{"id":8229,"date":"2021-01-12T10:59:16","date_gmt":"2021-01-12T16:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tagsrwc.com\/the_ebullet\/?p=8229"},"modified":"2021-04-13T12:29:16","modified_gmt":"2021-04-13T17:29:16","slug":"the-ebullet-volume-21-issue-1-january-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tagsrwc.com\/the_ebullet\/2021\/01\/the-ebullet-volume-21-issue-1-january-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"The eBullet: Volume 21, Issue 1, January 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThe<\/span> e<\/span>Bullet<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nAn Online Newsletter of
\n<\/span>“The Andy Griffith Show” Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/strong>elcome to the January eBullet<\/em>, our first issue for 2021!<\/p>\n

\"\"

THE NEED’LL BE GREAT–Rafe’s had his shot. Let’s see now–who’s next?<\/p><\/div>\n

Watching TAGS proved to be an especially comforting escape from the stresses of 2020, and after the way 2021 has started, Mayberry may be an even more vital source of healing and diversion for us fans this year.<\/p>\n

With a little discipline, faith in science and good old-fashioned common sense, maybe we’ll fairly soon be able to gather in person more like we did before the pandemic. Maybe at least by Mayberry Days®<\/a><\/strong> in September.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, please continue to stay safe and keep on\u00a0 watching TAGS and enjoying Mayberry, whether through social media or wearing a favorite Mayberry sweatshirt while eating Mayberry’s Finest ™ pickles and perhaps reading a new Mayberry-related book!<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

t\u00a0 <\/span>***********************************************************<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Floyd’s Barbershop <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Bulletin Board <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

& <\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Event<\/span> Calendar<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
\"\"

Depend on Floyd to make you ready for any event in Mayberry.<\/p><\/div>\n

The <\/em>Andy Griffith Museum<\/i><\/strong>, featuring the late Emmett Forrest’s amazing\u00a0 collection of Andy Griffith artifacts, is <\/em>open<\/i><\/strong><\/span>!<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

Please note that the Museum has more than just Barney’s Two Rules at The Rock. With North Carolina pausing in its modified Phase 3 of pandemic protocols, the Museum’s Rules include: Only 25 visitors at a time, everyone must wear a mask (bring your own or come prepared to buy one for $5.35), wear gloves if you’re planning to use the Museum’s touch screens, and have a credit\/debit card or exact change for payment. <\/em><\/p>\n

For complete updates on operating hours, safety procedures, or other info, visit the website at <\/em>www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/a><\/i><\/strong> or call (336) 786-1604.<\/em><\/p>\n

Here are a few events already on the calendar for next year:<\/p>\n

20<\/span>21<\/span><\/h3>\n
* Apr. 10: Rodney & Beverly Dillard<\/strong> are special guests and performers for Mayberry & I Love Lucy Day<\/strong>, in Granville, Tenn. Festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. Additional guests and performers and other details TBA.<\/div>\n
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Rodney Dillard<\/p><\/div>\n

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Betty Lynn<\/p><\/div>\n

* Sept. 20-26:<\/strong> 32nd Annual Mayberry Days®<\/strong><\/a> in Mount Airy, N.C. Special Guests confirmed so far include Betty Lynn<\/strong> (Thelma Lou) and Rodney Dillard<\/strong> (guitar-playing Darling boy).<\/p>\n

Tickets are already available HERE<\/strong><\/a> for some concerts and presentations, including Collin Raye<\/strong>\u00a0(actually on Sept. 18, the Sat. before Mayberry Days®<\/a><\/strong> week), two shows (one as part of the banquet for the Mayberry Days Golf Tournament, aka The Emmett) by T. Graham Brown<\/strong>, The Doug Dillard Tribute Show <\/strong>by The Dillards<\/strong> featuring Rodney Dillard<\/strong>, Professor Brower’s Lecture with Neal Brower<\/strong>,\u00a0 Tim White and Troublesome Hollow’s “Tribute to Mayberry,”<\/strong> Allen Leath’s<\/strong> “Mayberry Melodies,”<\/strong> Michael Hoover’s “Memories of Elvis” <\/strong>and Colonel Tim’s Talent Time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Other concert highlights during the week include The Embers featuring Craig Woolard<\/strong>, Legacy Motown Revue<\/strong>, The Band of Oz<\/strong> and James Gregory<\/strong> (“The Funniest Man in America”).<\/p>\n

Much more TBA, but for now, other than these first confirmed presentations, just\u00a0 mark your calendar and be sure to check back for updates.<\/p>\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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MAKE THAT A SUBMARINE SAMMICH?–Clint Howard’s Leon ready to sail with Mayberry!<\/p><\/div>\n

* Oct. 31-Nov. 6: Clint Howard<\/strong> is the special guest for Mayberry Cruise 15<\/strong>, which was postponed with a few tweaks from its original dates in 2020. This cruise aboard Carnival’s Freedom<\/em> will depart from Miami and\u00a0 travel to the Eastern Caribbean with ports of call in Princess Cays in the Bahamas, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove, the new Carnival-owned village in the Dominican Republic. \"\" Rates (including all taxes) start at $625 per person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

For info, contact Sharon Euliss of\u00a0 All About Cruises at PWESJE@aol.com or call her at (336) 538-4926.<\/div>\n
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***<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

**** News of Cast\u00a0& Crew ****<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
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CLOSE CALL–Ron Howard is behind (and between) the lenses on the set of Hillbilly Elegy. There’s Oscar buzz for Glenn Close (lower right) as Mamaw.<\/p><\/div>\n

On the heels of of November’s releases of both Rebuilding Paradise<\/em> (a documentary for National Geographic<\/em>) and Hillbilly Elegy<\/em> (Netflix), Ron Howard<\/strong> is now busy directing a documentary (again for National Geographic<\/em>) about Chef Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s and his World Central Kitchen charity.<\/p>\n

Ron is also in pre-production on his next directing project, Thirteen Lives<\/em>, a film based on the cave rescue of a boys’ soccer team in Thailand, which captivated the world in 2018. The film is set to begin shooting in Australia in March.<\/p>\n

The “Willow” TV series for Disney+, one of many projects for which Ron is serving as executive producer, is also in pre-production. Ron is expected to direct at least one early episode before turning his attention to directing one of several more movies in the queue at Imagine Entertainment.<\/p>\n

Ron was scheduled to be inducted into the Duncan Area Hall of Fame in his hometown of Duncan, Okla., this month, but the gala ceremony has been postponed until next January because of the pandemic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Betty Lynn<\/strong>\u00a0 (Thelma Lou) is still hunkering down in Mount Airy. She reports that she’s doing well and had a nice holiday season. She’s eager to resume her meet-and-greets with fans at the Andy Griffith Museum, but that likely won’t happen until next summer, at the earliest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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OUR DARLING PERSON–On the road to recovery!<\/p><\/div>\n

Maggie Peterson Mancuso<\/strong> (Charlene Darling) and husband Gus have moved into an assisted living facility, which will hopefully allow her to have even steadier progress in her recovery from recent surgeries. Even so, she was wistful about leaving the home she has lived in since shortly after her time on TAGS.<\/p>\n

Maggie’s GoFundMe page<\/a>, <\/strong>which Maggie’s family set up to help with some of Maggie’s significant and uncovered medical expenses, is still active. (It has so far reached 60% of its goal.) Maggie is extremely grateful for all of the kind donations received.<\/p>\n

NEWSFLASH:<\/strong> Just as we were getting ready to publish this issue, we got word from Maggie’s nephew Ben that both Maggie and Gus have tested positive for COVID-19. Maggie was having significant symptoms and was hospitalized on January 7 for treatment with antivirals and other specialized care. She’s responding well to the treatments, and it’s hoped that in a few days she’ll be able to transfer to a rehab facility to regain her strength before returning home. Please continue to keep Maggie in your prayers!<\/p>\n

Tied Up in Knotts<\/em>, the memoirs of Karen Knotts<\/strong> (daughter of Don) has been officially announced by her publisher. The plan is for it to be available in time for Mayberry Days®<\/a><\/strong> in September.<\/p>\n

George Lindsey Jr.<\/strong> has released a new CD with three songs. (It’s not available at our Weaver’s Department Store, but\u00a0 autographed copies of his previous Goobason Sings<\/em> CD<\/strong><\/a> of silly songs are newly available at our online store.)<\/p>\n

George also has shared the sad news of the passing of his and sister Camden’s mom (George Lindsey<\/strong>‘s ex-wife), Azasha J. Lindsey of complications from Alzheimer’s on August 12. She was 84.<\/p>\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Mayberry’s About to\u00a0 Get Reel!
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"The Mayberry Man<\/em><\/strong> movie, written and directed by Stark Howell<\/strong> and produced by Cort Howell<\/strong> (both sons of Hoke Howell<\/strong>, aka Mayberry’s Dud Wash) and co-produced by Greg Schell<\/strong> (son of Ronnie Schell<\/strong>), is now in the final stages of editing and other post-production work, and\u00a0 Stark and his team are pleased with how all the pieces have come together.<\/p>\n

Depending on the status of the pandemic and other considerations, initial screenings are planned for this spring. The premiere is tentatively slated for Danville’s Mayberry in the Midwest festival, which is expected (but not yet officially confirmed) for May. Further avenues of distribution are also being pursued.<\/p>\n

That’s a wrap on our News of Cast & Crew for this issue. Stay tuned for lots more in 2021!<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

In Memoriam
\nMike Fenton
\n<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\"\"

Mike Fenton
1935-2020<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

We’re sad to report the passing of Mike Fenton<\/strong>, a casting director for TAGS and “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”\u00a0 He died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on December 30. He was 85.<\/p>\n

\"\"

“HELLO, SARAH…”–Mike Fenton working the phone lines early in his career.<\/p><\/div>\n

Ronald Michael Fenton was born in Los Angeles in 1935.\u00a0 With an eye on becoming a cinematographer, Mike earned a B.A. degree in Theater and Motion Picture Arts from UCLA\u00a0 in 1956. His career started in the mailroom at MCA, followed by work as an agent at top talent agencies for a few years. Mike then joined the casting department at Paramount Pictures, where he worked from 1963 to 1965, before leaving to work as an assistant to Sheldon Leonard during the 1965-66 season of TAGS and for the pilot episode of “That Girl.”<\/p>\n

By the start of the following television season, Mike and business partner Fred Roos were serving as casting directors for TAGS, “I Spy,” a few episodes of “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” and other shows in the\u00a0 Sheldon Leonard\/Danny Thomas production orbit, including “Accidental Family”\u00a0 and “Good Morning World.” They also worked on “Rango,” which starred Tim Conway and was produced by TAGS writers Harvey Bullock and Ray Allen.<\/p>\n

Sometimes working together and sometimes dividing casting duties among their many projects (for example, Fred Roos served as solo casting director for the first two seasons of “Mayberry R.F.D.”), the dynamic duo of Fenton and Roos were on their way to becoming Hollywood casting legends. Mike also partnered with other casting giants of the last 50 years including Jane Feinberg and Judy Taylor. More recently, he had joined forces in an agency with Ann Frederick.<\/p>\n

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ART RIGHT FOR THE AGES–Mike visits with legendary character actor James Hong at a 2006 gathering that reunited members of the cast and crew of Chinatown<\/em>. (Mike also cast Hong in Blade Runner<\/em>.)<\/p><\/div>\n

A partial list of Mike’s numerous casting credits includes some of the most notable films for some of the most talented directors of all time, including\u00a0 Chinatown<\/em>, American Graffiti<\/em>, Shampoo<\/em>, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest<\/em>, Poltergeist<\/em>, The Godfather Part II<\/em>, Norma Rae<\/em>, A Christmas Story<\/em>, Back to the Future<\/em> (and its sequels), E.T. the Extraterrestrial<\/em>, Raiders of the Lost Ark<\/em> (and sequels), Beaches,<\/em> Aliens<\/em>, Blade Runner<\/em>, Footloose<\/em>, History of the World, Part I<\/em> and Young Frankenstein<\/em>. Showing the depth of his range, Mike\u00a0 also helped cast 2014’s Sharknado 2: The Second One<\/em>.<\/p>\n

In a statement, Mike’ good friend and frequent collaborator Steven Spielberg said, “Working with Mike Fenton was like working in a candy store–he made casting a blast.\u00a0 His fervent support of actors was the stuff of legend, and after landing a part, any actor’s smile was rarely as wide as Mike’s. He didn’t just support actors, he launched crusades. And he was a pretty good actor himself, as he would always read off-camera dialogue to create energy and mojo for the person reading for the part.\u00a0 Much like the actors for whom he advocated, Mike loved his role–and those around him loved him so much, and I will miss him dearly.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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GOONIES<\/em> SQUAD–Mike Fenton (fourth from right) with some of the cast of Goonies<\/em> at a 25th Anniversary celebration of the movie on the Warner Bros. lot in 2010.<\/p><\/div>\n

In 1982, Mike co-founded the Casting Society of America. In 1989, he received the group’s Hoyt Bowers Award for lifetime achievement. His casting work after that recognition could be an entire distinguished career for most people. Casting work after 1989 included Bird on a Wire<\/em>, Arachnophobia<\/em>, Total Recall<\/em>, Chaplin<\/em>, Honeymoon<\/em> in Vegas<\/em>, Dante’s Peak<\/em> and Toy Stor<\/em>y, among dozens of others.<\/p>\n

Mike was nominated for the CSA’s Artios award 11 times and won twice, in 1996 and 2000.<\/p>\n

In his spare time, Mike was an avid runner. He even founded a Santa Monica-based running club in the 1980s called Flying Squirrels.<\/p>\n

By all accounts, Mike Fenton was more than just highly respected in his profession and personal life. He was genuinely beloved by all who knew him. TAGS fans can be proud that such a talented and nice person was involved in shaping the characters of Mayberry during its later years.<\/p>\n

Mike’s survivors include his wife, Irene, son Mick from his first marriage to Janet Monfort, who preceded him in death in the 41st year of their marriage, and two grandchildren.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Note:<\/strong> Mike\u00a0 received <\/em>The Bullet and TAGSRWC’s subsequent printed<\/em> fliers for most of the years they were produced through 2015. He had fond memories of working on Mayberry-related shows. And yes, you can be sure that we asked him if he happened to remember who played the elusive Mr. Schwamp. As with the countless others that we’ve asked, he unfortunately didn’t have any information that could help solve that tenacious mystery.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

***<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0**** Chapter Update <\/strong><\/span><\/span>**** <\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
\"\"

GROWL-GROWL-GROWL–What name would be right for your new TAGSRWC chapter?<\/p><\/div>\n

We haven’t had any new chapters start since the November\u00a0 eBullet. <\/em>We’re holding at our current total of 1,468 chapters founded since TAGSRWC began in 1979.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Starting a chapter of TAGSRWC is really easy to do. Just pick a name that hasn’t already been selected by another group. You can check the searchable list of chapter names already taken at\u00a0www.tagsrwc.com<\/b><\/a>. Then submit your chapter’s name with your location and a list of your founding members by e-mail (to Goober@imayberry.com<\/strong>) or by U.S. Mail to TAGSRWC’s HQ (118 16th Avenue South, Suite 4, PMB 146, Nashville, TN\u00a0 37203-3100<\/strong>). That’s all it takes!<\/p>\n

Whether or not you start or join a local chapter, you can always join our online\u00a0“Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board?”<\/strong><\/a> chapter or any of several exclusively online chapters on Facebook<\/a> and, more recently, MeWe<\/a> (see Mayberry on the Web below).<\/p>\n

***<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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**** Merchandise Update ****<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Didn’t get that special Mayberry item you were hoping for for Christmas? Or just want more fun (or delicious) Mayberry items? Well, our Weaver’s Department Store®<\/a><\/strong> is the odds-on best bet for having just what you want!<\/p>\n

We have a few brand new items even since our last issue. Here are some favorites:<\/p>\n

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From the Foley’s Market Section<\/strong>
\nat Weaver’s<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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New! (“Shoo, fly!”)<\/p><\/div>\n

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“No doubt about it–that’s a pickle.”
“Yeah, boy.”<\/p><\/div>\n

We’re really excited to offer some brand new Mayberry’s Finest ™ brand products<\/a> to the popular gourmet coffees and country bacon that Weaver’s already carries. We’re so fired up that you might even say we’re “pickled tink.” Did somebody say pickles? Yep, that’s right. Somebody finally did it…they’re making Mayberry pickles<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Fortunately, these are good ol’ store-bought pickles (it even says so right on the label). Delicious hamburger dill chips to put it precisely. We’re proud to be able to ship these everywhere from Oregon to Nova Scotia. And best of all, you won’t have to learn to love ’em like Aunt Bee’s “kerosene cucumbers.” No, these are more like Clara’s blue-ribbon pickles–just as flavorsome as can be.<\/p>\n

And you know if there’s canning going on in Mayberry, then the next thing to come after pickles has to be preserves (or at least jams). Fortunately, Mayberry’s Finest ™ has steered clear of marmalade that smells like paint. Instead they’ve created some truly outstanding Blackberry<\/strong>, Strawberry<\/strong> and Peach jams<\/strong><\/a>. You’ll be tempted to eat them by the spoonful right out of the jar, but we think you’ll find that they’re even better on biscuits and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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GET YOUR TASTE BUDS JAMMIN’–Three jams join popular coffees<\/a><\/strong> and bacon<\/a> <\/strong>in the Mayberry’s Finest™ lineup at Weaver’s! (Sorry…eggs and biscuits not included.)<\/p><\/div>\n

In any case, Mayberry’s Finest ™ is now hitting on all cylinders with a great lineup of food items. And more products are in the works for 2021. Weaver’s is proud to be the online retail partner for these wonderful, official “Andy Griffith Show” gourmet foods from Mayberry’s Finest ™.<\/p>\n

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Miss Crump’s Reading List
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Here are three books about Mayberry that were published (or re-published) in 2020. Read up because more great Mayberry-related books are expected in 2021!<\/p>\n

60 Years of Mayberry<\/em><\/strong><\/a>
\nA Celebration of The Andy Griffith Show<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

New! $22.00<\/strong><\/p>\n

This collection of essays, recollections, and reflections in celebration of\u00a0 the\u00a0 60th Anniversary of\u00a0 the debut of “The Andy Griffith Show” includes writings from:<\/p>\n

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