We had some cold temperatures this past week, but very little snow. The Straits of Mackinac has floating ice, but a lot of open water. The nights are cold and crisp, but we continue to have breezy conditions, which are not good for ice formation. We would love more snow.

At night, the Round Island Lighthouse beams reflect off the floating ice and calm waters, making a beautiful winter scene. It’s fun to walk along the shore, because you will see something different every time you look out at the Straits of Mackinac.

Best wishes to Glenn and Deana St. Onge, who will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary February 7. They were totally surprised when their sons, Jason and Eric, made a recent visit to their winter home in Jacksonville, Florida. They all had a great time and enjoyed the sunshine.

It should be a great weekend for the annual Winter Carnival Friday, February 5, through Sunday, February 7. There will be lots of activities for everyone, so come and join in the fun. An article about the events is published on page 1 of this issue.

Cassie Frazier, daughter of Tony and Tammy Frazier, was the student of the month at Cheboygan High School for November. Congratulations to Cassie from Island friends.

Don’t forget the concert featuring John Kissane Friday, February 12, at 7:30 p.m. at Ste. Anne’s Church. Refreshments will follow in Ste. Anne’s Hall. Come and enjoy a delightful evening.

A very happy birthday to Michelle Dean February 9, and Kate Koboski of Petoskey and Maggie Chambers of Mackinac February 10. Enjoy your day.

Ellen Putnam and her daughter, Sarah, joined Jennifer Putnam and Luke Shellhorne and little Owen Richard in St. Ignace for the weekend. They all had a wonderful time.

The annual Mark Gallagher dinner is Thursday, February 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Community Hall. A chicken dinner will be served.

Happy fourth birthday to Makayla Rickley February 11. I’m sure your big brother, Anthony, will help you blow your candles out.

We are happy to report that Bill Porter is back at his home on Mackinac following several days at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey. He is doing very well. His daughter, Julie, has been visiting her parents on the Island.

Claire Dunnigan of Grass Lake will celebrate her birthday February 11. Claire is a senior this year and will be graduated June 6.

Ray Card has a new addition to his family, a black Labrador retriever puppy named Jasmine.

Happy birthday February 12 to Jack Parel in Augusta, Georgia, and Lisa Dziobak of Mackinac. Have a great day.

Don’t forget to order your Valentine carnations from the Class of 2011. Call the Mackinac Island Public School at 847-3377. The carnations will be delivered Sunday, February 14.

Joan Barch traveled to Marquette to attend a class to be a census taker.

Happy belated birthday to Phil Porter January 29. Hope your day was special.

Andrew Doud and Nicole Smith recently attended a gift show in New York City. While there they won tickets to the David Letterman Show. They enjoyed the big city for a few days.

Homecoming was Friday, January 29, at Mackinac Island Public School. Grand Marais High School was the visiting team. Following the basketball games, there was a homecoming dance at the Village Inn restaurant, where all the students enjoyed a night of dancing, with Chris West as disc jockey. Congratulations to Ashley Gough and Thomas Rilenge, who were crowned homecoming queen and king. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Happy belated birthday wishes to Clayton St. Onge, who celebrated January 7. Clayton is a patient at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care facility in St. Ignace.

Jack Dehring reports that he had seven beautiful cardinals at a feeder at his home in Harrisonville.

Ed and Nona Chambers spent a few days on the mainland and two nights in Grand Marais at their home.

Dr. Richard Hodgman of Kalkaska was the doctor in residence over the weekend while Dr. Karen Miljour visited her husband in Powers.

Kent Weber returned to Mackinac last week after spending six weeks visiting relatives in Georgia.

Happy birthday February 10 to Jordan Cope, son of Mike and Mary Cope of St. Ignace. Have a great day.

Jamie and Robbie Bynoe and Patty Schoenborn joined Randy McKay and his family in Sault Ste. Marie over the weekend. Randy’s sons were playing hockey. Ron and Mary Dufina also attended the games.

Enjoy the Winter Carnival!