We certainly have been experiencing the January thaw. We’ve lost all of our snow, and the temperature has been mild with rain and fog. Many folks are riding bicycles. Transportation over the weekend has been difficult, with Great Lakes Air making only one trip Sunday, January 24, and not flying until about 11 a.m. Monday, January 25. Arnold Transit made a freight run Monday, January 25. The wind has blown all the ice out of the St. Ignace harbor and there is very little flowing ice in the Straits of Mackinac. Everyone on Mackinac is hoping for snow. Colder temperatures are predicted. This winter has been much different than last winter, when we enjoyed a good, old-fashioned one with plenty of snow.

Belated happy third birthday wishes to little Mason Michael Kissane, who celebrated January 21. I’m sure he enjoyed his birthday cake.

Kathy Andress and Carol Ruddle left Mackinac last week for a two-week vacation in Florida. Enjoy the sunshine.

Eric Schuberg of Mackinac Island Carriage Tours reassures Jim and Tracy, two Island newcomers, as he leads them up Market Street to the Harrisonville stables. The shy Percherons were transported to the Island onboard a freight boat Tuesday, January 19. The new arrivals are being trained to work on the Island, said Mike Beaudoin of the company. Warmer temperatures and melting Lake Huron ice made accessibility to the freight dock possible Tuesday, allowing Arnold Transit to resume freight operations between the Island and the mainland. Folks gathered Wednesday evening, January 20, for the spaghetti dinner at Community Hall, which benefited the Stained Glass Restoration Program at Ste. Anne’s Church. The event was very well attended, with everyone enjoying a good meal with wonderful desserts. More than $1,500 was raised to help with the cost of restoring the historic windows in the church.

Happy birthday wishes to Archie Horn, who celebrated his 43rd birthday January 21. A family dinner was held at his parents’ home in St. Ignace with his brothers, the Tom Horn family and Gary Horn family attending. The specialty of the evening was Irene’s cake. Everyone had a great time. Jerry Horn continues to make a wonderful recovery from his recent knee replacement surgery.

Let us hope that the snow will return for the Winter Carnival Saturday, February 6, and Sunday, February 7. There will be activities for everyone.

Happy birthday wishes to Wendy Crowley, who celebrated January 21. I’m sure Grace and Nolan helped you blow your candles out.

The Class of 2011 will sell carnations for Valentine’s Day to make money for their senior trip. The carnations are $2 each or $20 per dozen, and will be delivered Sunday, February 14. Call 847- 3376 or put your requests in the boxes at the post office or First National Bank.

A happy belated birthday to Donald “Duck” Andress, who celebrated January 21. Hope your day was special.

Jody Chambers left Mackinac Tuesday, January 26, to visit Robert in Traverse City and to join Emma in Big Rapids. She and Emma will leave Thursday, January 28, for Chicago to visit Richard, and to attend the Pink Pony/Chicago Yacht Club party Saturday, January 30.

Please remember Karen Mc- Cabe with birthday greetings February 3. Her address is: Independence Village, Room 308, 965 Hager Road, Petoskey, MI 49770.

Students in kindergarten through seventh grade at the Mackinac Island Public School are holding a raffle, “Helping Hands for Haiti.” They are raffling six pairs of handmade mittens made by Karen Allen, Liz Burt, and Laura Eiseler. The drawing will be Friday, January 29, and proceeds will go to help Brother Jim Boynton in Haiti. An e-mail received from Brother Jim tells of the horrific conditions in that country. Everyone on Mackinac sends him special greetings. A story about his experiences was published in The St. Ignace News January 21.

Happy birthday to Logan Elizabeth Kleinhenz February 1. Enjoy your day.

Joan Barch reports that as of Sunday, January 24, Tim Leeper has traveled 1,076 miles and has 2,500 miles to go on his cross-country bicycle journey. He still has lots of mountains to climb. Everyone on Mackinac sends best wishes to Tim.

It was very nice to see Pat Rossio at the spaghetti dinner Wednesday evening, January 20. She is spending time at her lovely home in Woodbluff.

A very happy fourth birthday to Maverick Musser February 3. I’m sure Amelia, Quatro, and Tilly will help you blow your candles out.

Jason St. Onge’s band played in Harbor Springs last weekend.

Patty LaPine and Tammy Frazier and her daughter, Cassie, joined several other family members Saturday, January 23, for a weeklong cruise in the Caribbean. Have fun in the sun.

Jennifer Bloswick, director of Human Resources for Grand Hotel, traveled to California to recruit employees for the 2010 season. She returned to the Island Monday, January 25.

Patti Ann and Steve Moskwa are vacationing in Jamaica for a week. They will have fun visiting many of their employees and enjoying the sunshine.

We send special greetings to Bill Porter, who has not been feeling his best. We hope this finds him much improved.

Happy fourth birthday to Lily Schoenborn February 5. Have a great day.

The Mackinac Island Lakers boys and girls basketball teams traveled to Paradise last weekend. Mackinac Island will host the teams from Grand Marais this week.

Clark Bloswick and his faithful companion, Pal, have enjoyed rabbit hunting on Round Island and Bois Blanc.

Mark your calendars for the annual Valentine’s Day concert Friday, February 12, at Ste. Anne’s Church. The time has changed from 8 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a delightful evening.

Happy birthday February 4 to Anne St. Onge, our librarian at the Mackinac Island Public Library. Have a wonderful day.

Brita Olson, daughter of Pete and Marta Olson, took the Polar Plunge at Michigan State University Sunday, January 24, to raise money for Special Olympics. Jill Sawatzki went to the event and took photographs.

Enjoy your week.