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The eBullet
An Online newsletter of
"The Andy Griffith Show" Rerun Watchers Club
Volume 3, Issue 2 June 3, 2003
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Welcome to our tenth issue of "The eBullet" and our second for 2003. Here are highlights of what's happening, including new details about several upcoming events and some brand new Mayberry-related products:



**** NEWS OF CAST & CREW ****

The publication of ANDY GRIFFITH's autobiography, originally scheduled for this fall, has been postponed until a later date to be announced. You can be sure that Andy wants the manuscript to be "just so" before he turns it in. Meanwhile, he has been putting the finishing touches on his album of Christmas stories and songs that is still scheduled for release in late September (just after Mayberry Days).

DON KNOTTS is keeping a fairly light work schedule of appearances (just a couple of dates with Tim Conway) before his 2 1/2-month stint at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park, Kans., beginning Sept. 3.

RON HOWARD has been in on location in New Mexico filming his next project as director, a Western called "The Missing."  Father RANCE HOWARD also appears in the film. Plus Rance also is in "The Alamo," a film Ron was originally planning to direct before deciding to stay on the project just as an executive producer.

CLINT HOWARD appeared in an April episode of NBC's "Crossing Jordan" and is in four films that are scheduled to be in either theaters or video stores this year, including the latest "Beethoven" movie.

JIM NABORS did his traditional rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana" at the Indy 500 on Memorial Day Weekend, but otherwise is keeping a pretty light appearance schedule this summer. (See the Upcoming Events for details about his June concert dates.)

Photos courtesy of Jan Newsome

Florence, AL - The University of North Alabama was the location for the 6th George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival. This years festival was great fun for everybody....especially Mayberry fans. George performed on stage and answered questions from the fans (top left).  Sterling "Andy" White took Kenneth "Otis" Junkin to the lockup (top right). You could visit with the entire Mayberry crew seen in bottom photo. "Otis", Carolyn "Aunt Bee" White (Sterling's wife), George "Goober" Lindsey (like you didn't know), "Andy", and Allan "Floyd" Newsome. Make plans to be at next year's festival April 15-17, 2004..

GEORGE LINDSEY has been keeping a full calendar of appearances, but did carve out a week in May to visit his son and daughter in California. The 6th "George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival in Florence, Ala., was a huge success in April. Steve Guttenberg's directorial debut, "P.S. Your Cat is Dead," won the top prize.

As we were preparing this issue, it wasn't definite, but it seemed likely that George was in the process of being booked to perform at the State Fair in Du Quoin, Ill., for as many as three shows in early August. If you're near Southern Illinois, keep an eye out for the schedule. And we'll also post details on the Event Calendar at tagsrwc.com once it's official.

BETTY LYNN is still getting her strength back from a difficult bout with pneumonia that struck her earlier this year. She is looking forward to this summer's events in Roanoke and New Castle.

MAGGIE PETERSON MANCUSO is wrapping up a home remodeling project and is primed for the Roanoke and New Castle events as well.

RODNEY DILLARD is now helping produce televangelist Jim Bakker's new TV show, which originates from Branson. Rodney also serves as an announcer and comedian on the show, and he continues to supervise operations of Caravell Studios, a recording business in Branson.

Former Mayberry "Country Boy" LeRoy "MACK" McNEES is working on his latest recording project, tentatively called "Belly Laughs & Tear Jerkers," which LeRoy hopes will be ready in time for Mayberry Days.

Check our "Upcoming Events" below for a listing of dates for LeRoy Mack's fellow country boy, BILLY RAY LATHUM, whose new band Soulgrass is getting a lot of attention and building a full calendar of appearances.

Writer HARVEY BULLOCK is mending well from recent hip-replacement surgery after a fall. He is very appreciative of all fans who have written to him and wished him well.

HOWARD MORRIS, BERNARD FOX and JACKIE JOSEPH are also in various stages of medical treatment and recuperation this month.

On April 19, Music Director EARLE HAGEN received his Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame. Visit http://www.earlehagen.net for more info. (And remember that Weaver's stocks the very limited autographed copies of Earle's autobiography with our exclusive bookplate. See the Merchandise section below.)

JEAN CARSON and ELINOR DONAHUE both have checked in from Palm Springs. Jean has been doing some work the local children's theater. Both are looking forward to seeing fans at Mayberry in the Midwest in New Castle, Ind., in July.

GEORGE SPENCE and BARBARA STUART also touched base and are doing well. George will be at both this summer's Roanoke show and September's Mayberry Days in Mount Airy. Barbara has been keeping busy in L.A.

TAGS associate producer RICHARD O. "DICK" LINKE, who was also the longtime manager of Andy Griffith, Jim Nabors, Ken Berry and others, called to say that he's doing fine and asked us to be sure and tell all of his Mayberry friends hello. He and wife Bettina are in the process of building an addition to their home in Hawaii, which they hope will be complete by Fall, if there even is such a thing as Fall in Hawaii!

And that's our roundup from the cast & crew for this issue.

Photo courtesy of Bettina Linke

Hawaii - TAGS associate producer Dick Linke standing on his porch this spring at his home on the Big Island. He says Aloha!.

**** CHAPTER UPDATE ****

Three new TAGSRWC chapters have started since the last "eBullet":
  "What's More Important Than Our Happiness?"   Ferguson, Ky.
  Mayberry Deputies      Russellville, Ky.
  Barney's Posse      Thomasville, Ala.

If you are interested in starting a chapter of TAGSRWC, all you have to do is pick a name that has not already been chosen and submit a list of your founding members by postal mail to TAGSRWC's HQ at 9 Music Square South, PMB 146, Nashville TN 37203-3286. (For a list of names that are already taken, check online at http://www.tagsrwc.com and click on "List of TAGSRWC Chapters" link.) We'll then verify your chapter name choice and send you an official Chapter Charter.

Or if you would like to join or contact an existing TAGSRWC chapter in your area, write to TAGSRWC's HQ and we'll help get you in touch.




**** UPCOMING EVENTS ****

Check our Event Calendar online for a complete listing by going to the "Event Calendar" link at http://www.tagsrwc.com. Here are current and upcoming events:

* June 7: "Country Boys" banjo player BILLY RAY LATHUM and his bluegrass group Soulgrass perform at the Eddie Pennington Folk Festival in Princeton, Ky.

* June 8: David Browning soars over for Mayberry Night at the Ballpark for the Rockford (Ill.) River Hawks.

* June 13-15: "" in Roanoke, Va. Stars scheduled to appear include: GEORGE LINDSEY, BETTY LYNN, MAGGIE PETERSON MANCUSO, THE DILLARDS, JAMES BEST and GEORGE SPENCE, plus popular tribute artists David "Mayberry Deputy" Browning, Allan "Floyd" Newsome, Kenneth "Otis" Junkin and The Craig County Boys (as The Country Boys). Watch for other possible additions.

  PLEASE NOTE: Tickets to all events are very limited in number, so order today! (Details below.)

  The Schedule of Events:
  Friday, June 13, 4-9 p.m.: "Aunt Bee's Picnic" at the Clarion Hotel-Airport (the host hotel). Featuring autographs, vendors, music, auctions, and Q&A with the stars. Tickets are $25 each. To order, send check or money order payable to Mayberry Memories (and a SASE) to: Mayberry Memories Event, 212 Overlook Road, Vinton, VA 24179-4312. (Allow up to 10 days for ticket delivery.) Tickets are also available at the Clarion Hotel-Airport.
  Saturday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.: "Mayberry Memories In Word & Song" full stage show at the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center. Over 2 1/2 hours of stories, songs and just plain fun held in one of the most beautiful performance halls on the East Coast.
  Tickets: All Saturday show tickets will be handled through the Jefferson Center box office. Order at the box office, by phone at 540-345-2550 (or toll free at 1-866-2550), Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, or on the Web at http://www.jeffcenter.org
  All tickets to the Jefferson Center show are reserved seating at $29.95 each.
  Sunday, June 15, 1:15-3:30 p.m.: "Mayberry Memories Cruise" aboard the Virginia Dare paddle cruise boat on Smith Mountain Lake. Spend a special Father's Day with some of the Mayberry Memories stars as you dine on a full luncheon and cruise down the lake--a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon and wrap up a wonderful weekend. Price is $42 inclusive. Tickets: Send check or money order payable to: Mayberry Memories (and a SASE) to: Mayberry Memories Event, 212 Overlook Road, Vinton, VA 24179-4312. (Allow up to 10 days for ticket delivery.) Cruise tickets are also available at the Clarion Hotel-Airport.

  The host hotel is the Clarion Hotel-Airport, Roanoke.
  Special Room Rates are available--call 540-362-4500 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.). Mention "Mayberry Memories."
  HOTEL NOTE: Make your reservations by June 5 to ensure that you get the special Mayberry Memories rate.

  Media sponsor is WDBJ-TV. Other sponsors are: Oakey's Funeral Service, Grand Home Furnishings, Vinton Antique Mall, The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC) and Gilmore Archives & Productions, Inc. Participating non-profit: YWCA of Roanoke Valley.

  Hosted by: TAGSRWC's "Barney's First Car" chapter of Roanoke. A production of Gilmore Archives & Productions, Inc. For additional information call Mike Gilmore 540-890-4793 (autryedsel@aol.com) or visit the official web site at http://members.aol.com/edseletter/mayberry.html  Also, if you are interested in setting up a vendor booth at the event, contact Mike before June 5.

* June 20: "Country Boys" banjo player BILLY RAY LATHUM and his bluegrass group Soulgrass perform at Hot Friday Night Concert Series at the Munfordville Town Square in Munfordville, Ky.

* June 21: THIRD ANNUAL MAYBERRY SQUAD CAR NATIONALS (organized by Tuscaloosa's "Hearty Eatin' Men and Beautiful, Delicate Women" chapter) in conjunction with Mule Days and PCA Rodeo at Heritage Park in Brent, Ala. (a little south and a little east of Tuscaloosa). Somewhere around 6 to 10 Mayberry Squad Car replicas (and many mules) are expected to be on hand, along with Mayberry tribute artists Allan "Floyd" Newsome, Kenneth "Otis" Junkin, and Jeff "Howard" Branch. Festivities get under way with a parade at 11 a.m. Racing will begin around 1 p.m. and will include both drag racing and timed obstacle course. Among the drivers and cars expected are:
--* Kevin "Speed, Speed, Speed" Snead, the two-time defending champion from Tuscaloosa, Ala., representing TAGSRWC's host "Hearty Eatin' Men and Beautiful, Delicate Women" chapter
--* "Tricky" Ricky (a.k.a. Rockin' Ricky) Carnes of Mayberry Squad Car chapter in Canton, Ga.
--* Terry "Mississippi Mudflaps" Duke of Amory, Miss.
--* Joel "Mayberry Judge" Laird of Aunt Bee Haven chapter in Anniston, Ala.
--* Bob "Pedal Masher" Matthews of Gadsden, Ala.
--* Jan "Checkpoint Chickie" Newsome of Mother Figure chapter in Huntsville, Ala.
--* Robert "The Dismantler" Shelby of Goober's Auto Dismantling chapter in West Frankfort, Ill.
--* Tim "The Trouble-checker" Chism, a second entry from the host chapter

* June 21: GEORGE LINDSEY appears in concert with saxophonist Boots Randolph at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, Ky. For info and tickets, call 1-800-765-7464 or visit http://www.renfrovalley.com.

* June 22: David Browning has a ball and a blast at Mayberry Night at the Ballpark with the Potomac Cannons in Woodbridge, Va.

* June 25-28: JIM NABORS is in Concert at the Drury Lane Theatre in Evergreen Park, Ill. For more info., visit http://www.drurylane.com

* June 26: DON KNOTTS stars with Tim Conway at the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, Miss.

* June 27: David Browning boards the flight for Mayberry Night at the Ballpark with the Pilots baseball franchise in Hampton, Va.

* June 28: DON KNOTTS stars with Tim Conway at the Biloxi Grand Theatre in Biloxi, Miss. Showtime is 8 p.m.

* June 28 and 29: HOLLYWOOD COLLECTORS & CELEBRITIES SHOW at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood, Calif. There are lots of popular stars scheduled, but as of now, no Mayberry folks for this show. Visit: http://www.hollywoodcollectorshow.com for updates.

* July 11 and 12: MAYBERRY IN THE MIDWEST 2 in New Castle, Ind. The ticketed portions of the 2-day event are already SOLD OUT, but if you're desperate to attend, maybe check and see if a stray ticket or two happens to pop up. The phone number for tickets and info is 1-888-676-4302.
  The stars confirmed include GEORGE LINDSEY, BETTY LYNN, MAGGIE PETERSON MANCUSO, THE DILLARDS, ELINOR DONAHUE, BERNARD FOX, JAMES BEST, JEAN CARSON and MARGARET KERRY (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey). In addition, one of the largest-ever assortments of favorite character "tribute artists" is scheduled, including David "Mayberry Deputy Browning, Allan "Floyd" Newsome, Kenneth "Otis" Junkin, Phil "Ernest T. " Lee, Jeff "Howard" Branch, Tim "Goober" Pettigrew and Jamie "Opie" Sullivan. The event is spearheaded by TAGSRWC's "This Is the Body of a Judo Fighter; I'm a Deadly Weapon" chapter of New Castle.
  The exact schedule of activities is not 100% final, but will include autograph sessions at various places around town from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, followed in the evening by the Squad Car Caravan to the Mayberry Barbecue Dinner (6:00 p.m.; tickets: $20 each, but SOLD OUT) featuring music, Q&A with the stars, and a charity auction. On Saturday, there will be a morning Autograph Session (10:00 a.m. to Noon and for which NO TICKET IS REQUIRED) at New Castle Middle/High School and an Evening Stage Show with the stars (7:00 p.m.; tickets: $25.00 each, but SOLD OUT). A FREE afternoon Mayberry festival is also scheduled at Baker Park, right across the street from the morning autograph site, from Noon to 4 p.m. It will feature food and Mayberry-style booths and activities.
  For updates and ticket information, check http://www.mayberryinthemidwest.com.
  The official hotel of the event is the Best Western Raintree Inn at 2836 South State Road 3 in New Castle. For room reservations, call 1-800-521-0015. The event Web site also includes maps and directions, and more info about sponsors and additional lodging options. Even if you're too late for tickets to the ticketed portions of the weekend, there are some nice opportunities to meet the stars and enjoy Mayberry fun at the free/non-ticketed parts of the weekend.

* July 19: "Country Boys" banjo player BILLY RAY LATHUM and his bluegrass group Soulgrass perform at the Green River Festival & Cleanup in Munfordville, Ky.

* July 25: BILLY RAY LATHUM and Soulgrass perform at the world-famous Station Inn, 402 12th Avenue South, in Nashville, Tenn., at 9 p.m.

* Aug. 15: BILLY RAY LATHUM and Soulgrass perform again at the Station Inn, in Nashville, Tenn., at 9 p.m.

* Aug. 21 to 23: RONNIE SCHELL appears with Anne Lockhart and Julie Parrish at the Knoxville (Tenn.) Film Festival at the Holiday Inn Cedar Bluff Road. Web site: http://www.peedeeworld.net/~cometvideo/knoxvle.htm

* Sept. 3 to Nov.9: DON KNOTTS makes his "Farewell to Theater" in a production of On Golden Pond at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park, Kans. Check http://www.newtheatre.com or call (913) 649-SHOW (7469) for updates. Group and season tickets on sale now. Individual tickets go on sale to the general public on July 7. Be sure to mention that you're a member of "The Andy Griffith Show" Rerun Watchers Club when ordering. Don't "over-expect" what mentioning that might do to enhance your theater experience, but it won't hurt to mention it. Any possible enhancement may not be noticeable or even offered or available to you until show time. So just wait and see.

* Sept. 13: BILLY RAY LATHUM and Soulgrass perform at the Opera House in Mitchell, Ind.

* Sept. 17: BILLY RAY LATHUM and Soulgrass perform at the Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Morehead, Ky.

* Sept. 21: BILLY RAY LATHUM and Soulgrass perform at the Historic Constitution Square Festival in Danville, Ky.

* Sept. 25-27: 14TH ANNUAL MAYBERRY DAYS in Mount Airy, N.C. For tickets (and it's not at all too early to be getting them...in fact, it's almost too late for several key parts!), call 1-800-286-6193. Visit http://www.surryarts.org for more information as it becomes available. The entire schedule is not yet complete, but will be pretty much the same as last year's. The lineup of Mayberry stars also has not yet been confirmed, but will include The Doug Dillard Band, which will be making its 14th appearance!

* Oct. 4: GEORGE LINDSEY performs at the American Music Theater in Lancaster, Penn.

* Oct. 22 and 23: JIM NABORS is in concert at Mountaineer Racetrack in Chester, W.V. For more info, visit http://www.mtrgaming.com/homepage.html.

* Nov. 17-19 and 21 and 22: DON KNOTTS and Tim Conway are in concert in Orilla, Ontario (matinees the first three days and evening shows on the last two days).

* Nov. 22: GEORGE LINDSEY performs at the President Casino Broadwater Resort. For info, call 1-800-THE PRES or visit http://www.presidentbroadwater.com.

* Dec. 5-7: JIM NABORS hosts "A Merry Christmas with Friends and Nabors" at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu, Hawaii. Box Office Phone: (808) 528-0506. (Box Office Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Or visit the theater's website at http://www.hawaiitheatre.com/index.html.

2004
* Apr. 15 to 17: The 7th annual George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival on the campus of the University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala. For more info, visit http://www.lindseyfilmfest.com.

  Again, we suggest that you regularly check the Events Calendar at http://www.tagsrwc.com for more information and updates.




**** MERCHANDISE NEWS FROM WEAVER'S DEPARTMENT STORE ****

Since the last "eBullet" in February, we have added two great new Mayberry T-shirts (one called "Manhunt" and the other called "Picture in a Letter"). Also, the "Snappy Lunch" CD by the VW Boys has now been released and is proving to be a really big hit with Mayberry fans and hearty eaters of everywhere. Also, the Mayberry Sheriff badges and felt Goober beanies are back in stock after being out of production for a while. And we're expecting brand new Mayberry Deputy badges to be stocked for the first time and available online in about a week.

THE MAYBERRY NEIGHBORHOOD
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/neighborhood/)
The biggest merchandise news since our last issue is that we have a new section of Weaver's online called The Mayberry Neighborhood." It's a section with all sorts of neat items that, while not directly Mayberry related, have a similar wholesome, nostalgic and pop-culture feeling as Mayberry. Among the TV shows with items featured in this section are "M*A*S*H," "The Honeymooners," "I Love Lucy," "Bewitched," "The Brady Bunch," "I Dream of Jeannie" and "The Dukes of Hazzard." We also have Roy Rogers, Lone Ranger, The Cat in the Hat (and others from Dr. Seuss), Superman and Batman items. And soon we expect to add Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, Beetle Bailey, Howdy Doody, Dennis the Menace and others.

With this new section, we're trying to make available to Weaver's shoppers the "best of the best" of items that deal with other hip and wholesome TV shows and pop culture icons. We know that Weaver's shoppers expect a full array of Mayberry items, and those remain our overwhelming focus and passion. But we know that many Mayberry fans also like other TV shows and pop culture items, so we thought it would be a useful service to our customers to devote one little corner of our site to some of these other fun items. They're pretty much all in one area, so don't worry-we won't let them water down the Mayberryness of the rest of Weaver's. But have fun browsing in this new section, which will be adding new items regularly.

"VIDEOS AND PLATES"
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/special/)
We also want to alert you that we've added some new items to our Special Items section at Weaver's. We've added 19 of the 20 four-episode VHS videos that Columbia House has made so far. And we're making available a Complete Set of the 8 Mayberry collector plates that the Hamilton Collection produced during the 1990s. We have only one of each tape and one of each plate to offer (and, at least for now, the plates are available only as a Complete Set). All of these tapes and plates are being offered as a way for us to raise funds to support the annual Mayberry Days festival in Mt. Airy, N.C.

"OL' BEN'S VINTAGE T-SHIRT GRAB-BAGS"
(http://iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/special/tshirt_grabbag.htm)
One final alert about a new offering of out-of-production items: We have a subsection of items (in Special Items section and also with a link in our Apparel section) called "Ol' Ben's Vintage T-Shirt Grab-Bags" in which we are offering bundles of assorted T-shirts (grouped by size) from various Mayberry-related events, landmarks and occasions, as well as some discontinued licensed Mayberry shirts. These shirts are all well-preserved and never worn (though some are from Mayberry events of more than 15 years ago!) and have been carefully stored in TAGSRWC's T-shirt Archives. There are some classics. Each Grab-Bag of five shirts is a nice value at only $45. You'll be wearing more than a T-shirt. You'll be wearing Mayberry history! All proceeds will be donated to the Surry Arts Council in support of Mayberry Days.

  Some other recent and fairly recent additions to the Weaver's lineup are:

* "," DVD featuring DON KNOTTS as the voice of Wormie ($17.00)
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/videos/videos.htm#Hermie)
So what's so bad about being a common caterpillar? Just ask Hermie--or his friend, Wormie--and they'll tell you. No splashy stripes. No stand-out spots. Not even a cool house like the snail or super-strength like the ant. Compared to the rest of God's beautiful creation, they just feel ordinary. Unimportant. A little out of place. But God sees past their plainness, and plans an incredible surprise to show them just how special they are.   Featuring the voices of Tim Conway as Hermie and DON KNOTTS as Wormie, these caterpillars encounter a host of delightful characters and quickly wriggle their way into the hearts of young and old alike.

* "RON HOWARD: FROM MAYBERRY TO THE MOON...AND BEYOND," a biography by Beverly Gray.
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/book_etc.htm#moon)
This is the first full-length biography of Ron Howard and it takes an in-depth look at the Oklahoma boy who gained national fame as Opie, then grew up to be one of Hollywood's most admired directors. This biography tracks his family's roots, his early childhood and then his life and career from six-year-old Opie on TAGS through 2002, when he accepted his Academy Award as Best Director for "A Beautiful Mind."
 The 282-page hardback book is not an authorized biography, but it is a loving study and tribute to Ron's life and career so far and is the best single source of information about Ron Howard ever published. The cover price is $25.00, but, being in a good mood, Mr. Weaver is pleased to offer it at 20% off (that's just $20.00, Ernest T.) through Weaver's Dept. Store. All Mayberry fans are sure to enjoy this fascinating, well-researched reading about Ron Howard and his entire family. Great summer reading!

* "BLOODHOUND OF THE LAW" TIN SIGN ($12.00)
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/weaversnew2.htm#bloodhound)
It measures 11.5 x 16 inches and features a great color picture of Barney in the foreground surrounded by five classic black-and-white Barney images in the background. The headline copy says "Bloodhound of the Law" and the bottom caption says "Sniffing out crime one step at a time." Check out the image on the Weaver's Web site, but trust us -- it's awesome. The sign is $12.00 or you can get a complete set of all 5 of our Mayberry tin signs for just $52.00.

* We are also carrying a new variation of TAGS episodes on DVD.
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/videos/videos.htm)
We call it the MAYBERRY DELUXE 16-EPISODE DVD SET. These are the same 16 episodes that we've been carrying on DVD for a while (and they are the only 16 TAGS episodes currently available on DVD). But this set (containing 2 double-sided DVDs) of the episodes is especially nice for at least three reasons:

  First, it features the original theme song during the credits, which most of the DVDs (and VHS tapes) currently being manufactured with these 16 episodes do not have. (One curiosity: Even though the original theme song is on all the episodes, a few of the episodes for some reason have a newly recorded version of it.)
  Second, these DVDs have versions of the episodes that are closer to being "complete and uncut" than any of the other DVDs. And third, the price is great. We're able to offer them for a better price than other versions that are on DVD--our price is just $18.00.
  Again, these are the same 16 episodes that you might find on other DVDs (and VHS tapes) in retail stores. To distinguish this DVD set from others, we're calling it the "Mayberry Deluxe" DVD set, so if this is the one you want, look for that description when shopping at Weaver's.

* "TV TIME COMEDY" DVD
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/videos/videos.htm)
A huge 5-disc set that features a whopping 41 classic episodes of six beloved vintage sitcoms -- all for only $25.00. While this collection is not solely Mayberry, it's one that we think Mayberry fans will like because all of the shows on the DVDs are similar to TAGS in that they are well-done and wholesome and feature many of the actors, writers and production teams that were involved with TAGS at one point or another. Here's the rundown:

DISC 1: "The Beverly Hillbillies" -- 10 episodes (they all have different theme music than the original)
DISC 2: "The Andy Griffith Show" -- 8 episodes (all with the original theme song): "Mountain Wedding," "Opie and the Spoiled Kid," "Andy Discovers America," "Aunt Bee's Medicine Man," "Barney's First Car," "Andy's English Valet," "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs," "The Rivals"
DISC 3: "The Dick Van Dyke Show" -- 7 episodes (all with the original theme song)
DISC 4: "The Lucy Show" -- 4 episodes (all with the original theme song) and "Petticoat Junction" -- 4 episodes (all with different theme music than the original)
DISC 5: -- "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" - 8 episodes (all with the original theme song; also including some original advertising)

We won't take up the space here, but for a complete listing of all of the episodes of the non-TAGS shows, check out the detailed listing for this item in the video section of Weaver's at http://www.tagsrwc.com/weavers. We think it's well worth a look because they do include some of the most memorable episodes of each of the series.

We also feel that the price for the 41 episodes on the 5-disc "TV Time Comedy" set is a super deal at just $25.00. We're not sure whether we will be able to get more of this DVD, but we're delighted to offer it for as long as our supply lasts.

* "THIS BODY PROTECTED BY FIFE" THROW.
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/coolstuff.htm)
We're stocking this popular blanket/throw for the first time now that the manufacturer has brought it back into production. Like the "MAYBERRY JAIL" Throw that we've carried for several months, this throw measures 42 x 54 inches (plus fringe) and is woven in the same easy-to-care-for blue, gray, white and black acrylic yarn. It's a great price at $39.00. But even better:  we have a special offer of getting a matched pair of Mayberry throws (one of each design) for just $75.00.

* MAYBERRY NECKTIES ($14.00 each)
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/tshirts.htm#Neckties)
We offer stylish Mayberry neckties in two designs: A purple tie with Mayberry Deputy badges on it (the next best thing to that purple tie with acorns that Gomer once wore) and a forest green tie with Mayberry pennants and photos of Andy, Barney, Opie, Aunt Bee and Gomer on it. They may look like silk, but these ties are 100% polyester, so you don't have to worry so much about whether you spill. Always nice for Father's Day.

* "I'M PROUD TO CALL YOU MY FRIEND" ($10.00)
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/book_etc.htm#ActLike)
This is a book (new in 2002) of Mayberry dialogue and quotations that deal with Friendship. The book is 64 pages, 6 x 6 inches in size, colorfully designed and filled with photos of favorite Mayberry moments. The perfect gift for (or from!) a friend.

* "ACT LIKE SOMEBODY" ($10.00)
This is the companion book to "I'M PROUD TO CALL YOU MY FRIEND." It's the same size and format, but the theme is Parenting and contains favorite moments of Andy instructing Opie (and vice versa). And Barney and others throw their two cents' worth in as well. Perfect for Father's Day!

* MEMOIRS OF A COMPOSER NOBODY EVER HEARD OF BY EARLE HAGEN.
(http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/book_etc.htm#MEMOIRS)
(336 pages; hardcover with autographed bookplate: $38.00; soft-cover with autographed bookplate: $28.00:). All of our copies have autographed bookplates that are an exclusive of Weaver's and TAGSRWC. The "Fishin' Hole"-related design for the bookplates was rendered by artist Mike Johnson and then each was personally signed by Earle. There will be a maximum of just 400 books with the signed bookplates available. The book is special just on its own, but with the signed, limited-edition bookplates, it makes for a real Mayberry keepsake. We're delighted to be able to make this special offer to TAGSRWC members.

* Can't decide what to get for a fellow Mayberry fan? Then maybe what you need is WEAVER'S GIFT CERTIFICATE, available in any amount by mail or phone and in set amounts online at http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/giftcertificate.htm .

  You can find Mr. Weaver's full lineup of items at http://www.tagsrwc.com/weavers/
(Or go to http://www.iMayberry.com/ and click on the Weaver's link at the top of the front page.)

 We also have our order line available for shopping convenience. The number is (615) 604-1298 (no longer toll free). It operates Mon. Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. CT, but there's not always somebody there even during those times. However, you can always leave a message 24 hours a day and we'll call you back "on our nickel" to get your order at a time convenient to you. And of course you can always order online anytime.

  Besides shopping online and by phone (and by mail), you can find most of our items at our location on the third floor of the Main-Oak Emporium at 245 City Hall Street in Mt. Airy, N.C.  

  A selection of our most popular items is available at 9 Music Square South in Nashville, Tenn., Mon.-Fri. from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (check or cash sales only). (The sign on the building says Star Station.)

  And our newest location is in the Emporium Shoppes at the Village, located at 142 Main Street East, in Banner Elk, N.C. This location is up in the mountains near where the Darlings might like to hang out. Though our shop there is more on the scale of Bert Miller's vending stand than a full-blown Weaver's, you will find pretty much our full array of items at the Banner Elk location.


**** CHAPTER NEWS ****

The "Some of Us Got It, Some of Us Ain't" chapter (Clayton, N.C.) met to celebrate its 5th anniversary in early May. They report, "We had dinner (burgers cooked hard and roasted venison, a.k.a. hot dogs, and a cake with "Five" on it) and watched 'Cyrano Andy,' which the chapter name came from, and 'Barney's Physical' for Five. One member shared a number of things from the start of the chapter, including the founding members group photo, all of your correspondence, 'The Bullet' with the chapter listed, the cards used to vote on the chapter name, and we played "Jeopardy" using questions from the Mayberry Mania game."

MAYBERRY chapter (Knoxville, Tenn. - http://www.mayberrychapter.com/)  has been busy, as usual. They published their "Mayberry Minutes" newsletter in April, chockfull with 12 pages of information. They participated in the Dogwood Arts Festival in April and hosted a Mayberry Music Festival at the home of two members (featuring a backyard filled with replicas of Mayberry buildings). Toward the end of May, they were planning a potluck dinner and a group get-together at Dollywood. The loons have a lake party planned for June and miniature golf for August. And there is usually a contingent of members at the various Mayberry events, which is likely to be the case this summer for the Roanoke and New Castle events. But the big question is whether the chapter, which is on its way to be the first one to have three Mayberry Squad Car replicas, will have an entry in June's Mayberry Squad Car Nationals. Not to be bullies, but racin' fans in Alabama might be askin', "Are ya or ain'tcha?"

Photo courtesy of Steve Ewing

Marion, IL - TAGSRWC member Steve Ewing shows George Lindsey his leg. In case you can't make it out, Steve has Aunt Bee, Goober and Otis tattoed on his thigh, along with a Barney on both his calf and his arm.

An amazing four members or chapters (that we know of) have made the front pages of their local newspapers so far this year. First, was member STEVE EWING of Makanda, Ill. He made the front page of the February 24 "Marion Daily Republican" standing (with his leg tattooed with Mayberry characters) next to GEORGE LINDSEY. Steve is expected to be attending Mayberry in the Midwest in July with updated artwork.

Next up was PHIL HANSON of Stoddard, Wis. Phil, dressed like Barney in his salt-and-pepper suit, was on the front page of the March 9 edition of the "La Crosse Tribune." The chapter hasn't even registered its name yet, but they have already added a '63 Galaxie to their rolling stock. But Phil adds, "The only hitch is that we have to travel to Nebraska to get it."

Founder DEE ETHEREDGE of the new BARNEY'S POSSE chapter in Thomasville, Ala., made the front page of "The Thomasville Times" on April 24. (He beat out a swarming beehive and a man holding a 47-inch water moccasin for the prime above-the-fold position.)

And one of our longtime chapters, AUNT BEE HAVEN of Anniston, Ala., made a section front (plus a front-page teaser) in the May 11 edition of "The Birmingham News." The story, which covered most of two pages and featured five photos, focused on founder JOEL LAIRD and his moniker of the Mayberry Judge (he's a circuit court judge).

Members of at least four chapters that we know of attended the first annual TV Land Awards filmed in Hollywood on March 2. They included "BARNEY'S FIRST CAR" (Roanoke, Va.), "I WAS A PAWN IN THE HANDS OF A WILY WOMAN" (Plainview, Nebr.), ANDY chapter, plus members of "WHO'S BEEN MESSIN' UP THE BULLETIN BOARD?" (The Internet - http://www.wbmutbb.com/). It was a nice evening in which Don Knotts was on hand to receive the award for Best Second Banana. (Andy Griffith was recognized off camera as Top TV Dad. Other TAGS alums who were in attendance included Barbara Eden, Gavin MacLeod and Rob Reiner.

That's our Chapter News for this time. We're gearing up for a busy summer, so there should be even more news from chapters to report in the August "eBullet."




**** MISS CRUMP'S MAYBERRY QUIZZES ****

ANSWERS TO MISS CRUMP'S MAYBERRY QUIZ #55
  This quiz was a test to find out which of Miss Crump's pupils rely on books and other sources to find their answers and which ones are basing their answers on the actual episodes themselves.
  When the dust settled, only three people got all answers correct (including Miss Crump's allowance for incorrect published information to be considered correct).
  Of the three 100%-correct quizzes, only ones submitted by DENNIS BEAL of Mayberry chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) and JOHNNY PHILLIPS of "Mayberry Giants: Hit One for the Ol' Goober" chapter (Killen, Ala.) noted the discrepancies between actual TAGS episodes and published information. Since Dennis won the prize in the last issue, Miss Crump pulled a "Henry Bennett" move and made sure Johnny's name was drawn from the hat this time. (Sorry, Dennis.) Johnny can select any item from this issue of "The Pocket" or Weaver's online (except the Squad Car Cookie Jar or something from the Collectibles/Special Items section).  
  Here are the answers we were after:
  1. Stan Musial's batting average is said to be .334 (though some Mayberry books list it incorrectly as .344). Both answers were accepted.
  2. The hygiene instructor is Mark Steel (correct spelling according to the original script, by the way), a.k.a. Crab Monster.
  3. In Mayberry, 2 plus 2 equals 4, according to both Barney Fife and Ernest T. Bass.
  4. Using the number 38216, you likely would have reached only book writers David Fernandes and Dale Robinson (or Ken Beck and Jim Clark) "in or near Mayberry," but the number 8216 likely would reach convict "Big" Maude Tyler (or any of her aliases). Any of these answers were accepted. (Kenneth Junkin would also have been accepted as a correct answer, but nobody submitted him.)
  5. Floyd Lawson believes his eyes are "sort of an azure."
BONUS: The correct answer varied with each test-taker, but the only answer that would have helped you win a prize is 5.

MISS CRUMP'S MAYBERRY QUIZ #56
  Folks sometimes say that Old Lady Crump's quizzes are too hard. Since we were short on space in the printed version of this quiz in "The Pocket," Miss Crump nipped that problem in the bud with just one question this time. Same prize as the last quiz. We'll draw a name from a hat filled with all the correct entries to select the winner. The deadline for entries to be postmarked is June 30, 2003. The winner will be announced in the July issue of "The Pocket" and in the August "eBullet." Mail your answers to TAGSRWC, 9 Music Square South, PMB 146, Nashville TN  37203-3286. Good luck!

  THE QUIZ QUESTION: Who in Mayberry says that Cesar Romero is her "dream boat"?



**** POSTNOTE ****
Between issues of "The eBullet" keep up with the goings-on in Mayberry with the more-or-less daily "Who's Been Messin' Up The Bulletin Board?" Digest. It's a free subscriber list that consists entirely of comments, news flashes, and questions and answers from subscribers. You can sign up for that list by going to the "Mailing Lists" link at http://tagsrwc.com.

TAGSRWC also publishes the "Weaver's Newsletter" in more-or-less alternate months to "The eBullet." Like "The eBullet," the "Weaver's Newsletter" is free. Its focus is mainly on new Mayberry merchandise and collectibles and quick news flashes. To sign up go to http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/privacy.htm.

And if you like to receive Mayberry information on good, old-fashioned paper, we have a publication called "The Pocket." It's an eight-page newsletter that contains highlights from "The eBullet" and the "Weaver's Newsletter." Because "The Pocket" involves printing and postage, there is a fee to receive it.

"The Pocket" is continuing with additional issues for 2003 and 2004. There are several subscription options for brand new subscribers. All previous subscriptions to "The Pocket" expired with the November 2002 issue. Renewals for all subscribers can be done online right now at http://www.iMayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/thebullet.htm and through the renewal form in the current (November 2002) issue of "The Pocket." Or you can receive for a free sample issue by writing TAGSRWC, 9 Music Square South, PMB 146, Nashville TN  37203-3286 and sign up with the form provided. The first issue of "The Pocket" for 2003 was in March. The next one is scheduled for publication in late July.

TAGSRWC's other main vehicle for Mayberry information is simply our Web site at http://www.tagsrwc.com. It has extensive content and links for just about everything a Mayberry fan might be looking for.

The next issue of "The eBullet" is scheduled for August. Have a super summer until then!

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http://www.tagsrwc.com/ebullet/unsubscribe_ebullet.htm

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http://www.tagsrwc.com/ebullet/joinebullet.htm

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http://www.tagsrwc.com/ebullet/archive/

The eBullet is copyright 2003 by TAGSRWC