An Online newsletter of
“The Andy Griffith Show” Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)
(If you received the Newsletter by email and are unable to see the images & videos, or if it seems like thing are missing, please go to this link to make sure you aren’t missing anything.)
Welcome to the Weaver’s Newsletter March 2025 edition!
Things are starting to pick up speed as we move further into 2025. Events are shaping, being finalized, and sadly in one case postponed for this year. We’ll be going into detail on some of the events later in this issue but you can always make sure you’re up-to-date by checking the Mayberry Event Calendar. A point-in time version of the calendar is published here in the Weaver’s Newsletter while the version found on iMayberry.com is updated throughout the year so it’s always the latest information.
In case you may be making plans for Mayberry events to attend this year, I wanted to make sure you notice that Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg has been cancelled for 2025. You may want to change your plans to attend a different event from the Event Calendar.
In this issue we have a wonderful on the scene report by Mayberry Chapter President, Dennis Beal and his bride Shannon. It’s BIG and we know you’ll enjoy the report. There’s a lot more for you to enjoy.
Mrs. Weaver has continued to work hard finding new Mayberry related products for Weaver’s Department Store. T-shirts, camp mugs, car coasters, keyrings, candles and more have been added to the store in just the last couple of months so be sure to drop by and check out what’s new.
If you order something from Weaver’s, be sure to look closely at the packed items because there’s often a little surprise included and there’s always a a note from Jan (a.k.a. Mrs. Weaver). All items are hand packed and have a little piece of Mayberry fun to show how much we appreciate your support of Weaver’s.
Keep reading to see the Mayberry fun Weaver’s has to offer fans of of Mayberry.
Hello Doll T-shirts – $20.00
These short sleeve t-shirts features original artwork of the two “fun girls” from Mount Pilot looking away into the distance with the words “Hello Doll” beautifully scripted to their side and a heart just below.
This design comes in four colors: Heather Berry, Heather Purple, Heather Sapphire, and Graphite Heather
Fabric: soft style 65 polyester / 35 cotton
Artwork created exclusively for Weaver’s by artist, Christina Green.
Four More New Mayberry T-shirt Designs – $20.oo
Weaver’s has been working hard to find fun new products for fellow fans to enjoy.
Mr. Weaver has added a NEW and improved Colonel Harvey’s Indian Elixir tee to replace the discontinued version and we’re hopeful you’ll enjoy it.
Our new Floyd’s Barber Shop Main Street T-shirt is one sure to make any hairstyle look good.
With the Mayberry Sheriff’s Office T-shirt you can dress like the employee’s of the Mayberry county Sheriff’s Office when they are off duty.
The Mayberry USA Flag T-shirt will let you show off your love of country and county. Look closely and you’ll see the word Mayberry throughout the design of the flag.
****My Three Howards****
No, this isn’t about Howard Sprague nor the Douglas family with three sons. This is a BIG chapter report from the President of the Mayberry Chapter, Dennis Beal. Weaver’s is proud to have received this report for everyone to enjoy! – Editor
The Mayberry Chapter in Knoxville, Tennessee, represented TAGSRWC by attending the MegaCon event in Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 7, 2025. Dennis and Shannon Beal drove down to Orlando for Dennis to see Ron Howard (Opie) at MegaCon. It was Dennis’ first time attending the event, but it was well worth the long drive. This was an extremely rare opportunity to meet Ron since this was the first and only MegaCon or ComiCon Ron has ever attended to our knowledge. In addition to Ron, his brother Clint Howard (Leon) and daughter Bryce Dallas Howard also attended. Anson Williams and Don Most also attended from “Happy Days.”
Dennis decided to attend on Friday hoping that it wouldn’t be as crowded, but he guessed there must have been over 100,000 people in attendance. Although the Orange County Convention Center was absolutely enormous in size, by the early afternoon people were packed in there so much there was little room to walk. Hundreds of stars appeared for autographs. There must have been close to 1000 vendors selling all kinds of geeky merchandise.
Ron was signing autographs only for a few hours on Friday, so he was on a tight schedule. Dennis stood in line for three hours to get to meet Ron and have him sign his squad car cookie jar, Mayberryopoly board, the sun visor from his Mayberry squad car and his “Mayberry Memories” book. Ron charged $120 per autograph! Thankfully the Mayberry Security Bank had a loan special that day. Ron’s handlers really rushed people through, but Ron was so very nice. He told Dennis he hadn’t seen the squad car cookie jar before. In addition to autographing it, he also wrote “Opie” next to his name which he didn’t have to do. He also had not seen the Mayberryopoly board.
Dennis thought Ron didn’t quite know what to think when Dennis told him the sun visor was from his 1967 Ford Custom 500 Mayberry squad car. Then Dennis gave Ron a copy of the January 2025 “Mayberry Minutes” chapter newsletter with chapter business card and presented him with an honorary membership certificate into the chapter! Ron seemed genuinely pleased to receive it and Dennis took a quick picture to remember the event. Ron shook Dennis’ hand too. Dennis wore his black Mayberry shirt that has Andy, Opie and many of the other cast on it that he bought from Weaver’s where Opie’s picture was top front center. It was only the second time Dennis had ever met Ron in person.
In order to get a picture with Ron, you had to purchase the $154 professional photo op ticket ahead of time and wait in another long line. The handlers really rushed fans through that line. But when it was Dennis’ turn, Ron remembered him from earlier in the afternoon from the autograph line. Ron gave Dennis a fist bump and said how much he liked Dennis’ Mayberry shirt. As far as Dennis knew, he was the only TAGS fan he saw at MegaCon who wanted to see Ron because of TAGS. Most of the other fans wanted him to sign “Happy Days” items or other memorabilia from movies he directed.
At 6:00 pm Ron, Anson Williams and Don Most attended a “Happy Days” cast reunion panel discussion in one of the huge auditoriums upstairs. While Ron did discuss mostly “Happy Days,” he did mention his time on TAGS, stating how special that time of his life was and how much it meant to him.
Although Dennis’ balance at the Mayberry Security Bank went negative that day, it was well worth it. Unlike Barney who didn’t wash his hand after shaking the governor’s hand for a week, Dennis said he’s not washing his hand for a whole year. So if you see him, don’t be too surprised if he doesn’t offer to shake hands. He wants all of that Ron Howard DNA to stay on for as long as possible.
The May 2025 “Mayberry” chapter newsletter will have the full report from MegaCon with even more pictures, assuming the editor doesn’t run out of D’s and E’s.
A big thanks to Weaver’s January newsletter for letting everyone know about the MegaCon event. –Dennis Beal, Mayberry Chapter
***
What a great report from the Beal’s trip to Orlando. They reported they were only able to able to attend the first two days of MegaCon and missed a panel session held on Sunday February 9, 2025. The panel session featured Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron’s eldest daughter), Ron Howard, and Clint Howard discussing fame, storytelling, and answering questions as the star-powered filmmaking family they are. Lucky for us all, the event posted a video featuring highlights of the panel session. There isn’t too much “Mayberry” related talk in the video but I’m sure fans will enjoy watching so the video is embedded below.
The Essential Mayberry – $40.oo
The Essential Mayberry: Behind the Scenes of The Andy Griffith Show
by Neal Brower
Neal Brower is a long time superfan and show expert who has been writing and even teaching courses about The Andy Griffith Show for over thirty years. He has made it his mission to gather the lore about the show and especially about the writing and production of the scripts. Brower interviewed many of the show’s writers including Harvey Bullock, Everett Greenbaum, Sam Bobrick, and their partners and collected his findings in his 2011 book, Mayberry 101. As Gomer would say, “Well, golly!”
In this second & updated edition of the popular book, now called The Essential Mayberry: Behind the Scenes of The Andy Griffith Show, Brower has added the scripts written by Jack Elinson and his writing partner Charles Stewart and the rewrites of producer and story consultant Aaron Ruben, as well as material from the annotated show scripts donated by Andy Griffith to UNC Libraries. “Shazam!” Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will receive a long-awaited and more complete picture of the classic television show and its creation.
Format: Paperback
Length: 550 Pages
The Mayberry Rerun Watchers Guide – Season 2 – $26.oo
The Mayberry Rerun Watchers Guide: Season 2
by SpiritWalker
This is a second book for the trained noticer in all of us and if you’re not a noticer, you’ll sound like one after reading this amazing book and the season 1 edition!
The Mayberry Rerun Watchers Guide: Season 2 is the second of a planned 8 volume set. This is a detailed look at each season 2 episode, scene by scene.
Even fans who have watched the series repeatedly will find themselves learning new facts about the episodes they won’t be able to believe they never noticed before.
The book includes information on filming locations, cast, and crew. It is packed with trivia related to the second season.
If you are a fan of The Andy Griffith Show, you need to have this guide in your library.
Author SpiritWalker is an Apache writer, comedian, musician and magician. He appeared regularly in segments of the Two Chair No Waiting Mayberry podcast in the past and hopefully will return for guest segments in the future.
Be sure to check out volume 1 of this book series.
Floyd’s Barbershop Bulletin Board & Event Calendar
The Andy Griffith Museum, featuring the late Emmett Forrest’s amazing collection of Andy Griffith artifacts, is a must-see attraction for any visit to Mount Airy, N.C. For complete updates on operating hours and other info, visit the website at AndyGriffithMuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.
Here are upcoming events that folks have posted on Floyd’s bulletin board:
* April 11 & 12: 5th Annual Mayberry-Lucy Festival in Granville, Tenn., known as “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town.” Special guests this year include Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt in Mayberrry), Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason in Mayberry and Little Ricky on “I Love Lucy”), Dixie Griffith (daughter of Andy) and Karen Knotts (daughter of Don). Dixie and Karen will be interviewed in a special forum by Mayberry author Randy Turner.
Events begin on Friday and feature dinner theater performances, street shows, stage shows, a parade, trivia, Mayberry and Lucy & Desi tribute artists (and even an Elvis tribute artist this year), Mayberry squad cars (including for a Mayberry Cruise-In and for the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals Obstacle Course), the auction of a special Mayberry Quilt, and much more! Visit granvilletn.com/mayberry-lucy-days or call (931) 653-4151 for tickets and information.
* Apr. 24-26: Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) is a special guest at the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Mo. The festival always features a large and fascinating group of guests from entertainment, public service, and more. For info, visit www.cherryblossomfest.com.
* May 7-9: Mayberry author/lecturer Randy Turner hosts The Mayberry Retreat, featuring special guest Dixie Griffith (daughter of Andy) and special musical guest Tim White (host of “Song of the Mountains” on PBS), at the Sauder Heritage Inn in Archbold, Ohio. There were will be a variety of talks, presentations, performances, and screenings, plus lots of time for visiting with the special guests and fellow fans–all with the intimate setting and delicious food offered by the Sauder Heritage Inn. For more info visit: www.mayberrybooks.com/mayberryretreat.
* June 5: Karen Knotts brings her one-woman “Tied Up in Knotts” show to the Hartville Kitchen in Hartville, N.H. Show time is 1 p.m. and tickets range from $40 to $60. For more info and tickets, visit: www.hartvillekitchen.com.
* June 14: Professor Brower’s Lecture. Mayberry author Neal Brower kicks off his three-lecture Officer Fife-themed summer series of talks about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today’s lecture features “Barney Gets His Man.” Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($10 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.
* June 14: Karen Knotts and her one-woman “Tied Up in Knotts” show come to the Park Theatre in Jaffrey, N.H. Show time is 7:30 p.m. and tickets range from $35 to $45. For more info and tickets, visit: www.parktheatre.org.
* June 20-22: CANCELED for 2025/Postponed until 2026. Third Annual Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg festival in Scottsburg, Ind. . For now, just mark your calendar for June 19-21, 2026, and then check back here or www.mayberrycomestoscottsburg.com for updates in 2026.
* July 18 & 19: Lucky 1?!-teenth Annual Mayberry Meetup, sponsored by TAGSRWC’s “Two Chairs, No Waiting” podcast, gathers in Mount Airy, N.C. Details will be coming as the event draws near, so start planning to spend a relaxing Mayberry weekend in Mount Airy with fellow fans. We’ll have rabbits’ feet and other good luck charms on hand to ward off bad omens related to the number of years this event has been occurring.
* July 19: Professor Brower’s Lecture. In conjunction with the Mayberry Meetup, Mayberry author Neal Brower gives the second of his three Officer Fife-themed summertime talks about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today’s lecture features “Lawman Barney.” Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($10 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.
* Aug. 16: Professor Brower’s Lecture. Andy comes to Barney’s rescue one more time when Neal Brower gives the final of his three Officer Fife-themed summertime talks about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today’s lecture features “Sheriff Barney.” Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($10 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.
* Sept. 22-28: 36th Annual Mayberry Days® in Mount Airy, N.C. Full details TBA, but tickets to some portions of the weekend are already available–including for The Emmett Golf Tournament (followed by the Mayberry Days® Dinner & Entertainment, which is also available as a separate ticket); concerts by Rodney Dillard and The Dillards, The Bellamy Brothers, Michael Hoover’s “Memories of Elvis” with “Patsy Cline” by Denise Glass, and Mayberry Melodies (including a Gospel show); a presentation by Karen Knotts; comedy by John Floyd (aka The Mouth of Mayberry); and Colonel Tim’s Talent Time. For tickets and more info about the 2025 festival, visit www.mayberrydays.org.
* Oct. 27-Nov. 1: Mayberry Cruise 18, featuring Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt) and Cutler & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, sails for a Halloween excursion on Carnival’s Valor from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean. For more info, contact All About Cruises at pwesje@aol.com or (336) 538-4926.
***
Mayberry Cityscape Collection – $13.00-$45.00
Each item features original artwork of the buildings and locations you would see walking around the town of Mayberry capturing both the most recognizable and the more nuanced sites.
The artwork has been created exclusively for Weaver’s by artist, Christina Green. There are currently several products to choose from using this design to include t-shirts, a tote bag, a mug, the 2025 calendar, a Christmas ornament, and the Art Print (shown – frame not included). The folks here at Weaver’s love being able to bring you these new, and fun, Mayberry items.
Great for yourself or gifts for Mayberry fans in your life.
Mayberry Wooden Home Decor – $16-$20
Weaver’s recently added several decorative wooden blocks featuring things like the American flag with the word Mayberry below, I “heart” Mayberry, “It’s a Mayberry Thing,” and other Mayberry related phrases. The latest addition (not shown) is the Mayberry Framily block with the word “Framily” [fram-uh-lee] meaning: Friends who become the family we choose. Each phrase/image is on “cream” color background.
Rustic blocks are a fun way to add personality to any shelf or mantel; the perfect shelf sitter! High-quality home decor handcrafted and made to complement any room.
These wooden decor products are perfectly imperfect! Each piece is individually handmade in the U.S.A. making your sign a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Sizes vary depending upon your choice.
*** Trivia: Who Said it? – Review ***
Last issue, Weaver’s presented the questions below for you to give your hand at answering. All of the trivia questions are related to things said during the episode “The New Housekeeper.” Give one more shot at answering “Who Said It?” before we preset the answers.
- “I’m speakin’ now, so’s I won’t have to forever hold my peace.”
- “Well, now I’m tellin’ you if you don’t hush up, you’ll be forever holdin’ the seat of your britches!”
- “You don’t catch me marryin’ somebody else!”
- “And in the mornin’, I want you to eat all your cereal and don’t leave half the milk.”
- “And to think I was glad when you learned to talk.”
- “Naughty deputy!
- ” Well, if she goes, what’ll happen to her? She doesn’t know how to do anything… play ball, catch fish or hunt frogs. She’ll be helpless!”
Stops scrolling/reading here if you still haven’t finished coming up with your answers to the questions because here they come:
*** Trivia: Who Said it? – Answers***
- Opie
- Andy
- Opie
- Rose
- Andy
- Emma
- Opie
*** Mayberry Song Quiz ***
The March 2025 edition of Mayberry trivia is on the topic of “songs” and is provided by Paul Mulik of the “Hear that, Boys? No Yelling at the Table” Chapter (Joplin, Mo.). Our thanks to Paul for the submission.
- What song is known as “good old 14-A”?
- What piece does the Mayberry Band play when they audition for Mayor Stoner?
- What song does Gomer sing while changing John Masters’ flat tire?
- What song does Rafe Hollister sing as an encore at the Ladies’ League Musicale?
- What is the first song we ever hear Andy Taylor sing?
Weaver’s will post the correct answers in the “Post Note” section at the end of this issue of Weaver’s Newsletter. We didn’t want you to have to wait to get the answers.
Mayberry Scented Candles – $16
Weaver’s found these candles that each have the power to bring to mind memories of Mayberry by the scent
Floyd’s Barbershop scent is something we’re sure Clarabelle Morrison would love to have in her home. It will make you feel like you’re visiting your friends over at Floyd’s Barbershop while waiting on him.
Taylor’s Front Porch scent is like spending time together on the Taylor’s front porch with Andy, Opie, Aunt Bee, and Barney watching the traffic pass by.
Old Man Kelsey’s Woods and Old Man Kelsey’s Ocean have scents that Ernest T. would be sure to recognize. Old man Kelsey’s woods has a rugged, warm, and timeless scent while Old man Kelsey’s ocean has the clean smell from the water, even if it was actually only old man Kelsey’s creek.
Mayberry Hotel Keychain – $4.00
Jason, the reservations clerk over at the Mayberry Hotel, had some extra key tags for room 216 and made them available here at Weaver’s. You might remember that Jason attempted to give Ed Sawyer the key to room 209 but Ed swiftly declines that room because “that’s the room Wilbur Hennessy got drunk in and fell out the window“.
Ed then requested room 216 because it had been freshly painted green (although green was not Ed’s favorite color).
This room 216 key tag would make a great keychain for use or display in your collection.
The keychain comes with a 4 in “ball chain” for easy addition of any key you might like to add.
Size: 3.5″ x 1.75″
****News of Cast & Crew ****
Weaver’s doesn’t have a lot of news from the cast & crew so we’ll just give you a few highlights.
Ron Howard’s (Opie) celebrated his 71st birthday on March 1st so all of us here at Weaver’s join the entire Mayberry fan community to wish him the very best going forward. He almost shared his birthday with his first born, Bryce Dallas Howard, who’s celebrated he big day on March 2nd. Early March is a BIG time in the Howard family.
Here’s a little trivia about Ron that you might not know. In 1971 was a contestant on The Dating Game and ended up choosing Bachelorette #2 who’s name was Nola Green. If you read Ron and Clint’s book The Boys, this event is discussed.
In late February 2025 Ron posted on Instagram stating, “It was recently confirmed that Don (Knotts) and I were actually distant cousins!” Wow…that’s fun news to hear. The Howard family is distantly related to Don Knotts. We don’t have further details on how distant but Weaver’s accepts Ron’s word but it would be fun to know the details.
On the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” in 2024, Ron said, “How lucky was I to grow up in that situation where, in fact, the environment was set up for actors to, not improvise, but participate, make suggestions, things like that. And even as a 6-year-old, I mean my dad was having to read the lines at the read through, and I was just kind of sitting there at first, but later when I started to learn to read and so forth, I was in it.” How lucky fans were that he grew up in that environment because without Opie, Ron might never have become the “Ron Howard” we know today.
Clint Howard (Leon) was joined by Ron Howard, Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron’s daughter), and Clint Howard. in Orlando February 6-9, 2025 at MegaCon. A firsthand report by Mayberry Chapter can be seen above. Ron posted short note about his appearance at MegaCon as seen in the caption of the image to the right Clint responded with, “Happy tears to my eyes, sharing that moment and weekend with Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard celebrating the fans, Mom and Dad (Jean and Rance Howard), the entire Howard family, and The Boys book.” Look for Clint possibly appearing at a convention near you, you just never know. One event we know both he AND Ron will be attending is the Steel City Con at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa. April 4-6, 2025.If you’re in that area, make plans to attend.
Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) is back in full swing with appearances already scheduled for 2025. Margaret will be attending the Super Retrofest Comic-Con on March 22-23 in Danvers, Mass. and she’ll be heading to the Cherry Blossom Festival April 24-26 in Marshfield, Mo.
Margaret and husband Robert celebrated their 5th Wedding Anniversary on Valentine’s Day (February 14th) and we wish the amazing couple well and many more such occasions. Drop by her website, TinkerBellTalks.com and see all the things this amazing lady is doing. You might also enjoy following Margaret on her Facebook page.
Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt/Williams) is planning to attend several Mayberry related events this year with the first being the Mayberry-I Love Lucy event on April 11-12 in Granville, Tenn. Make plans to see him there or at one of the other events occurring this year.
Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul) has been traveling as the Executive Director with Ballet Magnificat Brazil and with as the drummer with his band David & the Giants. Keith will also be traveling down to Granville, Tenn. for to bridge the gap between Mayberry (Johnny Paul) and I Love Lucy (Little Ricky) for the Mayberry-I Love Lucy Festival. He and Dennis Rush will be representing all the things we enjoy about these classic TV series.
Rodney Dillard (guitar playing Darling boy) has been staying active on his Facebook page delivering tidbits like the below for fans. Drop by RodneyDillard.tv and check it out.
Right from the start Andy had told us, “now you’re not going to be paid as actors might be.” Of course we were paid, but it was just a small sum each time, and many could argue that we didn’t really act anyway . HOWEVER, what Andy did instead was a gesture that blew our minds and showed how much care he had for those on his show…
Andy continued with, “now what I will do instead is allow you to write, record, and retain the rights to your own original songs from my show.” See, he could have had us play public domain stuff, or he could have started his own label and insisted on keeping our music for his own use, but instead he allowed us to retain songs like “Dooley,” “There is a Time,” “Doug’s Tune,” “Ebo Walker,” and the list goes on; songs that have been played nonstop for over 60 years.
Incidentally, this arrangement is why these songs became pillars of the bluegrass genre. Imagine if Viacom owned them! Instead they are published by our longtime publisher lansdowne winston bloor hoffman house music publishers (thanks to Lynne Robin Green) and artists regularly request to cover and record our stuff.
–Rodney Dillard
Joy Ellison (Effie Muggins/Mary Scobey/Betsy/Iris) is celebrating her birthday in March so I really felt compelled to do this. “All hail to thee, Miss Mayberry. All hail to thee, all hail. Your loveliness, your majesty, brings joy to every male…….” Happy birthday, Miss Mayberry.
That’s all the cast & crew news Weaver’s has for the March issue. If you hear news of between issues, we’d love for you to share it with us here at Weaver’s. You could be given credit as a “roving reporter.” Otherwise, Weaver’s will continue to comb the web for News of Cast & Crew.
****Chapter News ****
Mayberry Chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) gave us a great report about their trip to MegaCon in the article “My Three Howards” above. The also let us know the chapter will host a birthday party for Joy Ellison on Sat., March 22. They plan to call her and have a birthday cake, sing “Happy Birthday” to her and talk with her for 30 minutes or so. We look forward to seeing some photos in our next edition.
Weaver’s Newsletter would like to thank Dennis Beal, Mayberry Chapter President for providing the wonderful report on his trip. Dennis is also the editor/writer/publisher of the Mayberry Chapter Newsletter called The Mayberry Minutes. Their newsletter is available for $20 for two or three 16 page issues per year or $10 for a pdf version emailed to you. If you enjoy getting your Mayberry news on paper, or as a pdf, The Mayberry Minutes is a great option for you. For more info, contact Dennis at KingOfMayberry@comcast.net.
The Colorado Fishin’ Hole Whistlers (Colorado Springs) met on February 23rd with twenty-five folks attending to watch “Opie The Birdman” and “Mountain Wedding” together. Door prizes, trivia contests, and good food were shared. They had a special time with Dixie Griffith attending and being part of an informative question/answer time.
The Mother Figure (Huntsville, Ala.) traveled to the 28th Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival in Florence, Ala. Allan “Floyd” Newsome was asked to present the first George Lindsey Jr. Comedy Award for the best comedy film submission. The award honors George Jr. (son) and it was a honor to be asked to present. George (father) was always so proud of this film festival and I’m sure he would be happy to know that it continues to help young filmmakers.
The Blood Brothers (Macon, Mo.) report their chapter met Sunday, February 2 for a soup luncheon. Folks enjoyed sampling the variety of cuisine including desserts. A program by Johnna Clarke included Last Man Standing Speed Bingo followed by door prizes.
Since the majority of the Brothers are Kansas City Chiefs fans, the program also included football Super Bowl trivia as well as reminiscing about the TAGS episodes which revolved around football.
Remember Trey Bowden? Helen’s niece Cynthia? What about Goober’s whiplash? Remember when Opie was flunking arithmetic? And what about those piano lessons conflicting with football practice?
The group shared many laughs and cheers.
(Note: Weaver’s sends sincere condolences for the Chiefs fans. Maybe next season. Hopefully the Indian Elixir the evenings hosts were gifted will help.)
These are the only official reports provided from chapters since the January issue of Weaver’s Newsletter. This is a fairly slow time of year for related gatherings but Weaver’s encourages all TAGSRWC chapters to send in their reports so we can share your fun with others .
****Chapter Update ****
Our total number of chapters started since TAGSRWC was founded in 1979 is holding steady at 1,491. There were no new chapters started since the last issues of Weaver’s Newsletter.
Starting a chapter of TAGSRWC is still just as easy as it was four decades ago. You simply pick a name that hasn’t previously been selected by another group. (You can check the searchable list of chapter names already taken at www.iMayberry.com.) Then submit your chapter’s name with your location and a list of your founding members by e-mail to Goober@imayberry.com. That’s all it takes!
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 or any of several exclusively online chapters on Facebook (see Mayberry on the Web below).
Andy Griffith Show Squad Car 1964– $60.00
BACK IN STOCK
after being out of stock for a few years
Mr. Weaver has been asked if there was a Mayberry patrol car collectable that is larger scale than the “hot wheels” size Johnny Lightning replica and we finally found one.
The car is Die-Cast metal body and chassis with amazing detail. This limited edition collectable is 1:43 scale (about 5.5 inches by 2.5 inches) and comes with a nice clear plastic display case. The Mayberry Squad Car design is a wonderful addition to your Mayberry collection. The car is a 1964 Ford Galaxie.
Mayberry Patrol Car Emblem Car Coaster & Keychain – $6.00-$10.00
These sandstone car coasters with the Mayberry Patrol Car Emblem printed on the top side will look great in your cup holder and absorb the condensation. I’m sure Barney would have loved these in the patrol car….if it had cup holders.
The design is the one used on the driver and passenger doors of the Mayberry squad cars.
This keychain features the Mayberry Patrol Car Emblem design like the one seen on on the driver and passenger doors of the Mayberry squad cars.
The Round PolyLeather (a form of synthetic leather) Keychain has a diameter of 2″.
**** Mayberry on the Web ****
The iMayberry Community
This TAGSRWC online group is organized and overseen by webmaster Allan “Floyd” Newsome with most of the actual work begin done by Keith “Col. Harvey” Brown of the Trivial Trivialities chapter (Pawleys Island, S.C.). You can check out the fun of this online community 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 pages, online newsletters (such as The Weaver’s Newsletter), weaversdepartmentstore.com and chat rooms.
Mayberry Podcast
“Two Chairs, No Waiting” is our weekly podcast of TAGS news, interviews and pretty much whatever’s happening in and around Mayberry. It’s hosted by Allan Newsome.
There’s a new episode every Tuesday (and you can watch and listen during live recording of the show on Monday evenings at 8pm ET @ live.twochairsnowaiting.com ). As of this week, there have been 829 episodes of Two Chairs since Allan launched the podcast over 16 years ago, in October 2008. Past episodes are in an online Archives in case you want to listen to or view the YouTube video installments you’ve missed. We’re sure you can find at least a few episodes you’d enjoy out of all those that are available. OH….they are all FREE!
Take some time to look around the main Mayberry Podcasts (https://iMayberry.com/podcaasts) website for various other links, including one for another outstanding Mayberry-related podcast: “Burke on Mayberry“ (hosted by TAGSRWC’s Kevin Burke since 2008). There are also links for the Mayberry Devotional hosted by Brian Rose and for the Mayberry Bible Study Podcast.
TAGSRWC’s official page on Facebook has over 251,000 Followers. 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!
Two Chairs No Waiting podcast also has a Facebook page and group where you can follow along with the podcast and interact with fans.
We also have links in our “Liked by this Page” section to the pages (in the “About” section) of several TAGSRWC chapters on Facebook, as well as to Facebook pages for Mayberry Days,® the Andy Griffith Museum, TAGS actors and others. Click “See All” to check out all the links.
Even Ben Weaver has his own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weaversdepartmentstore. It features all the latest in Mayberry items and merchandise news. Weaver’s is also on X (Twitter) so follow Weaver’s there if you’re on X.
Colonel Harvey’s Indian Elixir Flask – $9.00
Weaver’s has been working with traveling salesman, Colonel Harvey, to bring you this stainless steel hip flask branded with the labeling for the Colonel’s elixir. The elixir is sold separately at your favorite local “tonic” store but you can enjoy displaying the flask on your shelves. Otis told Mr. Weaver that he’d take two.
You may not need to purchase the actual elixir unless you are feeling tired and run down. Dragging yourself out of bed in the morning or feel that life seem hardly worth living. Then friends, you may need the elixir. Otherwise, this flask may lift your spirit by at least 85%.
Flask comes with a funnel to aid in filling with your choice of tonic.
Size: 4.8″ x 3.7″ – 8 oz. – Stainless Steel
NOTE: Label may not survive in high quality if it gets very wet. (It may smear or become stained.)
**** Post Note ****
I’m sure some of you are looking for the answers to the Mayberry Song Quiz. Here they are:
- Welcome, Sweet Springtime
- The Stars and Stripes Forever
- Santa Lucia
- New River Train
(Note: Look Down That Lonesome Road is not correct, that was the FIRST song he sang at the musicale. When asked to sing another song, he sang New River Train.) - The Crawdad Song – at the end of The New Housekeeper (S1.E1)
I hope you enjoyed this issue of Weaver’s Newsletter. If you didn’t, there’s always next time. The Weaver’s team….Jan and I…continue to try and find fun products and information to share with you. If you run across something interesting, email me at floyd@iMayberry.com with the subject Weaver’s Newsletter Info so I don’t miss it.
Between issues of the Weaver’s Newsletter, you can keep up with all that’s going on in and around Mayberry by being part of the daily Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board? (aka “WBMUTBB?”) Digest. It’s free and you can sign up for that list by going to WBMUTBB.com and choosing the “Join/Subscribe/Unsubscribe” link.
Check out the WBMUTBB Facebook Group with links to more WBMUTBB chapter fun. The Facebook group is private and administered by me (Allan) so I hope that makes you feel better about joining in on the fun. It’s made up of TAGS fans only and I do my best to make sure things are fun for all…both on the WBMUTBB Digest emails and the WBMUTBB Facebook group.
The next issue of our Weaver’s Newsletter will be published in May 2025 . Please make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter so you don’t miss an issue when it publishes. Stay in touch with things going on around Mayberry by listening to/watching the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast. See you next time!
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