It certainly has been a mild month of January, with higher than normal temperatures and very little snow. There is a lot of green grass appearing. The Straits of Mackinac is filled with floating ice, but it certainly has not been cold enough to form an ice bridge. The Arnold Transit freight boat made a trip to the Island Tuesday, January 19, loaded with supplies. We continue to hope that snow will come soon to Mackinac.

The Mackinac community was saddened by the earthquake that struck Haiti Tuesday, January 12. It is especially troubling, because Brother Jim Boynton, S.J. of St. Ignace, who spent many summers assisting at Ste. Anne’s Church on the Island, is doing missionary work there. He was eight hours away from Port au Prince, but felt the earthquake. Everyone on Mackinac sends special greetings to Brother Jim and pray for his safety. A report about his experiences is published in this issue of The St. Ignace News.

We extend deepest sympathy to the family of Lieutenant Colonel Frank W. Allen, U.S. Air Force, retired, age 89, who passed away Wednesday, January 6, in Denver, Colorado. He was a wonderful friend of mine, who loved Mackinac. He was married to the late Jenny Squires of the Island, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his lovely wife, Eileen, and her family of Colorado. Frank was very close to his nieces, Linda Belonga and Jen Glashaw, of St. Ignace. Linda called him every Saturday morning for 44 years and often visited him in Colorado. Frank will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery with full military honors. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends on Mackinac.

The big 1,000-foot freighter, William J. McCarthy, was eastbound Tuesday, January 12, all covered with ice. It was truly a sight to see. I’m sure it was headed to the Soo Locks, which closed for the season Friday, January 15.

Joan Barch reported Tuesday, January 12, that Tim Leeper had traveled 429 miles on his bicycle trip from California to Florida and was in Arizona. Lee Finkel reported Monday, January 18, that Tim was having a great adventure, but was having trouble with glass on the roads, causing flat tires. The forecast for snow in the mountains was also a concern for him. We wish Tim safe travels.

I had a wonderful call Sunday, January 17, from my dear friends, Dr. Joe and Thelma Solomon, from their home in Kingsport, Tennessee. Dr. Joe is making a remarkable recovery from an accident he suffered late last year. They love the Island and have great memories of the 17 years Dr. Joe served Mackinac as the Island doctor. Dr. Joe will celebrate his 88th birthday Monday, February 22, so friends may remember him with a card at the following address: 111 Countryshire Ct., Kingsport, TN 37663.

Happy birthday to Jean Crawford January 12, and to her son, Reid, who will celebrate his birthday January 17. Have a great day.

The first guest of the 2010 season at the Windermere Hotel was Kevin Leveille, head of maintenance. He spends Monday through Wednesday at the hotel.

My friend, Gloria Davenport of St. Ignace, will celebrate her birthday January 23. Have a wonderful day.

Island friends extend deepest sympathy to Gordon Graham, salesman for Cheboygan Lumber, on the recent death of his beloved mother, June Graham, Monday, January 11, in Cheboygan.

Emory Barnwell is making great progress on building a 22-foot Woof Picnic Launch on the coal dock. It will truly be a beautiful boat when he is finished.

We are happy to report that Clark Smith of St. Ignace, who works at the Mackinac County Airport, is recovering well after undergoing major surgery Tuesday, January 12, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Please remember him with get well greetings.

A very happy birthday to Bruce LaPine and Tony Frazier January 20. Have a great day.

There will be a spaghetti dinner Wednesday, January 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Hall. Proceeds will benefit the Stained Glass Restoration Fund at Ste. Anne’s Church.

The Mackinac Island Medical Center has installed a new X-ray machine. People are still here putting the final touches on the installation. It will be a great addition to the facility.

Ken and Diane Neyer and Jane Bacon spent Sunday, January 10, on Mackinac reviewing work at the Metiever Inn and Hart’s Haven for the 2010 season.

Bill Chambers of Virginia will celebrate his birthday January 22. Have a great day.

Margaret McIntire is enjoying the month of January in Key West, Florida. She will return to Mackinac Tuesday, February 2.

Richard and Jackie Bolander left the Island Thursday, January 14, for a three-week cruise to Hawaii. I’m sure they will have fun in the sun.

Happy birthday to Brian Bloswick January 24. Enjoy your day.

Armand “Smi” Horn left Mackinac Wednesday, January 13, to attend a bus tour convention in Washington, D.C.

Happy birthday to Richard Andress of Arizona January 19. Richard grew up on Mackinac and attended the Thomas W. Ferry School.

We send special greetings to Marti Carey at her home in the Detroit area. We think of you often and look forward to seeing you on Mackinac in the spring.

Mark Chambers was going by Easterly last week, when he noticed that otters were living under the barn. He continued around the shore and watched a large eagle swoop down on one of the white swans gliding by the shore. The swans just kept sailing by. More otters are living on the west side of the Island by the old ski hill. Kevin Leveille was coming in from the airport, when a very large brown owl flew at him and then went up in a tree. Several owls have been spotted all over the Island. It is fascinating to watch nature on the Island.

Gene and Jim Hagenbaugh enjoyed a Detroit Red Wings hockey game Sunday, January 17.

Mel Hagenbaugh and Becki Barnwell will attend the Chicago Gift Show Friday, January 22.

The Winter Festival will be Saturday, February 6, and Sunday, February 7, on Mackinac. There will be activities for everyone.

Best wishes to Bruce and Carolyn Dodson of St. Ignace, who will celebrate their wedding anniversary January 24. Have a wonderful day.

John Kissane will perform a Valentine’s Day concert Friday, February 12, at 8 p.m at Ste. Anne’s Church. Refreshments will follow in Ste. Anne’s Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Happy birthday to Janice Green January 25, Carol Ruddle January 27, Bud Bradley of Sault Ste. Marie January 29, and Victor D’Arce January 30. Have a great day.

The Meals on Snowmobile program is off to a great start. Approximately 40 meals are served every Tuesday and Thursday. Kathy Andress, Dan Seeley, and Shelly McLean are doing a great job. Anyone who would like to donate to this great program may send a donation to Nancy Marks at Ste. Anne’s Church.

Think snow!