*********************************************
The eBullet
An Online newsletter of
"The Andy Griffith Show" Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)
Volume 4, Issue 3  August 17, 2004

*********************************************


Welcome to our 16th issue of "The eBullet," the third for 2004. There's a lot of really big news and several super new products, so we'll get right to it.

**** THE BIG STORY-GUESS WHO'S COMING TO MAYBERRY DAYS! ****

  Oh, sure. We've said it before. And we've meant it. But this time, it's really big. Big, big! Aw, big really ain't the word for it.

  It's the 15th annual Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C., Sept. 23-26. And guess who's coming to town to help celebrate. Andy Griffith!

  Whoa, Nellie! That's right. The Man Himself is coming to Mayberry Days-something for which fans fondly have hoped for many years.

  And Andy's not coming empty-handed either. He's bringing a TV Land Landmark statue to dedicate in his hometown. That's about as big as things can get in Mayberry.

  And many of the nice folks at TV Land, which has made the statue possible, are coming, too. God love their rerun-airing hearts!

  It is indeed fitting and proper that Mount Airy be home to this special TV Land Landmark tribute to "The Andy Griffith Show."

  Even before the other TV Land Landmark to TAGS (dedicated in Raleigh last October) was repeatedly vandalized (shame on those perpetrators!), many fans, while holding no malice toward Raleigh, have fervently wished that perhaps a "second inauguration" of TV Land's statuary tribute to Mayberry would one day happen in Mount Airy, Andy's hometown.

In a joint statement released by the Surry Arts Council, Andy and Cindi Griffith have the following to say about Mount Airy, Mayberry, and the upcoming festivities during Mayberry Days:

"Andy has always been proud to be a member of the 'Griffith' family and proud to have been born and raised in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

"When he met Sheldon Leonard in 1959 and they created 'The Andy Griffith Show,' Andy always wanted 'Mayberry' set in 'The Old North State,' 'where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.'

"We have always maintained that 'The Andy Griffith Show' was indeed in the fictional town of Mayberry, as Mount Airy has its own proud history. We are especially happy with the success of the Surry Arts Council and appreciate the leadership of Tanya Rees, Emmett Forrest and Kester Sink.

"The beautiful statue the folks at TV Land had created for 'The Andy Griffith Show' was originally established in Raleigh, as that city is our capital and therefore represents all North Carolinians.

"We would like to thank TV Land and the creators of the statue for agreeing to place another statue in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse, a symbol of Surry County's commitment to the Arts. Perhaps our beautiful granite from our Mount Airy quarry will help protect this representation of 'A sweeter time,' 'A gentler place' and all that is best about Mount Airy."

  As of now, the plan is for Andy and officials from TV Land and Mount Airy to unveil the statue at 9:30 a.m. on Friday (Sept. 24) during Mayberry Days at the city's brand new amphitheater (still under construction across the street from the Andy Griffith Playhouse). Plans are in the early stages, so the location and time could change.

  It has not been determined at this point whether Andy and his wife, Cindi, will be able to attend other portions of Mayberry Days. Of course, we all hope that they can, but as Andy Taylor told Gomer about his date with Mary Grace, "Don't over-expect."

  At the same time, remember how we always encourage you not to wait until the last minute to make plans and order tickets for the ticketed portions of Mayberry Days? We weren't just crying "wolf." We recall the words of Mayberry's Mayor Pike, when the big motion-picture-making company came to town: "We tried to tell them, didn't we, Andy?" Visit http://www.surryarts.org or call 1-800-286-6193 for tickets and complete Mayberry Days info.

  And boy howdy. As if it weren't enough that Andy and Cindi Griffith will be attending Mayberry Days, there's much more in store. Also expected to be on hand are-hang on to your hats-two Darling boys (Doug Dillard and Rodney Dillard) and their TV sister, Maggie Peterson Mancuso. And we're not done yet. More TAGS favorites scheduled are composer Earle Hagen, Betty Lynn, LeRoy "Mack" McNees and perennial Mayberry Days favorite George Spence.

  The time and location of the statue dedication may change for some unexpected reason between now and Sept. 24.Check out http://www.surryarts.org or the Event Calendar at http://www.surryarts.orghttp://www.tagsrwc.com for continual updates. It's BIG!


**** EVENT CALENDAR ****

* Aug. 12: David Browning performs with Carl Hurley's Cavalcade of Comedy in Asheville, N.C.

* Aug. 15: David Browning meets the Mets for a night at the ballpark in Kingsport, Tenn.

* Aug. 20: Mayberry Night in Oakboro, N.C., featuring David "Mayberry Deputy" Browning, Phil "Ernest T." Fox, Kenneth "Otis" Junkin, Jeff "Howard" Branch, Jamie "Opie" Sullivan and a local "Darlin' Band." Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets for reserved seating are $15.00 each. For info, visit http://www.oakboromusichall.com.

* Aug. 21 and 22: Twilight Zone Convention in North Hollywood, Calif. At least five actors from "The Andy Griffith Show" are scheduled to attend the "Stars of the Zone" convention at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood. Those actors are Ruta Lee, William Schallert, Morgan Brittany, Barbara Stuart and Bill Erwin. For more information about the convention, visit http://www.twilightzoneconvention.com

* Aug. 27: The Roland White Band performs at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn. Admission is $8.00.

* Sept. 17: Doug Dillard, Rodney Dillard, Maggie Peterson Mancuso (three of Mayberry's real-life Darlings), and Mayberry alum LeRoy "Mack" McNees will be joined by character "tribute artists" David "Mayberry Deputy" Browning, Allan "Floyd" Newsome, Kenneth "Otis" Junkin, and Jeff "Howard Sprague" Branch for the "Evening of Mayberry" at the Glenville (W.V) State College Bluegrass Festival. For more info, visit http://phantomphiddler.com/bluegrassfestival/pages/schedule.htm

* Sept. 17: The Roland White Band performs at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn. Admission is $8.00.

* Sept. 23-26: 15th Annual Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C. Tickets are on sale now. Visit http://www.surryarts.org or call 1-800 286-6193 for info or tickets. Stars confirmed to attend so far include Andy Griffith (notice how we just floated that out there!), Doug Dillard, Rodney Dillard, Earle Hagen, Betty Lynn, Maggie Peterson Mancuso, LeRoy McNees and George Spence.
  Also look for David Browning, Allan Newsome, Michael "Elvis" Hoover and other favorite tribute artists, along with The VW Boys and much more. Visit http://www.surryarts.org for the updated schedule and ticket info. Or call the sponsoring Surry Arts Council.

* Oct. 10: George Lindsey performs at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia. Times TBA.

* Oct. 19: George Lindsey performs at the North Carolina State Fair at Raleigh's Dorton Arena at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

* Oct. 23: The Roland White Band performs at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn. Admission is $8.00.

* Nov 26: The Roland White Band performs at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn. Admission is $8.00.

* Dec. 10: David Browning performs as Ebeneezer for the "Scrooge Dinner" at the Oakboro Music Hall. For info, visit http://www.oakboromusichall.com.

* Dec. 10 and 11: The Roland White Band performs at 9 p.m. at the Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn., as part of Bill Monroe Appreciation Nights.

* Mar. 18, 2005: Tentative release date for Ron Howard's "Cinderella Man."

* Apr. 22-25, 2005: 8th Annual George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival on the campus of the University of North Alabama in Florence. Visit http://www.lindseyfilmfest.com for more info.

  We suggest that you regularly check the Events Calendar at http://www.tagsrwc.com for more information and updates about these events and others that might be added between now and the next issue of "The eBullet."


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

  As we look forward to an extraordinary Mayberry Days in September, it's amazing to reflect on what a busy, wonderful time we've already had in Mayberry so far this year.

  Three terrific Mayberry events with significant gatherings of TAGS cast members have graced the summer so far. First was the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals in Brent, Ala., starring George Lindsey, Maggie Peterson Mancuso and James Best.

  Next up was the Mayberry Cast Reunion at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. On hand for that successful event were Don Knotts, George Lindsey, The Dillards (Rodney Dillard, Doug Dillard and Dean Webb), Betty Lynn, Howard Morris, Maggie Peterson Mancuso and Elinor Donahue.

  Then came the third annual Mayberry in the Midwest in New Castle, Ind. It starred Elinor Donahue, Barbara Stuart, George Lindsey, Betty Lynn and Maggie Mancuso, Ronnie Schell, Doug Dillard, Rodney Dillard, Dean Webb and Keith Thibodeaux. It was a truly special event.


  Elsewhere among the Cast & Crew...


  Don Knotts provides the voice of Turkey Mayor in the animated "Chicken Little" movie that is currently in production at Disney. It is scheduled for release sometime in 2005. Meanwhile, Don celebrated his 80th birthday relatively quietly and had his customary summer trip to his hometown of Morgantown, W.V., for his high school reunion (he was class president).

  Ron Howard is currently directing "Cinderella Man," starring Russell Crowe as boxer Jim Braddock. The movie also stars Ren‚e Zellweger.

  Meanwhile, Ron continues to serve as executive producer and narrator for the acclaimed TV series "Arrested Development," which aired on Fox on Sunday nights during the recent season. And Ron is a producer for the feature film "Curious George," which is currently filming, and "Tru Blu," which is scheduled for release in 2006. Ron's Imagine Entertainment film company also owns the movie rights to "The Da Vinci Code," which Ron is expected to direct and which will likely be released in late 2005 or early 2006. Also, Bryce Howard, one of Ron and Cheryl Howard's daughters, is get great reviews as the lead actress in "The Village," which has been No. 1 at the box office and is still going strong in theaters nationwide.

  While founding Dillards member Dean Webb is still playing mandolin and singing on some Dillards reunion dates with Rodney and Doug Dillard, he's also performing five nights a week through October (with lunch cruises in November) with the band Missouri Boat Ride on a bluegrass dinner cruise aboard the American Star as it cruises beautiful Table Rock Lake. For more info about the cruises, visit http://www.BransonsAmericanStar.com. Dean and the band have also recorded a fine bluegrass CD titled "Missouri Boat Ride" (available at our Weaver's Dept. Store online).

  And when he's not touring with The Dillards, Rodney Dillard and wife Beverly (and sometimes with daughter Rachel) bring their inspirational "Mayberry Values in Today's World" ministry of music, stories, and testimonials to churches in the Midwest and South. Rodney and Beverly have also recorded their first album together. It's a beautiful gospel collection called "Heaven."

  Jim Nabors sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" again at the Indy 500. Before he sang, he also received the "Unsung Hero" award from Indy drivers during their pre-race meeting. He also had a successful July concert in Lancaster, Penn.

  George Lindsey is staying busy as the new host for the popular weekly series "Liars & Legends" on cable's Turner South. He taped his fourth round of six episodes in Atlanta last month. (Turner South is available on cable systems in many markets in the southern United States and via satellite. New episodes usually air on Thursdays, but check local listings.)

  Look for Elinor Donahue in a small role in "The Princess Diaries 2," in theaters August 11.

  Earle Hagen and his music were saluted at the "TV Night" concert at the Hollywood Bowl on July 9, which also just happened to be Earle's 85th birthday. The music of other composers was played that night as well, but Earle's many classic TV themes highlighted the evening.

  Jean Carson is still recovering well from abdominal surgery in May. She has expressed her sincere thanks to fans for our prayers and cards of encouragement. She missed June's reunion in Nashville, but hopes to be back to full Fun Girl speed soon.

  Bernard Fox also has been dealing with some minor surgeries (Is there such a thing?!) He's on top of things and is doing very well, but unfortunately he had to bow out of the Mayberry cast reunion in Nashville.

  We're sorry to report the passing of two actors who gave memorable performances in Mayberry.

  First, Doris Dowling, who played Floyd's lonely-hearts pen pal Madelyn Grayson in "Floyd the Gay Deceiver" (Episode #71), died of natural causes in Los Angeles on June 18.

  She was born in Detroit and made her film debut in "The Lost Weekend," which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1945. She went on to appear in such notable films as "The Blue Dahlia" and Orson Welles'"Othello." Much of her film work was overseas, especially in Italy. She also performed in more than 100 TV shows, from "Playhouse 90" to "The Dukes of Hazzard" and the miniseries, "Scruples." And she was for many years on the board of directors for Theater East in Los Angeles. Her first husband was bandleader Artie Shaw. She is survived by her third husband, Leonard Kaufman, and one son, Jonathan Shaw.

  There will always be a place in Mayberry hearts for the lady who briefly captured Floyd's heart.

  We regret to report that Sam Edwards died of heart failure on July 28, in Durango, Colo., at age 89. He appeared as family-man moonshiner Sam Muggins in "Christmas Story" (Episode #11) and as Lester Scobey in "Andy Forecloses" (Episode #28). He also appeared in smaller roles in three other TAGS episodes, plus an episode each of "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." and "Mayberry R.F.D."

  Sam Edwards was born in Macon, Ga., in 1915, into an acting family. He appeared in over 100 episodes of TV shows (including five seasons as recurring banker Bill Anderson on "Little House on the Prairie" and many guest spots on "Dragnet") and in more than three dozen films (from "East Side Kids" in 1940 and "Captain Midnight" in 1942 and "Twelve O'Clock High" in 1949 to "Escape to Witch Mountain" in 1975 and "The Postman Always Rings Twice" in 1981).

  He was even more prolific in his voice work for radio, animated productions and record albums. Along with Mayberry's Howard McNear and Parley Baer, he was a regular, as many characters, on radio's "Gunsmoke." He was a voice for Thumper in Disney's "Bambi" and did voices for Tigger and Owl on "Winnie-the-Pooh" albums for Disney. Along with fellow Mayberrians, such as Hal Smith, Howard Morris and Allan Melvin, Sam Edwards was one of Hollywood's most "in demand" voice actors.

  He also enjoyed a wonderful 20-year retirement as he attended old-time radio conventions and traveled the country in the family RV with wife Beverly, a noted travel writer.

  Sam Edwards is survived by his wife, children William, Deborah and Linda, and his brother, actor Jack Edwards.

  We haven't even scratched the surface of the marvelous career of Sam Edwards. (If you want to read a magnificently detailed and loving biography about him by his son, Bill, visit http://www.perfesserbill.com/sam_bio.shtml.) In Mayberry, Sam Edwards' roles as Sam Muggins and Lester Scobey are wonderful monuments to his career that fans will enjoy for generations. TAGSRWC has made a donation to the Surry Arts Council in his memory.

  Most of the other news for the Cast & Crew is in the Event Calendar.


**** MERCHANDISE UPDATE ****

  Though the Weaver's Web site is "always" ready and pleased to accept your orders whenever you decide to order, 24 hours a day, we do want to let you know that our Shipping Dept. will be on vacation from Aug. 12 to 23. The Web site (and phone order line) can still receive your orders during that time, but the orders won't be shipped until the Shipping Dept. returns to work on Aug. 24. So if you need an order delivered before about Aug. 28, we encourage you to get your order in to us by about Aug. 10, if possible. Thanks for your patience while we let our Shipping Dept. take a summer break.

  We have lots more items at our Weaver's Web site than we can possibly fit in this newsletter. You can find our full lineup of items (including Mayberry Bible Study materials, sweatshirts, more T-shirts, welcome mats, deputy patches, license plate holders, artwork, rare collectibles, and much more) at http://www.tagsrwc.com/weavers.

  We also have a phone order line available for everybody's shopping convenience. The number is (615) 604-1298. Our phone line has new part-time hours beginning this month. It will generally be manned Mon.-Sat., 5 p.m.-9 p.m. CT. There will not always be somebody there even during those times. However, you can always leave a message 24 hours a day and we'll call you back "on our nickel" to get your order at a time convenient to you. (Especially for East Coast callers, if you have an evening number that you can leave for a call back, that's best.) And of course you can always order online or by mail any time.

  During Mayberry Days and year-round, you can also find most of our items at our location on the third floor of the Main-Oak Emporium at 245 City Hall Street (also with a Main Street entrance at our third-floor level) in Mount Airy, N.C.

  And we have a selection of some of our most popular items available at Star Station, 9 Music Square South in Nashville, Tenn., Mon. to Fri. from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  The biggest Mayberry product news is about an item that's not quite available yet. The entire first season of TAGS is being released on DVD by Paramount Home Video on Nov 16!! This a change from the Oct. 12 date some of you might have heard about. You can be sure that Weaver's will be well-stocked and ready to ship them on that day. We expect these DVDs to be of exceptional quality and uncut. If sales go well, Paramount plans to release the other seven seasons an entire season at a time. We'll probably have our Weaver's Web site set up to start taking orders for the DVD set around Nov. 1.

  But here are the newest items that are now in stock:

* 2005 "ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW" CALENDAR ($13.00) NEW!
http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com/coolstuff.htm#Calendar2005
For the first time ever, there is an "Andy Griffith Show" calendar two years in a row. This 2005 calendar (the fifth Mayberry calendar since the first in 1989) follows the basic design of the 2004 calendar. It has black-and-white photos from favorite moments featuring Andy, Barney, Opie, Aunt Bee and Gomer. The main difference from the 2004 calendar (besides of course the year) is that all of the photos are correctly placed and not reversed, as all the photos were in the infamous and highly collectible 2004 calendar (we still have a few available). The calendar measures 11 x 12 in. when folded. Unfolded and displayed, it will bring Mayberry joy all year long at home or at work. Can't wait to start your Christmas shopping? What better way than a date (or 365) with Mayberry!

* FRAMED GOMER PYLE PHOTO SIGNED BY JIM NABORS ($59.00) NEW!
http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com/collection/artgallery.htm
We're pleased to offer this brand new matted and framed photo of Gomer Pyle at the gas pump signed by Jim Nabors. In addition to the large photo of Gomer, there's text about his role on the show and a second photo of Andy Griffith, Don Knotts and Jim Nabors sitting in chairs during a break in filming. A snapshot of Jim signing the prints at his beachfront home in Hawaii and a certificate of authenticity are attached to the back of the print. The black frame measures 11 x 14 in. Limited Edition of 5,000.

  Special Offer: Order the similar signed Barney Fife Print that we offer and the signed Gomer Pyle Print as a pair for only $110.00 and save $8.00 (vs. buying them separately) quicker than you can say, "Shazam!"

* BARNEY BIG HOUSE "MASTER OF THE BIG HOUSE" TIN SIGN($13.00) NEW!
http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com/collection/artgallery.htm#master
This newest of the Mayberry tin signs measures 12.5 x 16 in. and lets the whole universe know which deputy is "Dedicated to Duty" and in charge at The Rock. "All right, shakedown!"  Price $13.00. The "Set of All Six Tin Signs" is $66.00.

* MAYBERRY REVISITED: A TRIBUTE TO THE DARLIN'S CD ($12.00) NEW!
http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com/music/dillards.htm#Revisited
Some of Nashville's top musicians who are fans of both The Dillards and Mayberry have come together to perform on this musical salute to the legendary Dillards and their Mayberry alter-egos, the Darlings.

  On this CD, you'll find songs that the Darling boys played on "The Andy Griffith Show" and some that they talked about playing and even started to play, but had to stop because they made Charlene, Briscoe or baby Andelina cry. This album is released with the enthusiastic blessings of The Dillards.

  "These guys are doing a wonderful job carrying on the 'Mayberry musical tradition.' It's very uplifting to see that Mayberry values still live on in so many people's hearts. God bless you."- Rodney Dillard

  There are 10 tracks on the CD, some as instrumentals and some beautifully sung in the Darlings style. The songs included are:

1. Dooley
2. Shuckin' The Corn
3. Shady Grove
4. Cripple Creek
5. Old Joe Clark
6. Till the End of the World Goes Round
7. Boil Them Cabbage Down
8. There Is a Time
9. Lonesome Road Blues
10. Ruben's Train

  We're proud to be the first outlet to offer this super CD. It's sure to provide toe-tapping enjoyment for any fan of The Dillards, the Darlings, Mayberry and outstanding bluegrass music.

* THE MISSOURI BOAT RIDE CD ($15.00) NEW!
http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com/music/dillards.htm#dean
Dillards founding member and mandolin player Dean Webb is picking bluegrass a lot these days aboard the American Star cruise boat on Table Rock Lake, near Branson. The group is called The Missouri Boat Ride and their self-titled CD has some great picking and singing. We're pleased to offer it.  Here are the 14 cuts included by Dean and the boys:

1. Old Train
2. Some Old Day
3. Old and in the Way
4. Sled Ridin'
5. Vincent Black Lightning 1952
6. Man of Constant Sorrow
7. How Mountain Girls Can Love
8. Rebel Soldier
9. Old Blue
10. Old Home Place
11. Foggy Mountain Special
12. Steam Powered Airplane
13. Back to the Old Home
14. Circle Be Unbroken

  It's a terrific CD to listen to while cruising around on a boat or on the road. Or even while just sitting at home on the couch! Price: $15.00

  And two of other recent items in the last few months:

* MAYBERRY BAIT AND TACKLE BLANKET/THROW
http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com/weaversnew1.htm#bait
This newest of the Mayberry throws is perfect for anybody who enjoys Mayberry's connection to fishing and the happy faces of Andy, Barney, Opie, and Gomer. This giant tapestry throw, which is fringed around the entire border, measures a whopping 58 in. x 65 in. It's perfect outdoors for picnics or indoors for couch potatoes! The throw gives the general impression of being primarily tan and brown from a distance, but close up you can see that it's actually an intricate weave of a rainbow of colors. How did Aunt Bee and Clara pull that off!

  The throw is made of acrylic and cotton and is easy to care for. It can be gently machine washed or dry-cleaned. Go on...take the bait. It's a great value for just $39.00.

* "ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW" CERAMIC/TIN CONTAINER
http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com/weaversnew1.htm#cookie_2004
This brand new collectible container is part tin and part ceramic. It's capped off with a classic Mayberry touch...a Sheriff Dept. cap! It's about a foot high and about 8 inches in diameter. Perfect for storing anything from cookies to those extra bullets. The price is currently just $36.00. NOTE: The price is expected to go up by as much as $6.00 after this introductory offer. We expect the price increase to take effect before the end of the summer, probably around Aug. 1.

  See all of these items and many, many more at TAGSRWC's Web site at http://www.WeaversDepartmentStore.com .


**** CHAPTER UPDATE ****

We have one new chapter since the last "eBullet." It is:

Mrs. Wiley's Social Club for Mayberry Singles  Nashville, Tenn.

  That brings our total number of chapters founded since 1979 to 1,263. If you are interested in starting a chapter of TAGSRWC, all you have to do is pick a name that has not already been chosen and submit a list of your founding members by postal mail. Or write to us also if you would like to contact a chapter near you. Our address is TAGSRWC, 9 Music Square South, PMB 146, Nashville, TN  37203-3286.



**** CHAPTER NEWS ****

Our biggest news flashes from chapters since the last issue of "The eBullet" are the three super events with cast members that were spearheaded by chapters this summer.

  First was the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals in Brent, Ala., in June. It was hosted by our "Hearty Eatin' Men and Beautiful, Delicate Women" chapter of Tuscaloosa. Several squad replicas, a good bunch of chapters, George Lindsey, Maggie Mancuso and James Best were joined by a continuous flow of about 5,000 people and a few mules during the daylong celebration that was part of the City of Brent's Mule Day.

  "Well, My Face Don't Let On" chapter (Mt. Juliet/Nashville, Tenn.) was the organizing chapter for the Mayberry Cast Reunion at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville the weekend after the Nationals. Nine cast members and hundreds of fans attended the two-day event.

  And 10 cast members and many hundreds of fans attended Mayberry in the Midwest III hosted by "This Is a Body of a Judy Fighter-I'm a Deadly Weapon" chapter in New Castle, Ind.

  Howard Sprague impersonator Jeff Branch doesn't have an official chapter yet, but we're sure he's working on it after hosting Doug Dillard, Rodney Dillard and Maggie Mancuso for two concerts at his Oakboro (N.C.) Music Hall in July and also hosting a Mayberry Night with assorted look-alikes on Aug. 20.


  In other news since the last issue...


  For its May meeting, Barney chapter (Greensboro, N.C.) had a party to celebrate all kinds of occasions, including National Potato Week and Sir Walter Raleigh Landing Day. To give you an idea of what kind of goings-on went on, there was a pi¤ata shaped like a still (no, we haven't been in the Mulberry squeezin's, but we can't speak for everyone!). Attendees took their best shots at the pi¤ata by going "pow-pow-pow!"

  Jeff Koontz of "Some of Us Got It...Some of Us Ain't" chapter (Clayton, N.C.) reports that "We met for an evening of bowling. We had a good crowd with seven attendees. No one came close to a perfect game, but Scott did have a personal best of 176. The owner let us watch 'Howard the Bowler' on the monitors adjacent to the scores. He actually set it to run on all the monitors not being used to keep score, so the league bowlers watched with us. He said they enjoyed it once they figured out what it was. It was an awesome sight looking down the alley and seeing TAGS playing on 20-some monitors!"

  Mary Stearns and John Tuley of Pepperelli Pizza chapter (Raeford, N.C.) tied the knot during a lovely backyard ceremony in May. Members of "Never Hit Your Grandma with a Great Big Stick" chapter (Tifton, Ga.) were among those who performed music during the wedding. (Yes, they did render "There Is a Time" on banjo and guitar.) Members of Andy chapter (Nashville, Tenn.) also attended, but didn't sing-not a lick.

  A member of "I Was a Pawn in the Hand of a Wily Woman" (Plainview, Nebr.) dropped by to visit Andy chapter on the way to a darling cabin retreat in the East Tennessee mountains with two other escapees, who were also members of the Internet's "Who's Been Messing' Up the Bulletin Board?" (a.k.a. WBMUTBB?) chapter.

  Speaking of WBMUTBB? chapter, they organize the Silent Auction fund-raiser for the Surry Arts Council during Mayberry Days every year. They encourage fellow fans to donate Mayberry-related crafts and other items to this worthwhile effort to provide some much-needed support to the Surry Arts Council, which puts on Mayberry Days. For more info, check out the Silent Auction link in the Mayberry Days section of http://www.surryarts.org.

  A member of Mavis Neff chapter (Durham, N.C.) ended up "going to Nashville" this spring and was all "bubbly-wubbly" visiting Andy chapter.

  Mayberry chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) put out an outstanding edition of its "Mayberry Minutes" newsletter in both July.

  With summer also came the latest buzz from "The Firefly", the newsletter of "Doggone Firefly Hit Me, Knocked Me Right Down" chapter in Huntingburg, Ind.

  Members of "Move Over, I'm Driving" chapter (Shawnee, Kans.) were at the Mayberry in the Midwest event in July. But that's not the news they want to report. They were pickled tink to read in their local paper about Brenda VanHyning who gave chase to an impolite man who violated the "No Soliciting" sign on her property. Even though she had a cast on one foot, she was able to catch the man and tackle him (she made her whole body into a weapon)-all while yelling, "Citizen's arrest! Citizen's Arrest!" The poor criminal who was nabbed must have wondered whether he was in Kansas anymore or had been knocked all the way to Mayberry.

  And Jack Surrency, a member by default of "Omen of the Owl" chapter (Jacksonville, Fla.) reports that he is teaching a humanities course at Florida Community College called "The Andy Griffith Show: Would Plato Approve?" The course deals with the concept of Utopia and includes watching episodes of TAGS. (Sounds like Utopia to us!)



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

Answer to Miss Crump's Mayberry Quiz #59

  Only two people got all of the answers correct to this quiz. They are Susan Dougherty of Ridgeley, W.V., and Chris Ingle of Tazewell, Tenn. Congratulations to both Susan and Chris! Rather than draw one winner from a hat, we'll give both of them a prize-their choice of any single item offered online at Weaver's Dept. Store (except for the Mayberry Squad Car Cookie Jar or items in the Collectibles section).

  The answers we were looking for were:
  1. Maureen O'Sullivan's swimming ability was admired by Goober.
  2. Floyd Lawson was quoting Calvin Coolidge when he said, "I do not choose to run."
  3. "Quiet Sam" Becker was described by Barney as parking his truck "just two inches inside the law."
  4. Among the times (just three were needed) that Barney talks about the operation of a camera are when he sets up "high-speed photographic surveillance and reconnaissance" trying to solve the "Great Filling Station Robbery" at Wally's; when he's looking for his "Lucky Letter" at the dump and comes across the magazine that used a "fast lens" to take a picture of the ribbon on the centerfold's foot; when he brags about how his fast-draw has never been successfully photographed when discussing "Crime-free Mayberry" with photographer Joe Layton; and, the time, while on vacation, when "Andy Saves Gomer," Barney writes in a letter about getting four pictures for a quarter in a picture booth (they turned brown later).
  5. Mayor Pike talks about how the old oak tree is "full of twig girdlers" when "Mayberry Goes Hollywood."

BONUS: Howard Sprague says he followed his rainbow to the wrong end when he went to the Caribbean. (He realized that his pot of gold was in Mayberry all along.)


Miss Crump's Mayberry Quiz #60

  We have just one question this time: Name 12 distinct instances of specific unseen motorized vehicles that are mentioned or noted by Mayberrians.

  The deadline for entries to be post-marked is October 15, 2004. Answers will be published in the final issue of "The Pocket" in November and in the December "eBullet." Same prize as the previous quiz. Good luck!


**** POSTNOTE ****

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

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

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

  "The Pocket" is continuing with additional issues through 2004. There are several subscription options for brand new subscribers online at http://www.tagsrwc.com." Or you can receive for a free sample issue by writing TAGSRWC, 9 Music Square South, PMB 146, Nashville TN  37203-3286 and sign up with the form provided.

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

  The next issue of "The eBullet" is scheduled for October.

**** 10-4 and out ****