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Volume 10, Issue 5


November/December 2010

If you cannot view the HTML newsletter (photos), click here to read it at our Web site.

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The eBullet
An Online newsletter of
"The Andy Griffith Show" Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)
Volume 10, Issue 5
November/December 2010
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Mayberry 50th Anniversary Year

Welcome to our fifth and final eBullet for 2010, the 50th Anniversary Year for "The Andy Griffith Show"!  And what a year it has been with great Mayberry celebrations and new products, including a couple of more new ones coming out in the next few weeks (and into early 2011). 

 

**** 50th Anniversary Happenings and Coverage ****

 

There was extensive coverage of the 50th Anniversary with stories by TV Guide, USA Today, countless local papers and TV and radio stations.  Here are links to three of the best newspaper stories.

* The annual Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C., was the single biggest Mayberry event of the year.  Maybe the biggest Mayberry event ever.  The four-day festival drew record crowds (with estimates of 60,000 or more) that filled the streets, performance venues, restaurants, hotels and shops throughout the area.  Wonderful stars and beautiful weather added to the enjoyment of the festival.

   We could go on and on with words about Mayberry Days, but we think we can do even better with photos, and there's no better way than with photos by official Surry Arts Council photographer Hobart Jones.  Here's a link to his Mayberry Days Gallery.  And we can never thank Executive Director Tanya Jones and the Surry Arts Council enough for organizing, hosting and handling every detail of this magnificent event, which has been a fun-filled, heartfelt celebration of Mayberry for 21 years...and counting!

   There was also extensive coverage of Mayberry Days by Mondee Tilley in the Mount Airy News.  You can click on this link and then do an article search for "Mayberry Days" to read in-depth coverage of the Mayberry Days week.

   And the 2010 Mayberry Confidential, official newspaper of Mayberry Days also has detailed info about the festival, as well as the preliminary schedule for 2011.  Some tickets are already available at www.mayberrydays.org.  (When packaging constraints allow, our Weaver's Dept. Store also sends a paper copy of The Mayberry Confidential with orders.)

 

* The debut of the "Andy Griffith Show" car at NASCAR's Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 16 got a lot of attention.  Driver Dave Blaney started the race in 41st position, and had improved his position to 32nd by the end of the race.  Though not one to "speed-speed-speed" like Mayberry's Gilly Walker, Blaney successfully avoided all Checkpoint Chickies that befell several other drivers.  He did Mayberry proud.  Some merchandise featuring the car is in the works, but not yet available.

 

“Andy Griffith Show” car at NASCAR’s Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup race

* Hallmark has a 50th Anniversary TAGS Christmas Ornament this year.  (It's very similar to one produced by Carlton Cards in 2008.)  It's shaped like a vintage TV set, plays the TAGS theme music and sells for about $22.

Hallmark has a 50th Anniversary TAGS Christmas Ornament

   We won't have this one at Weaver's.  Check your nearest Hallmark store for availability.

 

Floyd's Barbershop
Bulletin Board & Event Calendar

Floyd's

The Andy Griffith Museum, featuring Emmett Forrest's amazing collection of Andy Griffith artifacts and memorabilia, is open on its regular daily schedule in Mount Airy, N.C.  For info, visit the Web site at www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

 

50th Anniversary of the airing of the first episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" on CBS.

* Oct. 3: 50th Anniversary of the airing of the first episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" on CBS!


* Dec. 21:
It's a Mayberry Christmas when Betty Lynn greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, N.C., from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m.  Pick up last-minute Christmas gifts at the Museum Gift Shop.  And Betty's autographs are $10 each and include an 8x10 photo.

 

**** 2011 ****

* Jan. 14: The Dilemma, Ron Howard's latest movie as director, opens in theaters nationwide.

 

* Mar. 3-5:  The George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival in Florence, Ala.  Details and guests TBA.  For more info, visit: www.lindseyfilmfest.com.

 

* Sept. 23-25: 22nd Annual Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C.  Shows already confirmed include two concerts by The Doug Dillard Band, "An Afternoon with James Best," "Tied Up in Knotts" starring Karen Knotts, Memories of Elvis with Michael Hoover, the "Salute to Mayberry" with the VW Boys, Professor Brower's Lecture with Neal Brower, the Golf Tournament and Banquet and Colonel Tim's Talent Time.  Tickets are on sale online at http://www.mayberrydays.org.  More stars and events TBA.


* Nov 12-17: A Cruise to Mayberry 6: A 5-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas.  It leaves from Tampa, Fla., with ports-of-call in Cozumel and Costa Maya, and 2 days at sea.  For more details, contact Sharon at All About Cruises by phone (10 a.m.-5 p.m. ET) at 1-800-832-7993.  More details to come.  (Note: You must be part of the "Mayberry Cruise" in order to attend Mayberry portions of the cruise.)

 

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

 

   Andy Griffith was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame on October 7.  He did not attend the induction ceremony.

   Ron Howard's current film as director is The Dilemma, which stars Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin James and Winona Ryder.  It'll be in theaters in January.  Father Rance Howard and brother Clint Howard have roles in the movie.  Ron's Imagine Entertainment has also secured rights to make movies and a TV series of Stephen King's The Dark Tower.  Production is set to begin next year.  Ron is expected to direct at least one of the installments, probably the first.

REMEMBERING MITCH

REMEMBERING MITCH-Members of Missouri Boatride, including Dean Webb on mandolin, played several songs written by Mitch Jayne during an afternoon of celebrating Mitch's life. Mitch's wife Diana is on the first step. Photo by Jo Schaper of www.riverhillstraveler.com.

Allan Newsome and Jackie Joseph

Allan Newsome and Jackie Joseph onstage during this year’s Mayberry Cruise. Photo by Jan Newsome.

   Daughter Bryce Dallas Howard has a good role opposite Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood's Hereafter, which is now in theaters nationwide.  And Ron has frequently been in the gallery watching son Reed play in golf tournaments during recent months (and years).  After a successful collegiate career as an amateur, Reed is trying to qualify for the pro tour this fall.

   Here's a link to a good interview with Ron by reporter Pat Gallagher for AOL's Popeater: Ron Howard Interview.

   George Lindsey was recently profiled in his hometown (Jasper, Ala.) newspaper.  Here's a link: MountainEagleGeorgeLindseyArticle.  He and teammates from his collegiate football team at Florence State (now the University of North Alabama) were also honored during festivities at the school's final home game of the season.

   Betty Lynn continues to greet visitors and sign autographs once a month at the Andy Griffith Museum.  (She sometimes greets and signs more than once a month as she did in September and in October, when she was also at the Museum to mark the 50th Anniversary of TAGS on Oct. 3.)  She's usually there during the afternoon of the third Tuesday of the month, but check the museum's website for the schedule and updates at www.andygriffithmuseum.org.

   Maggie Peterson and Rodney Dillard were a big hit for the annual DARE fundraiser in Troy, N.C., in August and also headlined a 50th Anniversary celebration in Autryville, N.C., in October.  Here's a link to their performance of "There Is a Time" in memory of fellow Darling Mitch Jayne, who passed away just days before the Troy event: ThereIsATimeTroy

   Rodney has also been touring with his Rodney Dillard Band in support of the I Wish Life Was Like Mayberry CD, which was released in September.  (See listing below in the merchandise section.)

   Doug Dillard was featured as the Master Artist for a seminar and Annual Bluegrass Concert at Glenville State College in Glenville, W.V., in October.  Here's a link to some coverage of the event, including some good photos: Doug Dillard at Glenville State.  Keep up with Doug at www.dougdillard.net and www.hillbillyhollywood.com.

   Dean Webb is wrapping up another season performing with the Missouri Boatride Bluegrass Band.  Most of their dates are near the band's home base in Missouri.  You can follow their happenings and schedule at www.missouriboatride.com.

   Dean and Missouri Boatride performed at the Celebration of Life held for Dean's fellow Dillards member and Darling boy Mitch Jayne.  About 200 friends and family from hollers throughout Missouri and all across the country came by a little one-room schoolhouse in Alley Springs for music and fond recollections of Mitch.  Dean's wife, Sandy, and Rodney and Beverly Dillard were among those attending.

   Fresh on the heels of Mayberry Days, Jackie Joseph was a big hit on the Mayberry Cruise 5 to the Bahamas in October.  She was joined by the VW Boys, several Mayberry tribute artists and waves of fans.

   Richard O. (Dick) Linke, TAGS associate producer and longtime personal manager for several TAGS stars, celebrated his 93rd birthday on Oct. 23.  Family and friends gathered at his palatial home on the Big Island in Hawaii.  Dick reports that he and wife Bettina have just completed another large addition to their home.

 

**** Chapter Update ****

 
We're pleased to welcome four new chapters since our last eBullet:

"You Don't Know Us, and We Don't Have a Phone, So There's No Use Tryin' to Call Us Up to Check on It" Shelby, N.C.
"A Bunch of Wisenheimers" Marion, Iowa
"Calvin Coolidge Didn't Say Everything" Gloucester, Va.
"Why You Feudin'?" "'Cause He's a Wakefield." Martinsburg, W.V.
 

   We now have had 1,363 chapters founded since TAGSRWC started in 1979.  If you're interested in starting a chapter of TAGSRWC, all you need to do is choose a name that hasn't already been picked, and submit it with a list of your founding members by U.S. mail to TAGSRWC's HQ in Nashville.  The hardest part is simply finding a name that hasn't already been chosen.  There's a searchable list of chapter names at www.tagsrwc.com

   Once you successfully choose a name that's "all yours and nobody else's," you'll receive your Official Chapter Charter, fancily inscribed (and "suitable for framing") by Sherry Hyatt, one of our "Compelsion Nuts" in East Tennessee.

   What you do as a chapter is entirely up to you.  Your group can do as much or as little as you like.  The idea is simply to have lots of Mayberry fun with whatever you do.

   Or if you're feeling more like a joiner than a starter, you can write to us about how to contact a chapter near you.  Our address is TAGSRWC, 9 Music Square South, PMB 146, Nashville TN  37203-3211.  Or you can 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.)

   Either way, we hope you can enjoy the fun of being part of a TAGSRWC chapter!

 

**** Merchandise Update ****

 

   Here are some of the newest items, including one that's coming out between now and Christmas:

 

"The Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary-The Best of Mayberry" DVD  
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=304
$25.00  $22.00  New!!

Release Date: Dec. 21stTaking Pre-Orders Now!

 

The Andy Griffith Show - 50th Anniversary: The Best of Mayberry

 

   O.K., this is a really exciting new item-one we've long been hoping for-but it's really going to be cutting it close for Christmas.  The official release date is Dec. 21.  Yipes!  The good news is that we're counting on our shipment arriving in time for us to ship a little bit before that date, so that the DVDs can be delivered to all Mayberry homes in time for Christmas.  All indications from the distributor are that that should happen.

   In any case, this is definitely a DVD worth waiting for.  Here's some of what's on it:

* 17 Favorite Episodes:

"Christmas Story"

"The Pickle Story"

"Barney and the Choir"

"Mr. McBeevee"

"Convicts-at-Large"

"Man in a Hurry"

"Class Reunion"

"The Darlings Are Coming"

"Barney's First Car"

"Dogs, Dogs, Dogs"

"Mountain Wedding"

"Opie the Birdman"

"The Sermon for Today"

"Citizen's Arrest"

"Fun Girls"

"Barney's Sidecar"

"Goober and the Art of Love"

* "Danny Meets Andy Griffith" (the "Danny Thomas" pilot for TAGS)
* Clips from Season Premiere nights for the 1962-63 and 1963-64 seasons
* The 1986 Return to Mayberry reunion movie
* "Fishin' Hole" montage
* Sponsor commercials featuring cast members
* And a couple of more special features

     This collection is chockfull of great Mayberry moments.  And the price makes for a truly unbeatable combination of quantity, quality and value.  It's a dream come true for Mayberry fans everywhere.

 

"A Mayberry Christmas" Color Print
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=300
  $60.00  $30.00  New!!!

 

"A Mayberry Christmas" Color Print

 

   Released in time for the holidays, this is the third print in the initial release of three prints in the officially licensed series of Mayberry artwork by acclaimed artist Dave Barnhouse.  (The first two in the series are called "Together Forever" and "Mayberry, My Hometown."  See them below.) 

   Dave Barnhouse has captured the sentiment of the touching Courthouse scene in the "Christmas Story" episode when Ben Weaver generously expresses the spirit of Christmas.  It's one of the all-time classic moments of the series, and one that is sure to instantly cause feelings of holiday joy for anyone who sees it.

The image size of the full-color print measures 18 in. x 24 in. (the image itself is 16 in. x 20 in.).  Dave Barnhouse has signed each print in this open-edition work.

  Apparently already feeling good with the Christmas spirits, Ol' Ben Weaver has trimmed the price of this outstanding print from $60 to an unbelievable $30.  Yes, that's right....half off!   We think Ben's feeling so generous just because he's depicted in the painting, but we'll take whatever price break he gives us!  That 50% savings will definitely "merry up Christmas" for the rest us!   Thanks, ol' Ben!

   Bring a little Mayberry cheer into your home and the homes of friends...even if you don't have a skinny Santa Claus to deliver it!

 

 

 

"Mayberry, My Hometown" Color Print
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=299
  $60.00  $50.00  NEW!!!

"Mayberry, My Hometown" Color Print

 

   Released in September, this is the second print in the initial release of three prints in the officially licensed series of artwork by top nostalgia artist Dave Barnhouse.

   The image size of this giant full-color paper print measures 17.5 in. x 30 in.  The engaging scene of Main Street at night beautifully captures favorite Mayberry characters and landmarks.  What a wonderful depiction of gentle Mayberry life! 

   Once you have this print on a wall, you can sit back and take a stroll with your imagination and escape into this inviting Mayberry scene!

Dave Barnhouse has signed each print in this open-edition work.

    And as a bonus, we've now got this huge print at $10 off the suggested price! 

.

 

 

Limited Edition "Together Forever" 50th Anniversary Color Lithograph  
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=298

by Dave Barnhouse   $130.00  $100.00  NEW!!!

Limited Edition "Together Forever" 50th Anniversary Color Lithograph

   This spectacular print is titled "Together Forever" and is brand new and just in time for the 50th Anniversary of "The Andy Griffith Show."  It's a beautiful rendering by renowned Americana artist Dave Barnhouse.

   The image size of the full-color lithograph measures a generous 17.75 in. x 28 in.  and includes 21 favorite Mayberry characters. 

   The Edition is limited to a total of 5,900 pieces, all signed by the artist.  We expect them to sell out very quickly.

   What a marvelous commemoration for the 50th and beyond that Dave Barnhouse has created for Mayberry fans!

   And even better for Weaver's customers... we've now got this beautiful print for $30 off the suggested price.  We've reduced it from $130 to $100 as a way to celebrate the 50th and make it a little kinder to Christmas budgets as we head into the holiday shopping season.

 

 

 I Wish Life Was Like Mayberry CD
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=301

by Rodney Dillard   $16.00  NEW!!!

I Wish Life Was Like Mayberry CD by Rodney Dillard

 

   This CD, released in September, features Rodney Dillard singing lots of favorite Darlings tunes from "The Andy Griffith Show," along with other popular Dillards tunes and some later songs about the Darlings.  These are some classic bluegrass and Mayberry songs for any fan of, well, bluegrass and Mayberry! 

   Features 19 tracks and some bonus material.  Ol' Ben Weaver knows a toe-tappin' good deal when he sees one!

TRACKS:

1. MAYBERRY MOMENT

2. THE DARLIN' BOYS

3. THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

4. THERE IS A TIME

5. WICKER ROCKING CHAIR

6. DOOLEY

7. DOUG'S TUNE (Instrumental)

8. SALTY DOG

9. EBO WALKER

10. THE MAYBERRY HAT

11. BANJO IN THE HOLLOW (Instrumental)

12. LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS

13. THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW

14. WET SHOES IN THE SUNSET SUITE

15. LEAKY BOAT

16. G-MAN BARNEY

17. PICTURES

18. GOOBER AND ROY

19. PARENTING

Bonus Material: A Tribute to Mayberry Values 
   From the archives of the popular radio show "Mayberry Minute," hosted by Rodney.  The radio show ran nationally for three years as Rodney took a look back at "Andy Griffith Show" episodes and the life lessons they taught.

 

What would Andy Do T-shirtsWhat Would Andy Do? T-Shirt NEW!   $18.00
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=302

   This design on a preshrunk 100% cotton T-shirt in Carolina Blue poses the question whose answer will always get our attention.  (Of course, we all already know the answer..."the right thing.")

   Sort of like a rebus puzzle or the old "Concentration" TV game show, this shirt might give passersby a slight pause before they break into a knowing grin and nods of agreement.

  This is a shirt that makes a statement without ever saying (or even spelling!) a word.

 

50th Anniversary T-shirt

* 50th Anniversary T-Shirt   $18.00
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=290

   Can it really be 50 years?  Shazam!  This shirt has a classic image of Andy, Barney, Opie and Gomer on a heavyweight 100% preshrunk cotton shirt.  The color of the shirt?   Courthouse Coffee, of course!


 

Limited Edition "The Andy Griffith Show" 50th Anniversary Portrait  
Special Price: $60.00 $40.00

http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=259

"The Andy Griffith Show” 50th Anniversary Portrait

   What a beautiful way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of TAGS!  This handsome print is sure to be a cherished lifetime keepsake marking this special time in the history of TAGS.  But more than a keepsake, it's a superb work of art whose many smiling faces will bring instant grins to the faces of everyone who sees it.

   Printed with premium inks on archival paper, this outstanding 12 in. x 16 in. collage pencil portrait is signed and numbered by talented Wilmington (N.C.) artist George Murray and officially licensed by CBS Consumer Products.  It's limited to a maximum of 10,000 prints.

  The suggested gallery price for this commemorative print is $60, but we've got it at Weaver's for just $40. 

 

                                                            And More...

 

   We have the first five seasons of "Matlock," along with all seasons of TAGS (including a Box Set with all eight seasons, the "Danny Thomas" pilot and the Return to Mayberry movie) and all five seasons of "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C."  And we have a nice assortment of the best movies starring Andy Griffith and Don Knotts.  They're in the DVDs Section at Weavers's.

   Also, be sure to check out our Collectibles & Special Items at Weaver's.  There are some unique and rare items there that make special gifts.

The Way Back to Mayberry    Two Mayberry books have come out with new editions in time for the 50th Anniversary.  First, Joey Fann has added a touching new Introduction (and a new cover) to his The Way Back to Mayberry: Lessons From a Simpler Time book, based on the Mayberry Bible Study Class that he created.  The price is still the same ($13.00).

The Andy Griffith Show Book

   And The Andy Griffith Show Book by Goobers Beck and Clark is marking its 25th year with...a new starburst that says 50th Anniversary Edition instead of 40th Anniversary Edition.  (After 25 years of letting the writers tinker with updates, we guess the publisher was just too happy with things to encourage more changes.)  And while the new edition will now cost you 4 cents more in stores (with a cover price going up from $17.95 to $17.99), it's still just $15.00 at Weaver's.

   Also, be sure to check out our Collectibles & Special Items at Weaver's.  There are some unique and rare items there that could make really special gifts.  And we have a wide assortment of great licensed Mayberry products in the Cool Gifts section and throughout the Weaver's shopping area at www.iMayberry.com

 

Holiday Shipping Schedule

   We'll be shipping orders for Christmas that we receive as late as 2 p.m. CT on Dec. 22, but at that point, it likely will take FedEx overnight or 2-Day delivery, which will be an extra charge (whatever FedEx charges).  Our deadline for Priority Mail shipments (no extra charge) will be Noon CT on Dec. 21.  Delivery points fairly close to Nashville might get by with Priority Mail delivery as late as Dec. 22.  But why chance it?  Order early!
 

The Head Elf of our
The Head Elf of our Shipping Dept.

   As mentioned above, the production schedule for the 50th Anniversary DVD will be cutting it extremely close for Christmas delivery, but as of now it looks as though it will indeed make it under the wire at the very last minute.  Just a little holiday excitement for the elves in our shipping department!

 

Phone Orders

   In addition to accepting orders online or by mail, our Weaver's Dept. Store has a phone number FOR ORDERS ONLY (615) 604-1298.  The phone number is generally in operation from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday.  (They sneak out to go fishin' a lot, so if you miss them during business hours, just leave a message with a number where they can call you back.)

   Please call this number only for ordering or for inquiring about orders placed by phone.  All inquiries about online orders and mail orders should be made online and by mail, respectively.

 

**** Coming Soon! ****

Mayberry's Finest Brand Foods, the official food licensee of "The Andy Griffith Show," is commemorating the show's 50th Anniversary with the issue of...

 Mayberry's Finest Special 50th Anniversary Edition Lithographed Gift Tin
http://www.weaversdepartmentstore.com/catalog.php?item=303
Featuring a CD by The Grascals
$22.00  NEW!!!

Being Released in “Early 2011”

 

Mayberry’s Finest special anniversary edition

   Fresh from the oven sometime in "early 2011, this gift tin will contain four of the most popular varieties of Mayberry's Finest baking mixes, such as Peach Cobbler and Cinnamon Toast muffins.  As a treat for fans of the show, the collectible tin features images of some of Mayberry's most representative memorabilia.  

   And as a special feast for the ears, the gift tin will include a brand new CD of Mayberry tunes by the awarding bluegrass band The Grascals.  Among the songs that will make you laugh is a tune they worked up just for this CD.  It's called "Boy, Giraffes Are Selfish."

NOTE:  We had hoped and expected to have this wonderful Gift Tin from Mayberry's Finest in time for Christmas delivery, but there were some unexpected production delays.

   If you have already ordered this Gift Tin from us, you should have received an e-mail from us explaining the situation and possibly some options for your order.  If you haven't ordered yet, we suggest that you hold off until we hear what the new production schedule is from the manufacturer.  

   Because so many people have heard about this Mayberry's Finest Gift Tin and have been searching for it, we're keeping the Gift Tin active on our site for now.  However, we're recommending that you don't actually place an order for the tin until we know the new delivery schedule. 

   The Gift Tin won't be shipped with holiday orders.  If you order the Gift Tin in the same order as other items intended for earlier delivery (such as for Christmas), the other items and the Gift Tin will be processed and shipped separately and have separate flat-rate $5 charges for shipping & handling.  So it's really best to wait and order the Gift Tin later, rather than ordering it now with other items, because the Gift Tin will be treated as a separate order anyway.

   Thanks for your patience in ordering this special item, which should definitely be worth a little extra wait.
.

**** Chapter News ****

 

 

   The biggest chapter news recently was simply all the chapters and TAGSRWC members in general who attended Mayberry Days in September.  Many make the pilgrimage most years, but some hadn't been in several years, including Lyle Fales of Mayberry Founders Day Committee and Mayberry Town Council chapters (Stanton, Mich.).  It brought a smile to many faces to see the former Mayberry Days pie-eating champ back after about 15 years.  And similar stories and reunions among old friends were happening constantly throughout the festival.  And just as many new friendships were born, too.

Brook Alexander (left) and his wife, Jana, visit TAGSRWC Co-founder with Doug Dillard

IT’S ABOUT TIME—TAGSRWC Co-founder Brook Alexander (left) and his wife, Jana, visit with Doug Dillard during one of his Mayberry Days shows, which featured a reunion with popular Doug Dillard Band members Ginger Boatwright and Roger Rasnake. By the way, this was Brook’s first Mayberry Days!

   The Mayberry Days Silent Auction and Raffle, spearheaded by Jeff Koontz and other members of our online "Who's Been Messin' Up the Bulletin Board?" chapter, raised over $2,500 for the Surry Arts Council this year!  A special thanks to all who donated their time and fantastic items and to Janine Johnson of Opie chapter (Orlando, Fla.) for donating the Complete Series Box Set for the raffle.  Atta girl, Janine!

   TAGSRWC's two major awards were presented during the club's Annual Meeting during Mayberry Days.  The Mayberry Friendship Award was presented to Tim Pettigrew, who has given generously of his time and talents for years as a tribute artist of Goober.  He always brings the warmth and humor of Mayberry (and of his own) to events covering a wide area, and is a very deserving recipient of this recognition.

   The Jim Schwenke Memorial Award was presented to the Sullivan Family, including Tammy and Kenneth and their sons Jamie and Matthew.  The Sullivans have been involved in all aspects of most major Mayberry events for many years.  Jamie has been the premier Opie tribute artist for so many years that he has finally aged out of the part and is now attending college.  All of the Sullivans have been particularly avid supporters of Eagles' Wings (www.eagleswingsoftuscaloosa.org), an organization helping adults with disabilities in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and an organization that TAGSRWC and many of our members and several of our chapters actively support.

   Our congratulations and appreciation to Tim and the Sullivans for their contributions to TAGSRWC, Mayberry and beyond!

   About 20 members of The Duck Pond Gang (Mountain City, Tenn.) celebrated their third anniversary as a chapter in July with a cookout and activities, including an Ernest T. Bass Rock-Throwing Contest.  The chapter also enjoyed hearty eatin' at "Sammich Night" for their August meeting.  And the chapter hosted the Second Annual "Movies in the Park" featuring TAGS episodes on Oct. 2.

   TAGSRWC members and about 30 others attended a Mayberry Night celebrating the 50th Anniversary of TAGS at Christ Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minn.  Ken Anderson, author of Mayberry Reflections, was the featured speaker for a night that also included watching "The New Housekeeper," eating desserts and drawing door prizes.

   Brand new "A Bunch of Wisenheimers" chapter in Marion/Cedar Rapids, Iowa, wants folks to know that they're eager to get in touch with other fans in the area.  The chairman of their "Tin Foil Drive" (aka "Calling All Area Goobers" Effort!) can be reached at RUATAGSNUT@gmail.com.

   And that's a good reminder for us to mention that any chapters wanting to get in touch with potential new members (and vice versa) should let us know by writing to Goober@iMayberry.com and we'll help spread the word through The eBullet and in the Chapters area of www.tagsrwc.com, and we'll let fans looking for chapters know how they can reach a chapter near them.

 

   **** Mayberry on the Web ****

 

   For over two years now, www.iMayberry.com/podcasts has been the home of the Two Chairs, No Waiting Internet Radio Show (a podcast) hosted by Allan Newsome

   As most of our readers likely know, Allan is our Webmaster at iMayberry.com and has been very active in TAGSRWC since 1992.  If you've attended various Mayberry events through the years, you've probably seen Allan as an outstanding tribute artist for Floyd the Barber. 

Two Chairs No Waiting Mayberry Podcast   Two Chairs, No Waiting has TAGS news, interviews and pretty much whatever happens to be going on in and around Mayberry.  Allan is doing a really bang-up job on these podcasts.  There's a new episode every Tuesday and also an Archives in case you want to listen to episodes you've missed.  (There have been more than 100 episodes so far!)  We think you'll find these podcasts creative, fun and informative.  There's a lot of info and discussions that you simply won't find anywhere else.

   If you've got sound on your computer or have an iPod or similar device, you can easily tune in or download these podcasts.  There are all sorts of ways to interact with the podcasts, including several options for giving your feedback.  So pull up a chair and enjoy the fun of bringing what is basically Radio Free Mayberry to you wherever you are! 

   And there's also a Brother Figure podcast to Two Chairs, No Waiting.  Burke on Mayberry PodcastIt's hosted by longtime TAGSRWC member Kevin Burke, who does a great job of describing and discussing individual episodes.  It's called Burke on Mayberry.  Check it out.

 

 

TAGSRWC Facebook Fan Page

   TAGSRWC's official page on Facebook has just celebrated its first year!  So far, over 6,000 friends have joined our Facebook group, which you can find at www.facebook.com/tagsrwc.  We hope you'll check out our Facebook page and be a part of helping it grow and spreading the word about Mayberry news and activities by becoming a fan with TAGSRWC.  Drop by when you have a chance and say, "Hey!" 

 

**** Miss Crump's Mayberry Quizzes ****

 

Miss Crump’s Mayberry Quizzes

Well, Miss Crump is still shocked and displeased with us (just look at her!), because there's no trivia quiz once again for this issue.  There's no excuse except just dog laziness on the part of the staff in our newsroom (what staff in what newsroom?).  Maybe we'll have fresh inspiration for doing some quizzes in the new year.  We even have some questions already in the hopper from a guest contributor.  How much easier does it need to be for us?  (Well, apparently, at least a little easier than it is!)

   Anyway, enjoy the early holiday break from Miss Crump's classroom.  Class dismissed!

 

**** 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 within about a week of its being distributed.

   Between issues of The eBullet, keep up with the goings-on 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 has its own password-protected Archives where you can follow the ongoing stream of messages.

   TAGSRWC also publishes 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 newsflashes.  To sign up, go to: Weaver's Newsletter Sign-Up

   TAGSRWC's other main vehicle for Mayberry information is simply our Web site 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 issue of The eBullet is scheduled for January, with the next Weaver's Newsletter planned for December.

Merry Christmas

Wishing You a Mayberry Christmas!