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The eBullet
An Online Newsletter of “The Andy Griffith Show” Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)
Volume 14, Issue 6
November 2014
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Welcome to our sixth and final issue of The eBullet for 2014!  What a great year of Mayberry happenings it has been, and there’s still a few more events and gatherings coming up before the end of the year.

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Lots of fun things are also already on the Mayberry calendar for 2015, so it’s never too early to start marking your calendar.  (And clever Ben Weaver just so happens to have the 2015 Andy Griffith Show Wall Calendar in stock and ready to ship in time for the holidays!) Meanwhile, check Floyd’s free calendar below (and regularly updated online) to see what’s going on around Mayberry.

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 Floyd’s Barbershop Bulletin Board
&
Event Calendar

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The Andy Griffith Museum, starring the late Emmett Forrest’s amazing collection of Andy Griffith artifacts and memorabilia, is open daily in Mount Airy, N.C. For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Nov. 21: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Nov. 21: Dorothy and James Best are Grand Marshals for the Christmas parade in Hickory, N.C.  The parade starts at 6 p.m.

* Dec. 5-7: A Life Lessons From Mayberry Christmas in Ridgecrest, N.C. (outside Asheville) features special guest Margaret Kerry (“Bess” from “Christmas Story” and “Helen” from “Andy Forecloses”).

This fun and inspirational weekend draws on the biblical truths and life applications found in TAGS. Guests are invited to bring 1960s attire or dress as a character for the Saturday night Christmas banquet. Adults: $195 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes two nights of on-campus lodging, six meals, Bible study sessions based on four favorite episodes, and preaching and worship. Kids 12 and up: $96 (when staying in parents’ room); kids under 12: $66 (when staying in parents’ room). To register, call Ridgecrest Conference Center at 800-588-7222 or visit www.ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/mayberrychristmas. Questions? E-mail: llfmevents@gmail.com.

* Dec. 13: Neal Brower, author of Mayberry 101, presents a lecture on the “Christmas Story” episode of TAGS, the first one directed by Bob Sweeney, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C.  Admission is included with an Andy Griffith Museum admission.  For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Dec. 19: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Dec. 19: “Mayberry Christmas” show starring Rodney Dillard and the Dillard Band, Maggie Peterson, and David “Mayberry Deputy” Browning will be presented at the Jones County Civic Center in Trenton, N.C.  Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 in advance online or $25 at the door.  For more info, visit www.coastalca.org.

* Dec. 21: “Mayberry Christmas” show starring Rodney Dillard and the Dillard Band, Maggie Peterson, and David “Mayberry Deputy” Browning heads over the mountains to East Tennessee.  This performance is FREE!  Presented by the Fountain of Life Bible Church at the Freedom Hall Auditorium in Johnson City, Tenn. Doors open at 6 p.m. for Deputy patrolling.  Show time is 7 p.m.

2015

* Jan 9: Karen Knotts performs “Tied Up in Knotts” at the Norris Center in Naples, Fla.  Show time is 7:30. For more info, call 239-213-3058 or visit www.naplesgov.com.

* Jan. 11: Karen Knotts performs “Tied Up in Knotts” at the Florissant Civic Center in Florissant, Mo., at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $28.00.  For more info or tickets, call (314) 921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com.

* Jan 16: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Feb. 15: Karen Knotts performs “Tied Up in Knotts at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. Show time is 7:30. For more info, call 888 467-6442 or visit www.howard.andrews.edu.

* Feb. 20: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Mar. 5-7: The 18th Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival in Florence, Ala. Details TBA.  For updates go to www.lindseyfilmfest.com.

* Mar. 8: Barbara Eden (Mayberry manicurist Ellen Brown) and Hal Linden (Barney Miller) perform Love Letters at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, located in Wert.  Show time is 3 p.m.. Tickets go on sale Dec. 10, and prices range from $20 to $40.  For more info or tickets, visit npacvw.ticketforce.com, or call (419) 238-6722.

* Mar. 14: Barney Google and Snuffy Smith cartoonist John Rose will be doing a “Snuffy Smith” Chalk Talk and book signing at 1:00 p.m.  at the Public Library in Mount Airy, N.C.  John is also an editorial cartoonist and will show examples of his editorial cartoons, including his touching editorial cartoon tributes to George Lindsey and Andy Griffith that he drew upon their deaths.

In his chalk talk, John will talk about his career as the Barney Google and Snuffy Smith cartoonist, show samples of his cartoon work and draw some of the comic strip’s most popular characters for the audience.

* Mar. 20: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Apr. 17: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* May 1 and 2: Fifth Annual Mayberry Comes to Westminster  festival in Westminster, S.C.  Details TBA. Photo highlights from 2014 at www.mayberrywestminster.com.

* May 15: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* May 15-17: Mayberry in the Midwest returns to Danville, Ind. Among the festival’s highlights are the parade, the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals, and performances by the Mayberry Tribute Artists. Karen Knotts will perform her “Tied Up in Knotts” show.  Other guest stars and details TBA.  For now, just mark your calendar.

* June 13: Neal Brower, author of Mayberry 101, presents a lecture on the “Bailey’s Bad Boy” episode of TAGS, featuring Bill Bixby, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C.  Admission is included with an Andy Griffith Museum admission.  For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* June 19: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* July 11: Neal Brower, author of Mayberry 101, presents a lecture on the “Briscoe Declares for Aunt Bee” episode of TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C.  Admission is included with an Andy Griffith Museum admission.  For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Aug. 8: Neal Brower, author of Mayberry 101, presents a lecture on the “Andy and Opie, Housekeepers” episode of TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C.  Admission is included with an Andy Griffith Museum admission.  For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Aug. 21: Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-3:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8?–10 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Sept. 23-27: 26th Annual Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C.  Mayberry Days started in 1990, so this 26th annual festival marks its 25th Anniversary, and also the 55th Anniversary of “The Andy Griffith Show” itself.  The festival already shows signs of being more chock-full of fun than ever before.  If that’s even possible!

Tickets are already available online for key parts of the weekend, including the Mayberry Days Golf Tournament (aka The Emmett) and banquet show; a concert by Rodney Dillard and the Dillard Band, with special guest Maggie Peterson;  the comedy show of James Gregory (“the funniest man in America”); the VW Boys Tribute to Mayberry; Neal Brower’s Lecture; Colonel Tim’s Talent Time, and more.  For info, updates and tickets, visit www.surryarts.org .

* Oct. 8: Karen Knotts performs “Tied Up in Knotts” at 2 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio.  Venue and other details TBA.

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**** News of Cast & Crew ****

Ron Howard was a huge hit with his talk (moderated by film critic Leonard Maltin) for Guilford College’s Bryan Series. An audience of 3,500 (including Betty Lynn!) at the Greensboro (N.C.) Coliseum loved every minute of his fascinating 90-minute talk about his life and career, including lots of Mayberry stories. (Another photo and more details are in Chapter News below.)

Ron and his Imagine Entertainment partner Brian Grazer recently announced a deal for their company to produce (along with Scott Pascucci and Grammy winner Nigel Sinclair) and for Ron to direct a documentary about the touring years of The Beatles. “Imagine” that!  Fab for Ron…and for Beatles fans everywhere!  “What’s so compelling to me,” Ron told Rolling Stone, “is the perspective that we have now, the chance to really understand the impact that they had on the world.” Keep up with the project’s progress at www.thebeatlesliveproject.com.

Ron’s also still very involved in post-production for his next feature film release, In the Heart of the Sea, which will be in theaters next March.  Here’s a link to the first trailer for the film.

And Ron begins directing Inferno, the latest movie adaptation in author Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code series) in April. The movie will again star Tom Hanks as lead character Robert Langdon and is slated for release in theaters during the 2015 holiday season. Ron has been going back and forth to Europe scouting locations for filming.  Much of the story takes place in Rome and Florence.

Also, Imagine Entertainment has signed to make a TV pilot based on Digital Fortress, the Dan Brown novel from 2003, for ABC-TV. There’s no word on whether Ron might be directing the pilot or any future episodes if a full series develops.

The Imagine duo of Howard and Glazer also co-produced The Good Lie, a feature film about the Lost Boys of the Sudan starring Reese Witherspoon that has been in selected U.S. theaters since October.

In August, Clint Howard was on Adam Carolla’s national talk radio/Internet show and talked about a wide range of topics, including brother Ron. Here’s a link to a video the interview. Clint also has been working on several independent movies, and several more are on the horizon.

And not one to let his sons be busier than he is, Rance Howard had a good role in the hit series “Bones” that aired on October 2.

Jim Nabors‘ Maui home and the “Big Island” home of TAGS associate producer Richard O. (Dick) Linke both were fine after the rare hurricanes-turned-tropical storms that skirted Hawaii in early August, followed by another big storm October. And the Linke family is also well away from the flow of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island.  Dick, who turned 97 on October 23 reports that, though he has slowed down a bit, he’s still enjoying life in his tropical paradise.

Betty Lynn has been drawing large crowds of delighted fans to her meet-and-greet afternoons once a month at the Andy Griffith Museum, including this Friday (see Floyd’s calendar above).

Ronnie Schell did some selections from his stand-up comedy act and performed Love Letters with Maggie Peterson (who also did a set of favorite songs) at the Touch of Mayberry festival in Hiram, Ga., in August.  The pair are in the process of being booked for more performances of the popular play around Valentine’s Day at venues in Colorado and California.

Maggie and TV brother Rodney Dillard are teaming up with David “Mayberry Deputy” Browning in December for a mini-tour of their “Mayberry Christmas” stage show.  Rodney’s also booking dates for his “Mayberry Moments” show with wife Beverly at churches.

James Best has had an active year with performing and making personal appearances. And he has also been busy painting (you can view-and buy!- his work at www.jamesbestart.com). He’s preparing for his next movie role as Joe McBee in Old Soldiers with Hugh O’Brian and Clifton James. It’s a film about three WWII veterans taking a trip together to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.  It’s expected to be released next year.

Peggy McCay (Sharon DeSpain) took a tumble on the set of “Days of Our Lives” in June. But ever spunky, she quickly bounced back and was looking forward to being at Mayberry Days in September, when she took yet another tumble that unfortunately forced her to miss the festival.  But she’s doing fine now and back on duty with “Days of Our Lives.”

Fan-fave George Spence (Frank the boyfriend in “Guest in the House”) also had to miss Mayberry Days this year as he was healing from surgery a short time before the festival.  He’s doing O.K. and is eager to get back to Mayberry Days.

Jackie Joseph introduced Ken Berry, who then introduced mutual pal Larry Storch, for Larry’s official final stand-up comedy performance, which he did at the Comedy Store in L.A. in September.

Jackie also participated in a Hollywood celebrity memorabilia show in Los Angeles In October to raise money for one of her pet causes, Actors & Others for Animals.  And she was active in promoting the 8th Annual Los Angeles VisionWalk, which was held in Van Nuys on November 1.

Joy Ellison (Mary Wiggins and others) made her debut at Mayberry Days during a break in filming on location in New Orleans, where she was working as dialect coach for the often nominated and award-winning “American Horror Story” anthology TV series. Joy also worked as Brad Pitt’s dialect coach for Fury, which is in theaters now.

Morgan Brittany (Mary Alice Carter) is touring and doing media appearances to promote her new book, titled What Women Really Want, which was released the week of Mayberry Days, which she attended…with plenty of books for fans to enjoy!

Margaret Kerry is looking forward to sharing Mayberry memories and fellowship with fans at the Life’s Lessons From Mayberry Christmas retreat in Ridgecrest, N.C. in December (details on Floyd’s calendar above).

Karen Knotts has had a boffo year of performances of her “Tied Up in Knotts” stage show (including at Mayberry Days).  And she has more shows coming up in early 2015 and at the Mayberry in the Midwest festival in May and Mayberry Days in September (see Floyd’s calendar above).

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We’re sad to report the passing of talented actor who was part of TAGS.

Don Keefer, who appeared in two episodes of TAGS, died of natural causes on September 7 in Sherman Oaks, Calif.  He was 98.

Don, a character-actor chameleon who could transform himself to perform an incredibly wide range of roles, from sophisticated businessman to beach bum, displayed that full range in his two TAGS episodes, which were filmed just a couple weeks apart.  He played Grover, the Detroit lawyer-turned beach bum in “Howard’s New Life” (Episode 234) and then Carl Phillips, the Siler City TV station owner who hires Aunt Bee in “The Mayberry Chef” (Episode 236).  He also played Mr. McComb, the city attorney in “Sam Gets a Ticket” (Episode 5 of “Mayberry R.F.D.”)

Born Donald Hood Keefer on Aug. 18, 1916, in Highspire, Penn., he graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1939.  In the role of Bernard, he was directed by Elia Kazan in the landmark 1949 Broadway production of Death of a Salesman. He reprised the role in the 1951 film version. Following study at the Actors Studio, he had early roles on Broadway in Junior Miss and Othello, and also a later role in Flight into Egypt in 1952.

Other feature film highlights included The Caine Mutiny (1954) with Humphrey Bogart (and a fellow uncredited actor with Mayberry ties, James Best), Hellcats of the Navy (1957) with Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis (later Reagan), The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming (1966) with Carl Reiner and Mayberry’s Sheldon Golomb and Michael J. Pollard, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), as Dr. Tryon in Woody Allen’s Sleeper (1973), and as Beggar in Imagine Entertainment’s Liar Liar (1997) starring Jim Carrey.

Don also had roles in an enormous number of other television series and TV movies, including as Dan Hollis in an especially acclaimed episode of the “The Twilight Zone” titled “It’s a Good Life,” 16 episodes of “Angel,” 10 episodes of  “Gunsmoke,”  “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Star Trek,” “Bewitched,” “Bonanza,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Nichols,” four episodes of “Barnaby Jones,” “Roots: The Next Generations,” “Kung Fu,” “The Waltons” and “Picket Fences,” just for starters.

Don is survived by sons Donald, John and Thomas, and two grandchildren. His wife of 47 years, actress Catherine McLeod, died in 1997.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Brent Seguine for alerting us to the passing of Don Keefer.

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**** Mayberry Days Recap ****

September’s 25th Annual Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C., was another huge success.  Perfect weather all week set the stage for a truly glorious four days of fun with large and enthusiastic crowds and the friendly Mayberry stars all shining brilliantly.

For the record, the 12 Mayberry guest stars attending this year were Betty Lynn, Maggie Peterson, Rodney Dillard, James Best, Elizabeth MacRae, Jackie Joseph, LeRoy McNees, Margaret Kerry, Morgan Brittany, Joy Ellison, Karen Knotts and George Lindsey Jr.

Some photos from the festival are scattered throughout this issue.  There’s also a superb and large online gallery of photos by Surry Arts Council photographers Hobart Jones and Kenny Hooker that we highly recommend.

Among the key presentations of the festival were first-timer Joy Ellison receiving the Key to the City of Mount Airy, which was accompanied by Allan “Floyd” Newsome serenading Joy with Floyd’s “Hail to Thee, Miss Mayberry” song as she was crowned Miss Mayberry Jr., complete with robe and an upside-down hat for a crown.

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Allan Newsome also presented the inaugural “You’re the Cat’s” Award, sponsored by Terry and Ron Quinsey of the “We’re the Cat’s” chapter of TAGSRWC (Fort Erie, Ont.). This new award, which recognizes significant contributions to Mayberry Days, was presented to Surry Arts Council Executive Director Tanya Jones, founder and guiding light of Mayberry Days for its entire existence.  There never would’ve been a first Mayberry Days, much less 25 and counting, without Tanya’s resourcefulness, tireless work and tenacity.

And as he has most years, Allan was also emcee for presentation of TAGSRWC’s prestigious Jim Schwenke Memorial Award. This year’s “Schwenke” was presented in absentia to Paul Mulik of “Hear that, Boys? No Yellin’ at the Table” chapter (Joplin, Mo.)  With a deep and versatile knowledge of all things Mayberry, Paul, a former Mayberry Days Trivia champion, is a key Mayberry maven in our online community.  And there are even rumblings that he may be able to return to Mayberry Days in 2015.  (Folks expect it now, Paul.)

Kenneth “Otis” Junkin presented TAGSRWC’s other major award, the Mayberry Friendship Award, which had multiple recipients this year.  Joyce and Don Kernan of Foley’s Market chapter (Farmington, Mo.) and Jill and Robert Shelby of  Goober’s Auto Dismantling (West Frankfort, Ill.) were joint recipients.  Both couples are longtime enthusiastic participants and supporters of a wide range of Mayberry events and activities.  Each couple owns its own Mayberry squad car replica, which they bring to most Mayberry events, including Mayberry Days and most notably the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals, which is currently part of the Mayberry in the Midwest festival.  They also offer behind-the-scenes support to many TAGSRWC and Mayberry efforts.

Congratulations to Tanya, Paul, Joyce and Don, and Jill and Robert for their well-deserved recognition, and with special thanks for all the things that each of you does to help make Mayberry activities fun for thousands of fellow fans!

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We Shall Miss Him

Some somber news we learned this Mayberry Days was the passing of Kenny Sohn, the defending and multi-year champion of the Mayberry Days Pork Chop Sandwich Eating Contest held at the Snappy Lunch the Friday of the festival every year.

Kenny died Oct. 7, 2013, when another vehicle crossed the center line of a highway near Kenny’s home in Shawboro, N.C., and struck Kenny’s vehicle. Kenny was 46.  Survivors include wife Bonita, daughters Jody and Toby, and son Christopher.  Several members of his family attended Mayberry Days this year to honor his memory.

Kenny was a man who was full of joy and life.  And at least once a year, he was also full of Snappy Lunch pork chop sandwiches.  (And he was also a regular competitor in the Mayberry Days Pie-Eating Contest.)

Our hearts continue to go out to the Sohn family as we think of them and remember this fine man.

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**** Chapter Update ****

Two new chapters have started since the September eBullet.  That brings us to a new total of 1,427 chapters that have been founded since TAGSRWC started just over 35 years ago.

Here are the three newest chapters:

“At Least It Fell Off and Can’t Hurt
You Anymore”                                                 Elk Rapids, Mich.

Snails and Brains Dinner Club                          Galveston, Ind.

Asa Breeney–Jack of All Trades                       Chandler, Ariz.

Starting a chapter of TAGSRWC is really easy to do.  Just pick a name that hasn’t already been chosen (that’s the challenging part!), and submit it with a list of your founding members by e-mail or by U.S. Mail to TAGSRWC’s HQ in Nashville.  There’s a searchable list of chapter names that are already taken at www.tagsrwc.com. You can submit your chapter name request to Goober@imayberry.com.

Whether or not you start or join a local chapter, you can always join our online “Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board?” chapter. (It’s really quick and easy to do. Info is at tagsrwc.com.)

We always enjoy hearing news (and seeing photos) from existing chapters.  (See the Chapter News section below.) And if HQ can ever be of any service to your chapter (“Will you help us?”), we’re always here to do whatever we can.

Just jump in where you can, and hang on!

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**** Chapter News ****

Sometimes, photos can say it all.  This might be one of those times. So hear are three photos of recent Mayberry happenings involving some of our chapters.

 

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In news without photos, LeRoy “Mack” McNees dropped by for a meeting of “Six and Seven-Eighths” chapter in Oxford, N.C., the day after his concert of bluegrass music and words of praise at a church in Oxford.

And “Still Ugly, Single and Pitting Prunes” chapter (Casey, Ill.) celebrated with dinner out, before returning home to watch the “Haunted House” episode of TAGS, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken and The Return of the Killer Shrews.

If your chapter has news or photos to share, you can write to us the old-fashioned way at OUR NEW MAILING & SHIPPING ADDRESS: 118 16th Avenue South, PMB 146, Nashville TN  37203-3100, or by e-mail to Goober@imayberry.com.

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**** Mayberry on the Web ****

The iMayberry Community
This TAGSRWC online group is organized and overseen by webmaster Allan “Floyd” Newsome.   You can check it out and sign up for free at: http://imayberrycommunity.com.

The iMayberry Community complements our other online activities, including our main www.imayberry.com page, podcasts, Facebook page, online newsletters (such as The eBullet!), weaversdepartmentstore.com and chat rooms.  Combined with TAGSRWC chapters and the various Mayberry events for all fans (from Mayberry Days to ocean cruises), not to mention enjoying the sites of Mount Airy year-round, the world of Mayberry fun keeps expanding.

And best of all, it’s all rooted in watching the show itself.  Whether through DVDs and Blu-ray, streaming video, local stations, or TV Land, loving to watch the show continues to be the energy that feeds all the other Mayberry fun and activities that we enjoy.  What a wonderful thing Andy Griffith and his talented team of actors, musicians, writers and crew people created 54 years ago–for us and generations to come!

Two Chairs, No Waiting is our weekly podcast of TAGS news, interviews and pretty much whatever happens to be going on in and around Mayberry. It’s hosted by Allan Newsome. There’s a new episode every Tuesday (and you can watch and listen live during tapings on Monday evenings). Past episodes are in an online Archives in case you want to listen to or view episodes you’ve missed. (There have been 306 episodes since Allan started the podcasts six years ago.)

There’s a lot of info and discussions that you simply won’t find anywhere else, including rare interviews (vintage and new) with cast and crew members of TAGS. If you’ve got sound on your computer or have an iPod or similar device, you can easily tune in live or download these podcasts.

Also, check out the podcast area of our www.imayberry.com site for info about a Mayberry Bible Study Podcast, also hosted by Allan, and a “brother figure” podcast called Burke on Mayberry, hosted by Kevin Burke.

TAGSRWC’s official page on Facebook now has more than 100,000 friends! You can find us at www.facebook.com/tagsrwc. There’s a variety of comments about Mayberry, and a lively stream of thoughts from fans about TAGS, plus photos. And our Facebook page is also one of the first places we post announcements and breaking news about TAGS. If you haven’t already dropped by the page, we hope you’ll check it out sometime when you have the chance. We invite you to become a TAGSRWC Facebook Friend!

   **** Post Note ****

If you ever miss receiving an issue of The eBullet, you can always catch up by reading it in the eBullet Archives in the Newsletters section at imayberry.com. Each issue is usually placed in the Archives at about the same time that it’s distributed to subscribers.

Between issues of The eBullet, keep up with all the happenings in Mayberry with the daily Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board? (aka “WBMUTBB?”) Digest. It’s a free subscriber list that consists entirely of comments, newsflashes, and questions and answers from subscribers. You can sign up for that list by going to the Mailing Lists link at tagsrwc.com. “WBMUTBB?” also has its own Archives where you can follow the ongoing stream of messages.

The “WBMUTBB?” community is also sponsor of the Mayberry Days Silent Auction, a major fundraiser for the festival.  Organized by Jeff Koontz, recognized as a 2014 Mayberry Friend by the Surry Arts Council at this year’s Mayberry Days, the auction features items created and donated by “WBMUTBB?” members. Many also bid on the items at the auction during Mayberry Days. This year’s auction raised $3,214.50.  A companion raffle for a DVD set raised an additional $225. These fundraisers are vital financial boosts to ensure the continued success of Mayberry Days.  Thank you “WBMUTBB?” members!

And TAGSRWC publishes Weaver’s Newsletter in alternate months to The eBullet. Like The eBullet, the Weaver’s Newsletter is free. Its focus is tilted a little more to Mayberry merchandise and collectibles and quick newsflashes. To sign up, go to: Weaver’s Newsletter Sign-Up.

TAGSRWC’s other main vehicle for Mayberry information is simply our website at www.tagsrwc.com (and its sister site www.imayberry.com). Both sites have extensive content and links for just about everything a Mayberry fan might be looking for.

The next eBullet is planned for January, and the next Weaver’s Newsletter will be out in December.

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