- The eBullet - https://tagsrwc.com/the_ebullet -

The eBullet: Volume 16, Issue 3, May 2016

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The eBullet
An Online Newsletter of “The Andy Griffith Show” Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)
Volume 16, Issue 3
May 2016

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Floyd’s Barbershop 

Bulletin Board & Event Calendar

Russell Hiatt (1924-2016) Farewell, great friend!

Russell Hiatt
(1924-2016)
Farewell, great friend!
(Please see story about Russell below.)

  

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

* June 2-4: The Dillards (featuring Rodney Dillard) perform at the John Hartford Memorial Festival in Bean Blossom, Ind.  Details TBA. For more info, visit www.johnhartfordmemfest.com.

* June 9: Dean Webb and Missouri Boatride perform a free concert at 7 p.m. at the Kimberling City Mall in Kimberling City, Mo.

BigHouseGomeBarn* June 11: Neal Brower, author of Mayberry 101, presents a lecture on “The Big House” 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 ($6).  For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

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

* June 17: Roland White and his band perform at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn.

KarenKnottsGuitar* June 17: Karen Knotts performs “Tied Up in Knotts” at the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield, Iowa.  Show time is 7 p.m. For info, call (641) 472-2000 or visit www.fairfieldacc.com.

* June 18: Karen Knotts brings “Tied Up in Knotts” to Madison, Wis. Details TBA.

* June 19: Karen Knotts and her “Tied Up in Knotts” show come to Diamond Joe’s Casino in Northwood (near Dubuque),  Iowa.  Show time is 7:30 p.m. For more info, visit www.diamondjoworth.com.

* June 26-July 3: Ronnie Schell performs at Harvey’s Hotel & Casino in Lake Tahoe.

MMIGazebo* July 8 and 9: Mayberry Meet-Up in Mount Airy, N.C.  Timed in part to coincide with Neal Brower’s Lecture on Saturday at the Andy Griffith Museum (see the July 9 listing below), this informal gathering is being coordinated by Allan “Floyd” Newsome as a chance for fans to gather and enjoy Mount Airy during a quieter time of year than with the wall-to-wall activities  and crowds of Mayberry Days (also not to be missed!) in September.

There’s a light schedule of planned activities that folks can pick and choose from.  (Click the highlighted link above for details on the event’s Facebook page.) It’s mostly just a chance to hang out and relax in Mount Airy with fellow visitors and local friends.  Click this link for the Mayberry Motor Inn website for room reservation info.  The motel and its gazebo serve as the home base for weekend.

* July 9: Dean Webb and Missouri Boatride perform a free concert at 7 p.m. at the Kimberling City Mall in Kimberling City, Mo.

MomsDiner* July 9: Neal Brower presents a lecture on the “Andy’s Rich Girlfriend” 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 ($6).  For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* July 10: The Roland White Band performs at the Bluegrass on the Green Festival in Frankfort, Ill.

DonKnottsStatue* July 21: Don Knotts statue dedication in Morgantown, W.V.  Details TBA.

* July 24: The Dillards (featuring Rodney Dillard) perform at First United Methodist Church in Starkville, Miss.  Details TBA.

* Aug. 6: Roland White and his band perform at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn.

"They're doin' it!"

“They’re doin’ it!”

* Aug. 13: Mayberry 101 author Neal Brower presents a lecture on the “Goober and the Art of Love” 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 ($6).  Visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

* Aug. 20: Mayberry Night in Troy, N.C. , starring Maggie Peterson, the VW Boys and most of the Mayberry tribute artists in a fundraiser show for the local DARE program.  Details TBA.

A special occasion to celebrate indeed!

A special occasion to celebrate indeed!

* Aug. 20 and 21: Hal J. Smith (aka Otis Campbell) 100th Birthday Celebration in Massena, N.Y.  Hal was born in Petoskey, Mich., on Aug. 24, 1916, but called Massena home for many years. Details of the celebration are TBA.  Follow updates on plans at the event’s Facebook page, or contact organizer John Michaud III by phone at (315) 769-2102 or by e-mail at massenaguy2003@yahoo.com.

YOU BET--Bette and Betty in June Bride.

YOU BET–Bette and Betty in June Bride.

* Aug. 26-31: As part of the celebration of Betty Lynn’s 90th Birthday (Aug. 29), the historic Earle Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C., will screen June Bride, the 1948 film starring Betty in the title role. Also starring Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery.  And look for Debbie Reynolds and Mayberry’s Amzie Strickland (Miss Rosemary) and Tom Tully (Walt Simpson) in smaller roles.

* Sept. 10: Roland White and his band perform at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn.

MFMlogo* Sept. 19-22: Memories From Mayberry: Timeless Truths from America’s Hometown is a Bible study event drawing on the biblical truths and life applications found in “The Andy Griffith Show.” Hosted by the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Toccoa, GA (90 miles NE of Atlanta). The price is $325 per person.

LeRoyMackStoriesCDThe all-inclusive price includes three nights of on-campus lodging, eight meals, Bible study sessions based on favorite TAGS episodes, dynamic preaching, worship, and special guest star LeRoy McNees (“Mayberry on Record” and “Quiet Sam”) in concert. To register, call (706) 886-3133 or visit www.mytoccoa.com/mayberry.

* Sept. 21-25: 27th Annual Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C. Stars confirmed so far include Mount Airy’s own Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou), The Dillards (featuring Rodney Dillard), and Karen Knotts (daughter of Don Knotts), who will present two one-woman shows this year: her popular “Tied Up in Knotts” and her brand new one, “A Deputy’s Daughter.” Dorothy Best  (with David Browning) will also present “Remember Me with Laughter: A Tribute to James Best.”

Mayberry Days parade 2015. Photo by Hobart Jones.

Mayberry Days parade 2015. Photo by Hobart Jones.

 

Other performances include the comedy of James Gregory (“the funniest man in America”), The VW Boys, Michael Hoover’s Elvis, The Embers (featuring Craig Woolard), The Tams, and the Malpass Brothers. Tickets are also available for The Emmett Golf Tournament, the Golf Banquet & Entertainment, Professor Brower’s Lecture/TAGSRWC Meeting, and Colonel Tim’s Talent Time.

James Gregory

James Gregory

More details and stars TBA. Much of the festival is free, but tickets for many of the activities/performances listed above that have a paid admission are now available online at www.mayberrydays.org.

* Oct. 1: LeRoy McNees and Gloryland perform at the Kern County Fair in Bakersfield, Calif.

* Oct. 21: Roland White and his band perform at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn.

* Oct. 22: Karen Knotts brings “Tied Up in Knotts” to the Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, Penn.  Show time is 7:30 p.m. For more info, visit www.st94.com.

* Oct. 23: Next stop for Karen Knotts and her “Tied Up in Knotts” tour is the Bickford Theatre in the Morris Museum in Morristown, N.J. Show time is 2:00 p.m. For info, visit www.morrismuseum.org.

Jackie Joseph spreading good cheer on the 2013 Mayberry cruise. Photo by Jan Newsome.

SEA’S THE MOMENT–Jackie Joseph, shadowed by Allan “Floyd” Newsome, spreading good cheer on the 2013 Mayberry cruise. Photo by Jan Newsome.

* Oct. 29 -Nov. 3: Cruise to Mayberry 11 with special guest star Jackie Joseph (aka to Ernest T. Bass’s Sweet Romeena)! Join the fun (including Halloween) in the western Caribbean aboard Carnival’s Paradise cruise ship as it departs Tampa with stops in Grand Cayman (a favorite of Asa’s and Mr. Meldrim’s) and Cozumel (a fave of Daphne and Skippy and Mavis Neff).

A bunch of popular Mayberry tribute artists (and also an Elvis) will join Jackie in providing entertainment and hosting contests, along with all the hearty eatin’ and usual cruise highlights.  For more info, visit www.allaboutcruisesnc.net or call 1-800-832-7993.

Roland White and his band

Roland White and his band

* Nov. 25: Roland White and his band perform at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn.

* Dec. 3: Roland White hosts and the Roland White Band performs for the 20th Annual Bill Monroe Appreciation Night at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn.

* Dec. 3: Get “Tied Up in Knotts” for the holidays when Karen Knotts brings her one-woman show to the Monroe Arts Center in Monroe, Wis. Show time is 7:30 p.m.  For further info, go to www.morrismuseum.org.

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

PILLAR OF MAYBERRY--The rendering of Andy Griffith by artist John Burgin.

PILLAR OF MAYBERRY–The rendering of Andy Griffith by artist John Burgin.

Andy Griffith and seven fellow legends of the Carolinas had their images on giant columns unveiled last week in the lobby of the Knight Theater in Charlotte’s Spirit Square. Here’s a link to a story about Andy and his fellow cylindrical murals.

Ron Howard continues with post-production work on Inferno, which is currently scheduled to be in theaters on October 28 and is a solid bet for box-office success.

And Imagine is producing and Ron is directing The Beatles Live, a documentary scheduled to premiere on Hulu later this year.

HEY PAUL--Ron Howard recently tweeted this photo of himself with Sir Paul McCartney. Follow Ron on Twitter @RealRonHowad.

HEY PAUL–Ron Howard recently tweeted this photo of himself with Sir Paul McCartney. Follow Ron on Twitter @RealRonHoward.

Ron and the Imagine team are also producing a six-part sci-fi docu-miniseries called “Mars” about the colonization of Mars that’s scheduled for National Geographic Channel’s 2016-17 season.

And Imagine is producing and Ron has also signed to direct the first episode of “Genius,” the first scripted series for Nat Geo.  The series is about great innovators, with the first episode set to feature Albert Einstein.

In a statement about the project, Ron said, “Having already worked with National Geographic on ‘Breakthrough’ and currently in production on ‘Mars’ — our exciting unscripted and scripted hybrid series that tells of our journey to colonize Mars — I look forward to their support as we tell this ambitious but intimate and revealing human story behind Einstein’s scientific brilliance. I hope that his story, as well as those of other geniuses, will both entertain and inspire the next generation of Einsteins.”

The series is expected to premiere next spring in 171 countries and 45 languages.

Imagine is also among the producers for Stephen King’s Dark Tower across several media platforms, including a feature film expected in 2017 and a possible TV series that might tie episodes into the movie’s storyline.

Clint Howard, aka Crazy Dave.

Clint Howard, aka Crazy Dave.

Clint Howard was recently back in Nashville filming more episodes of “Still the King,” an upcoming series (premiering on June 12 on CMT) about an Elvis impersonator (Billy Ray Cyrus). Clint plays a roadie named Crazy Dave.

Clint has also been active and vocal in the presidential primary campaign, but in order not to ruffle any feathers one way or the other and to keep this space as politically neutral as possible, we can be trusted to refrain from discussing anybody’s political allegiances here.

That said, there is one political campaign that’s probably appropriate for us to mention:

READY TO ROCK THE POLITICAL SCENE-- You can read the official announcement at www.ErnestT.com.

READY TO ROCK THE VOTE– You can read the official announcement at www.ErnestT.com.

 

Rodney Dillard and his band (now officially billed again as The Dillards) have put the finishing touches on their new album, which is expected to be released soon. In April, Rodney and the band taped an episode of the RFD-TV’s “Larry’s Country Diner” in Nashville.  The episode premiered this month.

EATIN' SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS--Rodney Dillard (green shirt) and the Dillards band are surrounded by and mingled among the cast of "Larry's Country Diner" during a taping in Nashville in April. The episode premiered on the RFD Channel earlier this month.

EATIN’ SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS–Rodney Dillard (green shirt) and the Dillards band are surrounded by and mingled among the cast of “Larry’s Country Diner” during a taping in Nashville in April. The episode premiered on the RFD Channel earlier this month.

 

Rodney and the band also recently returned from multiple performances of  their successful Mayberry Moments show with Maggie Peterson in Cumming, Ga.

Maggie Peterson performing during the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in April.

CHEERY SINGER–Maggie Peterson performing during the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in April.

Maggie says that she and husband Gus are doing well and are enjoying their new dog, a Maltese Yorkie named Phoebe.  (Their cats are maybe not quite as keen about Phoebe joining the family, but after all…they’re the cats.)

And Maggie was a big hit both at the Missouri Cherry Blossom festival in Marshfield, where she appeared with fellow TAGS alums Morgan Brittany and Margaret Kerry in April, and at last weekend’s Mayberry in the Midwest event in Danville, Ind. (See photo in Chapter News.)

Margarett Kerry (center) with attendees at a Cherry Blossom Festival luncheon in April.

KERRY ON–Margaret Kerry (center) with attendees at a Cherry Blossom Festival luncheon in April.

Speaking of Margaret Kerry, she’s putting the finishing touches on her much anticipated autobiography, Tinker Bell Talks–Tales of a Pixie Dusted Life, which she expects to turn into the publisher in June.  Meanwhile, Margaret continues to appear regularly at Disneyana events, including a recent one in California and one coming up in Dayton, Ohio, in June. Keep up with Margaret at www.tinkerbelltalks.com.

Eric & George: A One-Man Show

SO PLAID–Eric & George: A One-Man Show.

Margaret Kerry’s son, Eric Norquist, and George Lindsey Jr. are developing their  comedy act, “Eric & George: A One-Man Show.”  They’ve got a tour booked out west in September and October, which unfortunately will mean that George will have to miss Mayberry Days in Mount Airy this year.

Jackie Joseph (Mayberry’s Sweet Romeena) was involved in several recognitions of her good friend Doris Day’s birthday in April. And she continues to be involved in a variety of social, charitable, and acting industry endeavors, as well as writing her “Talk with Jackie” column for The Tolcuan Times, which runs every few weeks or as inspiration or an occasion arises.

TWO GRAND FELLAS--Russell Hiatt and George Spence outside the Andy Griffith Playhouse during Mayberry Days 1999.

TWO GRAND FELLAS–Russell Hiatt and George Spence outside the Andy Griffith Playhouse during Mayberry Days 1999.

We checked in with George Spence (Frank the Boyfriend in “Guest in the House”) on his 88th birthday (April 18).  He’s recovering from recent hip surgery, but other than that is doing well.  He and wife Stephanie hope to return to Mayberry Days in September.

Ronnie Schell visited Australia in April with friends and son Greg. Maybe there will be some photos that let us see Schells seeing sea shells by the seashore.

Julie Adams (Nurse Mary in “The County Nurse”) thrilled fans in April with her appearance at the Space Coast Nerd Fest in Melbourne, Fla.,  and again at Monsterpalooza in Pasadena, Calif. Stay up on happenings with Julie at www.julieadams.biz and on her Official Julie Adams page on Facebook.

LAGOONIN' GOOD--Julie Adams poses with a "creatster" tribute artist in homage to her pre-Mayberry cult film classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon."

LAGOONIN’ GOOD–Julie Adams poses with a “creatster” tribute artist in homage to her pre-Mayberry cult film classic “Creature from the Black Lagoon” during Space Coast Nerd Fest.

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William Schallert as "Quiet Sam."

William Schallert as “Quiet Sam.”

We’re sad to report the passing of an actor with a Mayberry connection. William Schallert, who played expectant father Sam Becker in “Quiet Sam” (Episode 29), died May 8 at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif. He was 93.

The beloved actor was seen (or heard) in countless roles, especially on TV and on stage. Beyond Mayberry, he is perhaps best known to the TV generation as Mr. Pomfritt, one of Dobie’s teachers in “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis” and as Martin Lane, father (and uncle) of Patty Duke’s characters in “The Patty Duke Show.”

WilliamSchallertWilliam Joseph “Bill” Schallert was born in Los Angeles on July 6, 1922. His father, Edwin Schallert, was a Los Angeles Times drama editor for four decades.

Bill attended UCLA and then studied theater at the University of Oxford while on a Fulbright scholarship.  He was a founding member of Hollywood’s Circle Theater, where he was directed by Charlie Chaplin in the 1940s.  He was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, and was elected to a two-year term as its president in 1979, a term that included a 13-week strike for better pay for actors as cable TV was emerging as a force.

His legendary film career spanned from uncredited roles, such as a banker in The Foxes of Harrow (1947) and a gas station attendant in Mighty Joe Young (1949) to Justice Paul Stevens in the Emmy Award-winning Recount for HBO in 2008 and an elevator operator in “2 Broke Girls” in 2014.  He performed in a Who’s Who of TV shows all along the way. Bill never retired.

Bill’s wife, actress Leah Waggner, died in 2015. He is survived by four  sons and seven grandchildren.  Not to mention his Mayberry son, Andy Becker.

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Remembering Russell Hiatt

 

RussellMotorcycle0614

BEEP-BEEP! OUTTA THE WAY, SUNDAY DRIVER!–
Russell is ready to fly on a Gold Wing
on the street outside his shop in 2014.
Photo by Bill Hiatt.

Our Mayberry world lost one of its all-time great friends when Russell Hiatt passed away on May 3.  He was 92 (a milestone figure not only signifying a long life, but also a fitting number that many Mayberry watchers closely associate with Floyd the Barber on TAGS).

A member of the National Barber Hall of Fame and dubbed “America’s Barber, Russell cut hair in Mount Airy, N.C., for a remarkable seven decades. (At the end of his barbering days, Russell was thought to be the second oldest active barber in the country.)

But Russell did far more than give great haircuts.  He was a man of devout faith who truly followed the Golden Rule. He spread joy and demonstrated integrity and compassion to all who entered his City Barber Shop or encountered him anywhere else.

And when in 1990, Tanya Jones of the Surry Arts Council suggested he put up a little sign saying “Floyd’s Barbershop” in his shop window to add some Mayberry flare to the first Mayberry Day (which was just one day that first year), civic-minded Russell agreed and played along.  Little did he or anyone else realize what adventures that simple gesture would lead to during the next quarter century.

Russell, who had a notable resemblance to Howard McNear’s Floyd the Barber, soon became an icon for Mayberry fans who came to Mount Airy looking to experience a glimpse of Mayberry.  Russell enthusiastically embraced the role.  Before long, he was spending far more of most days greeting fans rather than giving haircuts.

Russell and his pal Charles Dowell, next door at the Snappy Lunch, became Main Street’s co-ambassadors for Mayberry fans, who could enjoy the delightful one-two punch of a delicious pork chop sandwich at Snappy, followed by a visit with Russell next door, or vice versa. Either way, it was combination that was hard to beat.

Russell Hiatt at his 90th birthday party in 2014. Photo by Hobart Jones.

CAKE WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS–Russell Hiatt at his 90th birthday party in 2014. Photo by Hobart Jones.

Through the years, tens of thousands of fans visited Russell.  The thousands of photos that still cover his shop walls (and the thousands more in storage) provide a time capsule of decades of visitors.  Russell was uncanny at remembering faces and people’s stories, and he was almost as good at remembering their names–by the thousands.

And it wasn’t just us everyday fans who visited. In addition to all the Mayberry stars who came to town, celebrities from all realms dropped by his shop. From the Incredible Hulk (Lou Ferrigno) to Oprah to governors, they all came calling, along with news media from all over the country.

While our first visit to Russell’s shop might’ve been to see Floyd the Barber, all of our subsequent visits were to see Russell, our steadfast friend.

On the afternoon of May 6, Russell’s funeral procession, on its way to the service at Russell’s church, drove down Main Street, past the barbershop one last time.  Main Street was lined on both sides by a hundreds of people who came to pay their respects to a man who had contributed so much to individual lives and to his community.

At the church, Russell was eulogized as a man whose legacy was largely defined simply by the way he had lived his life, with dignity, passion, kindness and humility. The actions of his life still speak more than any words ever could.  Even more than being a great man, which he was, Russell Hiatt was a good man.

There was outstanding coverage about Russell in the Mount Airy News and by local TV media.  Here are links to some of those stories:

Mount Airy News Front Page News Story
Mount Airy News Editorial
Winston-Salem Journal Story
Coverage by WFMY-TV (Greensboro)
Mount Airy News Funeral Coverage
Funeral Coverage by WXII-TV (Winston-Salem)

And we think it’s fitting that we conclude our own tribute to Russell in a way that he would surely appreciate–with photos.  Here are a few of our favorites:

GOOB PALS--Russell with George Lindsey at the barbershop during Mayberry Days 1999.

GOOB PALS–Russell with George Lindsey at the barbershop during Mayberry Days 1999.

 

REIGNING SURPREME--Russell with Shelton and Wanda Fields (left) of Barney chapter and friends at an early 1990s Mayberry Days.

HAIR CHAIRMAN–Russell with Shelton and Wanda Fields (left) of TAGSRWC’s Barney chapter and friends at an early 1990s Mayberry Days. (Compare the progress of photos on the wall reflected in this picture with the coverage visible in images taken in the shop just a few year later, when even much of the mirror space has happily surrendered to Russell’s photo kudzu.)

 

MAESTROS--Russell with Mayberry music man Earle Hagen and wife Laura during Mayberry Days 2004.

MAYBERRY MAESTROS–Russell with TAGS music director Earle Hagen and Earle’s wife, Laura, during Mayberry Days 2003.

 

FOUR FRIENDS FOREVER--At the shop with Tim Pettigrew, Kenneth Junkin and Allan Newsome in 2014.

FOUR FRIENDS FOREVER–At the shop with Tim “Goober” Pettigrew, Kenneth “Otis” Junkin and Allan “Floyd Too” Newsome (all incognito) in 2014.

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See more photos and memories (including hundreds from fellow fans in the Comments areas) posted on TAGSRWC’s Facebook page between May 3 and 5.

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 **** Chapter Update ****

One new chapter has been founded since our last report in the March eBullet.  We now have had 1,442 chapters founded since TAGSRWC started in 1979.

Mayberry Memorial Horse Trough Hat-Dippers    Kremlin, Mont.

A drip of the hat and a Mayberry welcome to our newest chapter!

Starting a chapter of TAGSRWC is really easy to do.  Just pick a name that hasn’t already been chosen (at this point, not as easy as it might sound!) and then submit it with a list of your founding members by e-mail (to Goober@imayberry.com) or by U.S. Mail to TAGSRWC’s HQ (118 16th Avenue South, PMB 146, Nashville, TN  37203-3100).  There’s a searchable list of chapter names that are already taken at www.tagsrwc.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.)

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 **** Merchandise Update ****

SUN OR THE BEACH?--This is Ben's summer outfit. He likes to stay hot and bothered.

SUN OR THE BEACH?–This is Ben’s summer outfit. He likes to stay hot and bothered.

 

The approach of summer is almost making Ben Weaver not grumpy. Almost. We’ve got one new item (a new take on an old favorite).

And with short-sleeve weather now here (for everybody but ol’ Ben, that is), what better time to shop for a new Mayberry T-shirt.  We have 36 different designs to choose from!

  MayberryWhistlersTMayberryChoppersTSuit yourself to a summertime tee!

Here are other highlights in store for you online at  Weaver’s Department Store this month.

Mayberry Deputy Badge

NEW!

DeputyBadge2016

$10.00

Most of us may not feel like we can step into Andy’s shoes but, what about Barney’s?

This latest interpretation is a sturdy, but simplified representation of Barney’s Mayberry Deputy’s badge.  In other words, it’s not an exact replica, but for the price, you can’t beat it.

The color is “nickel” and you’ll be able to pin it to the khaki shirt of your choice to have that official deputy look.  Get a Mayberry Deputy Patch to accessorize even more like a true Mayberry Deputy!

Two T-Shirts Now in New Toddler Sizes!

AwPaTNewestNipItTShirtTwo of our most popular T-shirts are now available in Toddler sizes, so that even the youngest fans can show their Mayberry spirit.  We have both our “Aw, Pa” and Newest Nip It designs in Toddler 2, 3 and 4 sizes.  And what makes them irresistible (besides a cute kid wearing them, of course!) is the smaller price, just $16, compared to $20 for adult sizes (also a great deal!).  No doubt about it…these new sizes are “darn cute.”

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Most of our T-shirts are just $20.  (A few designs are $18, and the Lawmen all-over design is $25.)  We also have caps, Goober beanies and deputy patches.

You’ll find these items and much more, including books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, rare collectibles, tin signs, artwork, rare board games, blankets, items for vehicles and who knows what all–all online at www.weaversdepartmentstore.com.  (Or just go to www.imayberry.com and click on one of the orange and blue Weaver’s buttons at the top.)

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**** Chapter News ****

Our biggest chapter news  for this issue revolves around three big Mayberry events during the last month or so.

MAYBERRY RINGLEADERS--The team of tribute artists huddles to discuss their next play at the Eagles' Wings fundraiser in Tuscaloosa in April.

MAYBERRY RINGLEADERS–The team of tribute artists huddles to discuss their next play at the Eagles’ Wings fundraiser in Tuscaloosa in April.

First up was the annual Eagles’ Wings fundraiser in Tuscaloosa, Ala.  Members of our local “Hearty Eatin’ Men and Beautiful Delicate Women” chapter are key supporters of that event, which raises funds for the local facility and program that support adults with special needs.  The Mayberry tribute artists also put on a show during the banquet, and added fun to auction and the golf tournament.

Next up was the 6th Annual Mayberry Comes to Westminster festival in South Carolina the first weekend of May.  The event, spearheaded by Laura Lee Hobbs chapter of Westminster, featured two presentations by Karen Knotts of her “Knott Knotts, Who’s There? Getting to Know the Man Behind Barney Fife” show.  Also on hand for another highly successful edition of this festival, which drew fans and participants from at least eight states, was a full crew of the Mayberry artists and even an Elvis.

Karen Knotts (between Otis and Mayor Pike) sings the "Mayberry Union High" song with a gaggle of tribute artists and others at Mayberry Comes to Westminster.

“TRY, TRY, TRY, TRY”–Karen Knotts (between Otis and Mayor Pike) sings the “Mayberry Union High” song with a gaggle of tribute artists and others at Mayberry Comes to Westminster.

 

Just this past weekend was the third big recent Mayberry event with the Mayberry in the Midwest festival in Danville, Ind.  This year’s festival starred Maggie Peterson and drew participants and chapters from at least 13 states.

MAYBERRY CARPOOL--Grand Marshal Maggie Peterson (red) and Dixie Griffith (white slacks) pause with the Mayberry tribute artists (and a stray Opie passing by) before the Mayberry in the Midwest Parade.

MAYBERRY CARPOOL–Grand Marshal Maggie Peterson (in red) and Dixie Griffith (between Otis and Briscoe) pause with the Mayberry tribute artists (and a stray Opie passing by) before the Mayberry in the Midwest parade.

 

Also on hand for the festivities were Dixie Griffith (Andy’s daughter), the VW Boys and the Mayberry tribute artists. Included as part of the weekend was the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals. We’ll let a couple of more photos tell some of the story.

GOOBTROTTERS--As part of Mayberry in the Midwest, assorted characters assembled the Mayberry Bullets basketball team to compete in a game against local players. The team gave it their best shot, but we think this photo is indication enough about their style of play. Photo by Stephanie Gossett.

THEIR DAZE IS NUMBERED–As part of Mayberry in the Midwest, assorted characters goobled together the Mayberry Bullets basketball team to compete in a game against local players. The team gave it their best shot, but we think this photo is indication enough about their style of play. Photo by Stephanie Gossett.

 

WHEEL WINNERS--The team of Carlie Gossett as the runner, Collin Watkins (center) riding shotgun, and Ray Watkins behind the wheel won the obstacle course of the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals during Mayberry in the Midwest. Photo by Stephanie Gossett.

WHEEL WINNERS–The team of Carlie Gossett (of “Now You’re Gonna Glenn Ford It All Over Town” chapter, Lafayette, Ind.) as the runner, Collin Watkins (center) riding shotgun and Ray Watkins behind the wheel won the obstacle course competition of the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals during Mayberry in the Midwest. (Carlie’s brother Coy and father Jeff finished second, so there could be a friendly racing rivalry developing in the household, along with having a lot of shiny new hardware to find shelf space for). Photo by Stephanie Gossett.

 

Mavis Neff chapter (Durham, N.C.) got together with members of Andy chapter in Nashville for some hearty eatin’ last week. It was their second joint chapter meeting this year. Members of Barney chapter (Greensboro, N.C.) and Sarah chapter (Charlotte, N.C.) also met up with Andy chapter earlier this month, as did members of Mayberry Town Council (Grand Rapids, Mich.).

Also checking in with HQ were “I’m in It for Keeps” (Albertville, Ala.), “You Better Put a Buckeye in Your Pocket and Do the Incant for a Sore Toe” (Bessemer, Ala.), “Remembering Mayberry (Chillicothe, Ohio), “She’s Nice!” (Hendersonville, Tenn.), “Burnt to a Turn! My Life Snuffed Out!  Completely Dead!” (Madison, Miss.), “Hear that, Boys?  No Yellin’ at the Table” (Joplin, Mo.), “Compelsion Nuts” (Kingsport, Tenn.), “Pepperelli Pizza” (Raeford, N.C.),  “I Was a Pawn in the Hands of Wily Woman” (Plainfield, Neb.) and “‘Course I Don’t Fix ’em; I Just Put in the Gas” (Oil City, Ont.)

ALL HAIL--Susan Honey Knell (left) and Meg Berrian of "Hail to Thee, Miss Mayberry" weren't about to miss a chance to for a photo with Betty Lynn, everybody's choice for the real Miss Mayberry!

ALL HAIL–Susan Honey Knell (left) and Meg Berrian of “Hail to Thee, Miss Mayberry” weren’t about to miss the chance for a photo with Betty Lynn while in Mount Airy!

Members of “Hail to Thee, Miss Mayberry” chapter (Webb City, Mo.) took a road trip last week that included a stop in Mount Airy and a visit with Betty Lynn during her regular meet-and-greet session at the Andy Griffith Museum (third Friday of most months).

Mayberry chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) has been relatively quiet this spring, but worry not.  We expect a big splash from them this summer. Several members are heading to L.A. together in June to visit Mayberry stars and sites.

That’s our Chapter News for this time. We always love to hear about what’s going on with chapters. If your chapter has news or photos to share, you can reach The eBullet by e-mail at Goober@imayberry.com.

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

imayberrycommunityThe iMayberry Community

This TAGSRWC online group is organized and overseen by webmaster Allan “Floyd” Newsome with able assistance from Keith “Col. Harvey” Brown. 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.

Mayberry Podcasts

CHAIR, CHAIR!--Allan Newsome hosting a recent "Two Chairs" podcast

CHAIR, CHAIR!–Allan Newsome hosting a recent “Two Chairs” podcast.

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 classic installments you’ve missed. (There have been 379 episodes since Allan started the podcasts in 2008.)  Of special note recently is Episode 377, which includes interviews from 1998 with Russell Hiatt of Floyd’s City Barber Shop in Mount Airy, N.C.

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.  And you’ll also find links there to a couple of other outstanding Mayberry-related podcasts: Burke on Mayberry (hosted by TAGSRWC’s Kevin Burke) and the Mayberry Bible Study Podcast (hosted by Allan Newsome).

FacebookthumbTAGSRWC’s official page on Facebook now has over 228,000 friends! You can find us at www.facebook.com/tagsrwc. 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!

Even Ol’ Ben Weaver has his own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weaversdepartmentstore. Check it out for the latest Mayberry items and merchandise news.

   **** 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 placed in the Archives at 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.

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.

The next eBullet for is planned for July, and the next Weaver’s Newsletter on tap for June.

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WHERE'S MY BULLET?--O.K., not exactly a bullet, but Andy shows his comfort with reloading shotgun shells at home in Toluca Lake, Calif., in this rare photo from June 1963.

WHERE’S MY BULLET?–O.K., not exactly a bullet, but Andy shows his comfort with reloading shotgun shells at home in Toluca Lake, Calif., in this rare photo from June 1963.

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