It has often been said that Menese is a hotbed of musical talent.
Over the years there has been a continuum of singers, dancers and musicians entertaining not only fellow residents, but also throughout the local area.

For many years June Rheubottom directed a large group of neighbours in the annual "seniors Show" in town, Woody and his groups (currently "Just Country") have been providing music for dances and shows for years. We have Liz and Keith Underhill with their music and comedy acts, Bob Mills and his Piano, Doug Wolfe with his keyboard, the Pastels, and one other group who have been around for quite some time now....... they are, the "Good News Four".

The "Good News Four" actually came into being some five years ago when June, needing a "filler" act to provide some time for the cast of the Seniors Show to change costume, approached Hans Dekker for help, and a quartet was put together to sing a couple of gospel music songs.

After the show, the foursome of Hans Dekker, Jim Vogel, Keith Maidens and Harry Hamilton decided to stay together and, under the direction of Hans, built up a library of gospel and spiritual songs. They performed in the park on several occasions at the gazebo etc., and then outside the park at Goderich Place seniors home. This was followed shortly by invitations to sing at the 100th anniversary of the First Baptist Church, the Winthrop United Church and the Goderich United Chruch.

In 2003 Bill Chase of Goderich replaced Harry Hamilton as the tenor of the group, and over the last few years these four Menesetans have been performing in Wingham, Goderich, Exeter, Seaforth and Clinton and other country locations. They cut a CD in 2005.

Just another example of what develops at Meneset ...... it must be something in the water.

On Nov 4, Remembrance Day celebrates were held in Meneset. The weather was quite and still in keeping with the somber mood of the occasion. The veterans at the Park were supported by some from the town legion and residents of Meneset.

The assembly stood in respect while the service began according to protocol. O Canada, the last post, 2 minutes of silence, Reveille and the piper jolted our memories to a time when the world was at war. Our minds were filled with imaginings and stories of suffering. Accounts were told from Hans and Martha and young Brodie. Hymns were sung by the quartet and attending crowd. A beautiful song of Thanksgiving by Liz Underhill was presented. Here we were decades later pondering the drama of history, grateful for the security of our common lives. Nothing can compensate for the loss of courageous soldiers. It is prudent and proper that we have set aside and interval in our lives to give thanks and remember them.

A special thanks to all who engaged in the program and to Colin MacMillan who has spear-headed the ceremony these past years.

Our sympathy goes out to Anne and Norm Zeigler in the loss of her brother Eric Cooke. He loved to walk the many trails and beach with Toby his best friend and companion. For those animal lovers you will be happy to Toby has a new home with a family.

By error I missed putting Sharon and Mike Slugoski in the November newsletter. They moved in November 16 to 3 Iroquois Lane. I am sure you have seen and spoken to Mike on his daily walk around Meneset. What wonderful people.

New Bell Canada Phone Books are at the Clubhouse, pick up your copy. If you are housesitting pick one up for your neighbour.

If you are new and want to be on the snow ploughing list for 2006/07 give us a call, 519-524-9895. Those of you who were on last year we will keep you on unless you call.

If you missed the Remembrance Service at the Clubhouse it was your loss. A well planned and very moving ceremony was created by our residents and legion visitors. If my dad was alive he would have been proud of Colin and all the participants who brought home the message of the horror of the war and why we should be so thankful. Thank you everyone the service was exceptional.

Welcoming Breakfast hosted by Bill and Marilyn Boycott was tremendous. So tremendous we would like them to have one each Saturday. Just kidding. The Clubhouse bristled with fellowship that is so much a part of our community. Thank you Bill and Marilyn and all your helpers. This is one of my most favourite events. What a great way to introduce all those residents to Meneset over the last year to true blue Meneset hospitality.

WARMEST THOUGHTS AND BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A VERY HAPPY (HEALTHY) NEW YEAR.
From us all, Keith, Scott, Jo-Anne, Scott, Kathy, Loreena, Ainsley, Bill, Paul

Overall total revenues for the month of October were $490.28; expenditures for the month amounted to $1,270.25 for a decrease of $779.97. The balance in the Recreation Club account amounts to $1,465.39; this plus the 3 month operating reserve of $800.00 and the Woodworker's Club balance of $1,150.63 results in a total of $3,416.02.

Special items this month:
Received net revenue $121.44 from the Snowbird Cabaret held Oct. 14, 2006; Paid $253.30 for three month's rent on the beach facilities; Paid $172.80 for the annual insurance premium on hall and workshop contents; Paid $710.46 to H.O. Jerry Ltd. for kitchen & hall supplies in support of various current & future events i.e. Bocce Club banquet, Newcomer's Breakfst, Snowbird's Cabaret, Rememberance Day Ceremony etc.; Received $225.00 in Woodworker's dues for the coming year.