S. Ell Student Center. In 1992-93, students voted in a referendum to renovate the 125,000-square-foot facility. The renovation was completed in 1994, providing many new services, facilities and exciting opportunities for programming and student involvement. In 1996, in honor of retiring President John A. Curry and his wife, the Student Center was dedicated and renamed the John A. and Marcia E. Curry Student Center.
As articulated in the Student Center’s mission statement, it serves as a facility and program for leadership, social and intellectual interaction. The staff within the Student Center, are dedicated to advising and assisting students in leadership training and successful student organization management.
Up-to-date information on the variety of programs and services available within the Student Center can be found on the web at curry.neu.edu.


One-Stop Suite
The One-Stop Suite, located at 434 CSC, is designed to be a resource for NU students interested in co-curricular opportunities. Focusing on student organization management and leadership development, staff members offer guidance for students and organizations throughout the year. Services and programs provide a central NU focus for the co-curricular needs and interests of more than 200 student organizations.

What we can offer you:
• event planning assistance and implementation
• contract processing
• organization development programs
• fundraising resources
• guidance in creating a new student organization
• Greek-letter organization assistance
• student media, publicity and marketing advice
• co-sponsorship opportunities
• performer and facility contacts and references
• historical information about student organizations
• leadership training, education and resources
• assistance with group budgets and purchases
• meeting space reservations
• a great work study experience

The One-Stop Suite includes:
Campus Life Scheduling & Event Planning
(617) 373-2632
cscreservations@neu.edu
www.nuevents.neu.edu for room availability
Ask this staff for help with scheduling an event in the Student Center and other locations on campus.

• This area coordinates all requests and reservations for on-campus space by student organizations. Requests and reservations can be made here for the Student Center, Kerr Hall, 450 Dodge, outdoor quads, the Fenway Center (formerly St. Ann’s), and various other campus locations.
• We also book Blackman Auditorium, which is reserved through a "Call for Programs" process that happens each semester. See Chapter 5, “Facilities and Services.”

Greek Life: Fraternities and Sororities
(617) 373-2642
greekcouncil@neu.edu
www.greeklife.neu.edu
NU recognizes nine fraternities and nine sororities, as overseen by the Greek advisor. See Chapter 8, “Greek Life.”

Leadership Education Growth Opportunities (LEGO)
(617) 373-2642
www.lego.neu.edu
There are many opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills through our leadership program, LEGO, which is coordinated by Student Leadership & Engagement. LEGO offers:

• training for leaders at all skill levels: Emerging, Enlightened, Engaged and Experienced Leader seminars
• Developing Leader conferences for women’s leadership development, spirituality and community service
• workshops focus on areas such as group development, communication, diversity, service, ethics, and health and wellness
• Leadership Scholars
• Summer Student Leader Retreat

Student Activities
(617) 373-2642
www.curry.neu.edu
Making a program happen at NU requires planning and preparation. Our program advisors are trained to help your organization plan events both on and off campus. This area:
• oversees the recognition and registration process for more than 200 student organizations.
• provides guidance and training to student organization officers--See “Organization recognition,” page 10, for related information.
• processes more than 500 contracts annually on behalf of student organizations
• sponsors networking and recognition events for advisors and others who assist our student organizations
• assigns each group a program advisor to help plan events such as lectures, bands, talent shows and trips to off-campus destinations. See Chapter 5, “Event Planning.”
• coordinates and sponsors a variety of events and programs, including Homecoming, SpringFest, Night at the Student Center, activities fairs, Summester, and other entertaining and educational programs.

Student Activities Business Office (SABO)
(617) 373-4329
SABO@neu.edu
www.SABO.neu.edu
SABO provides:
• fiscal support for all recognized student organizations
• banking services and management tips for student organization accounts
• distribution of the student, resident and graduate student activity fees
• audit services for all accounts.

Student Media
(617) 373-4379
numedia@neu.edu
www.curry.neu.edu/media
The Student Media Board recognizes nine media groups. The media advisor assists students in producing print and broadcast media, as well as starting new mediums, and can discuss student media complaints. See page 56 for media info.

Leadership newsletter

Excerpt from newsletter:


Sign up now for our seminars
Jan. 12/Jan. 19 deadlines
Student Leadership & Engagement provides students with five tiers of FREE, co-curricular leadership training. Our mission is to provide student leaders with an opportunity to gain insight into the following areas and skills: communication, ethics, diversity, heatlh/wellness, conflict management, and appreciation of serving the community. The common thread in all of the LEGO opportuniteis is self-assessment, social justice, and leading with integrity.

Our spring LEGO seminar schedule:
Emerging Leader Seminar - for first-year students and new leaders -- Register by Jan. 12 (Retreat is Jan. 19-20)
Enlightened Leader Seminar - for sophomores and middlers -- Register by Jan. 19
Engaged Leader Seminar - For graduates of Emerging and Enlightened leaders, or members of student group exec boards -- Register by Jan. 19
Experienced Leader Seminar - For seasoned campus leaders, especially seniors -- Register by Jan. 19


Our office welcomes Legacy 2000 and Jonathan Santos Silva
Student Leadership & Engagement keeps growing, with the addition of the Legacy 2000 program, a peer mentoring program for Black and Latino first-year students. Legacy 2000 is led by Jonathan Santos Silva, who graduated from Northeastern summa cum laude in 2005 with dual concentrations in Entrepreneurship & Small Business and Marketing. As an undergraduate he was president of the student group Brothers About Change, responsible for developing such programs as Why White Kids Love Hip-Hop and the Women of Distinction Awards Banquet. He now directs Legacy 2000. He also serves as staff advisor to BAC and the campus chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Jonathan is also creating a program to promote entrepreneurship and financial independence among students of color.

Leadership Scholars list
The Spring 2007 Leadership Scholars class has been selected! These students were chosen because of their high academic standing, service to their fellow student, and their commitment to continue working with the community. The class will spend the next semester building a leadership portfolio and learning about servant leadership. Congratulations to:

Nathan Chase
Darren Conine
Michael DeRamo
Dori Herskovitz
Katherine Hou
Nahomie Louis
Caitlin Lowell
MJ Paradiso
Renee Ritari
Kevin Roche
Ann-Marcia Tukpah

They join two-semester scholars Hailey Heinz, editor of the NU News, and the SGA's Rogan O'Handley, Krystal Beaulieu and Susie Dye.

Coop Connections welcomes its own Co-op
Samantha Sang has been hired as the very first Co-op for the office of Co-op Connections! Samantha is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Sociology. Samantha has experience working as an Orientation Leader as well as an Admissions Assistant and Tour Guide in her previous Co-op position, she is a great resource for both Co-op Connections and Speare Commons in general. Samantha will be working on new and existing Co-op Connections programming initiatives, as well as assisting with the daily operations of Co-op Connections. "Please feel free to stop by her office and
say hello if you are in the area," says Sonya Mariotti, director of the Co-op Connections program.

Our main office has moved!
Our main office is now in 232CSC
Including: LEGO, and advisers for Fraternities and Sororities and Student Media

Also please note the locations of our other departments: Legacy 2000: 232CSC
Coop Connections: 4 Speare
Scholarship & Engagement Office: 150 Richards

Hurricane Relief website

NU's Student Leadership Office at one point collected donations for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Stan, and I created and contributed to a website for it. The website is now down, but here is the text from it:

Mission

The Student Leadership Office is the center for active students who wish to improve their leadership skills. Our office aims to direct the highly motivated student leaders among us who wish to help in the relief effort. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, have all kinds of skill sets, and through their coop experiences, may be able to provide the relief effort with creative, energized solutions and assistance. Our office aims to direct their energies and knowledge so we can all acheive greatness, and help the vulnerable victims of the recent devastations of the hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Stan.

Donations made for Hurricane Relief

Student group Hurricane Relief efforts include....

• The Hurricane Relief Committee sent $1,400 to Oxfam America and $1,400 to Habitat for Humanity.
• Utsav's Spiced Boat Cruise raised $3,000.
• The NU College Democrats date auction raised $1,300
• Delta Zeta sold lemonade at move in and raised more than $500
• Unifec: $467
• Iintro to Student Leadership: $275
• Delta Zeta and Kappa Sigma $501
• Cup: $837
• West Village A and B bake sale: $108
• Kappa Sigma dunk booth with our very good natured VP of Student Affairs Ed Kotzbier raised over $140 and MATCHED it with a $150 donation of their own.
• Silver Masque bake sales: $170
• NUBilaga passed the hat at the recent Margaret Cho program and brought in $344.
• A Hurricane Relief Concert at afterHOURS, featuring f NU Bands GoosePimp Betty, Hood Official and others, and organized by student Alvin Carter, $208.90
• SGA vs. NUPD softball event $40.35

So far, student organizations and classes have reported raising over $7695 in verified funds.

Who We Are

This group is responsible for assisting students and student organizations in coordinating and maximizing efforts to assist with relief for people and areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
We are currently looking for students to serve on a "Relief Steering Committee" to help develop fundraising, service, and human aid programs. If interested, please email us at hurricanerelief@neu.edu.
This effort is being organized by The Student Leadership Office, which provides students with several levels of FREE, co-curricular leadership training: the Developing Leader Conferences, and the Leadership Programs: Emerging Leader Series, Engaged Student Series, Enlightened Leader Series, & the Experienced Leader Seminar. Our mission is to improve the following skills: communication, ethics, diversity, health/wellness, conflict resolution, and service learning.

Upcoming Student Events for Hurricane Relief

THE Hurricane Relief STEERING COMMITTEE -- There are four committees:

• Donations : this committee will responsible for managing all donations that are not earmarked to a specific charity and will research appropriate outlets for these funds.
• Service Opportunities : responsible for creating, advocating for, researching, and organizing service opportunities such as Spring Break trips, weekend volunteer programs, providing volunteers for programs in existence, and developing long term strategies for service and co-op within the institution.
• Education & Awareness : develop, cross promote, and manage education and awareness initiatives such as programs, events, lectures, or even articles of importance that will provide a greater understanding and education to those unaware.
• Relief Related Programs : develop, manage, coordinate, collaborate and market programs which include Relief related efforts.

Past events include:
Date auction fundraiser Dec. 3, sponsored by LASO and other groups
Info session on volunteering with Red Cross Nov. 17
Canned goods drive Nov. 14 for Greater Boston Food Bank
Prof. Ron Bailey and the students of his class AFR 399 Black Community and Social Change recently held a forum to discuss public and government responses, technology and society, media coverage, and coordinating aid to the Katrina victims, short-term and long-term.
NU students Sarah Puccio, Kayne Bordes, Grant Oberg and Meghan Loraditch volunteered to greet and accompany guests from Camp Edwards who came up for the day to attend the Coltrane program at Blackman Auditorium. Thank you!!

Volunteer Opportunities

The Boston office of the Red Cross have two types of volunteer opportunities:

1. Mandatory two-week commitment that involves travel to the affected areas.
2. For those who wish to volunteer, but cannot make the extensive time or travel commitment.

Each volunteer opportunity requires the completion of forms which can be found at http://bostonredcross.org/Hurricane%20Katrina.htm

• The need for volunteer health professionals and support staff to organize and staff a medical clinic for the evacuees at Otis Air National Guard Base on the Cape has been filled through the efforts of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, The Massachusetts Hospital Association, The Medical Reserve Corps on Cape Cod and Cape Cod Healthcare. A range of volunteer opportunities still exist with the Medical Reserve Corps. Those interested in volunteering now or for future responses, local and national, should visit the following sites:
• Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps, Church of the Nazarene, 209 Upper County Road, South Dennis, MA 02660; Cheryl Bushnell, Project Director (508) 394-6811 cheryl.bushnell@capecodmrc.org or admin@capecodmrc.org Visit the following website for an application and CORI form: http://www.capecodmrc.org/application.html or Upper Cape Medical Reserve Corps, 100 Ter Huen Drive, Falmouth, MA 02540, Eileen O'Keeffe, Project Coordinator, (508) 495-7137 eokeeffe@capecodhealth.org
• Medical Reserve Corps --Additionally, the Medical Reserve Corps is seeking health professionals, health/medical students and faculty, and community members to add to their roster of volunteers. Please visit the link below for more information: www.medicalreservecorps.gov; For questions, call Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps, 508.394.6811 www.capecodmrc.org
• Students at The Greenhouse School in Salem will make and auction a quilt that pays special homage to the culture of New Orleans. The quilt will be entered at the Topsfield Fair, and the students hope to tour the finished product, displaying it at several local venues to create awareness and, they hope, attract increasingly larger bids on this work of art. Only one will be the lucky bidder, but the students won't turn down any other donations either. They will also be selling their "hope magnets," hand made buttons with inspirational themes they used to raise money for tsunami victims earlier this year. For further information, and for those interested in helping to display the quilt, please contact Dan Welch at wpdanny@netzero.com; call the school at (978) 745-4549; or visit the school's website at www.greenhouseschool.org

Please contact the Center for Community Service for more information. (617) 373-5809, or communityservice@neu.edu, or website communityservice.neu.edu.

North Conway's Great for Skiiers and Shoppers

By Sandra Miller
Daily Evening Item, Lynn, Mass.

On an early winter weekend morning, he drops off his family at one of the ski mountains, because his kids want to sled and his wife plans to shush down the black diamond slope. But he hates winter sports – way too cold for his liking -- so he drives a couple of miles away for some warm indoor holiday shopping at the Levis outlet, and some Black and Decker bargains for himself. He picks up a warm parka at the L.L Bean outlet, two pairs of loafers at the Bass store – buy one, get the second at 40 percent off! – and some stocking stuffers for his wife at the Farberware store – all of the kitchen gadgets are 50 percent off already discounted prices. He considers bargain hunting a contact sport, and he’s very good at it.

Got a family that can’t make up its mind how to spend its leisure time? North Conway offers the best of all worlds, a mere two-hour drive away. Its snow-tipped mountains cradle a multitude of entertainment choices -- shopping, skiing, skating, sleighrides, and Santa’s Village.

A popular four-season bed-and-breakfast getaway, this New Hampshire town tucked away in the White Mountains first greets visitors driving along Route 16 with a handful of antiques shops and New England charm. A mile more down the road, and you’re inundated with outlet shopping centers.

“I do all my Christmas shopping here,” said Settler’s Green outlets shopper Judy Oldale, a Newburyport woman sitting patiently, if a bit worn out, on a bench that served as an island amidst dozens of shopping bags. She was babysitting some of the items for her family, who still had some shopping strength left in their legs after a good four hours at the outlet. A veteran, she said she’d be back in January for some great post-Christmas sales, too.

Settlers’ Green features 50 stores, including Banana Republic, Nike, and J. Crew. The Tanger Outlet Centers includes Liz Claiborne, Fanny Farmer, and Corning Revere. More stores line Route 16, which leads into the more quaint shops along Main Street and its alleyways. Zeb’s features everything New England, from maple syrup to coffee, wooden toys to candles, plus an excellent penny-candy assortment. Try the Butterfinger fudge.

For something more substantial, head a few doors down to Horsefeathers, a restaurant that bills itself as the “Greatest neighborhood eatery in the known universe.” Can’t vouch for that, but the lobster ravioli in a light cream sauce was delicately delicious, as was the catch of the day, tuna prepared cajun-style. The bartender couldn’t make enough Cosmopolitans to keep up with demand, although one customer’s huge strawberry daiquiri turned quite a few heads. At night, upstairs features live bands.

If you arrive early enough on a Sunday, the White Mountain Hotel down the road offers a substantial array of brunch items until 1:30 p.m., featuring freshly prepared omelets, Belgian waffles with fresh berries, tender rosemary-flecked roast beef and creamy clam chowder, plus a decadent array of pastries. For some fine margaritas and inexpensive tacos, stop at Café Noche on your way home just before leaving North Conway, on Route 16. The special of the day during a recent visit were enchiladas with crawfish in a green-chile sauce.

For the kids, the Conway Scenic Railroad chugs around the region for a 55-minute Conway roundtrip to a 1 3⁄4-hour roundtrip to nearby Bartlett. For an extra fee, you can dine onboard. On November 30, and the first three weekends of December, the railway recreates the “Polar Express,” an award-winning children’s tale of a mystical journey to the North Pole. Another December ride features a visit from Santa, loaded with presents for children.

The beloved New Hampshire institution Story Land theme park in nearby Glen is closed until mid-June, but nearby Santa’s Village in Jefferson, featuring magic shows, train rides, and visits with Santa and his elves, is open Nov. 24-25, and Dec. 2, 9, and 16.

If weather isn’t obscuring the top of nearby Mount Washington, pick a good picture-perfect observation point to view the Northeast’s highest peak and the surrounding Presidential mountain range. Although you won’t be able to slap a bumper sticker on your car that declares it climbed the mountain, at least until the auto road reopens in mid-May, you can take a winter snowcoach tour, weather permitting.

In the spring, you can return to the mountain and check out the observatory and museum. Scientists love Mount Washington’s capricious weather conditions, and kids read with awe the museum’s plaque that details just how many foolishly unprepared hikers perished while attempting to climb the stormy mountain.

The White Mountains offer day skiiers full or half-day packages at a dozen area ski mountains, including Attitash Bear Peak, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cannon, Cranmore, King Pine, Loon, and Wildcat.

For non-downhill skiiers, many of these resorts also offer cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, snowbikes, and even rock-climbing walls. Or try a horse-drawn Austrian Sleigh along the Ellis River at Nestlenook Farm Resort.

But as of early November, the area was still waiting for snow, or at least temps cold enough to support the snow-making machines. Outside of Main Street and the outlets, many of the businesses surrounding the ski slopes were shut down until the ski crowd picked up. One shopkeeper did a crossword puzzle. Almost all of the smaller shops had friendly workers all too willing to strike up a long chat.

“We’re in the in-between season,” apologized one storekeeper who had time to be very, very attentive to the two customers in his clothing-and-sunglasses shop on Main Street during a very sunny November Sunday. “It’s nice to relax a bit, but we can’t wait for the snow season to begin. Then it gets really crazy.”


-- Winthrop resident Sandra Miller didn’t get to cross-country ski, but left North Conway with four pairs of Bass shoes, two dresses from J. Jill, and a huge bag of kitchen gadgets.