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, pleasego to this linkto make sure you aren’t missing anything.)
Cruise to Mayberry T-shirt
Welcome to the Weaver’s Newsletter May 2025!
Mayberry fun has been happening in the last couple of months all the way from Ohio to Tennessee and beyond. Below, Weaver’s Newsletter will be sharing some details so you can share in the fun of what’s already been happening as well as make sure you’re informed of the events coming up later this year. Please remember you can be sure you’re up-to-date on what’s happening in Mayberry by visiting 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.
Weaver’s Newsletter informed you in the March 2025 issue that Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg has been cancelled for 2025 and you would want to change your plans if you had planned to be in Scottsburg this year and perhaps attend a different event from the Event Calendar. We’d like to make sure you’re aware the planning for Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg 2026 is already being planned by the organizers so keep it in mind when planning.
Weaver’s Department Store continues working diligently to find finding fun Mayberry related products for Weaver’s Department Store. New lounge/pajama pants, button down shirts, T-shirts, camp mugs, car coasters, keyrings, candles and more have been added to the store in just the last few months so be sure to drop by our website and check out what’s new.
As a reminder, 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 The Andy Griffith Show.
These Mayberry Lawman Lounge Pants with pockets & drawstring feature a repeating design containing the Mayberry patrol car, deputy badge, jail cell keys, deputy hat, candle stick phone, a gavel, Barney’s bullet, and the patrol car door shield on a khaki background.
Expertly crafted with a polyester spandex blend that maintains its bright and colorful appearance without fading over time. Designed to be true to size with a comfortable stretch, moisture wicking, fabric provides a perfect fit.
You will love how soft these clothes feel. The most magical thing is that it gets even more soft with every wash.
This Mayberry Lawman Button Down Shirt features a repeating design containing the Mayberry patrol car, deputy badge, jail cell keys, deputy hat, candle stick phone, a gavel, Barney’s bullet, and the patrol car door shield on a khaki background.
Expertly crafted with a polyester spandex blend that maintains its bright and colorful appearance without fading over time. Designed to be true to size with a comfortable stretch, moisture wicking, fabric provides a perfect fit.
You will love how soft these clothes feel. The most magical thing is that it gets even more soft with every wash.
Fabric: polyester spandex blend
****Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival Report****
Granville, Tenn. – Most of the tribute artists, cast member, and children of cast at the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival.
The 5th Annual Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival was held April 11-12, 2025 in Granville, Tenn. Granville has come to be known as “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town” partially because of it’s small town atmosphere as well as because of their wonderful collections found in their Mayberry-I Love Lucy Museum. This years event featured special guests include Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt in Mayberrry), Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason on “The Andy Griffith Show” Mayberry and Little Ricky on “I Love Lucy“), Dixie Griffith (daughter of Andy) and Karen Knotts (daughter of Don). Granville also hosted 18 Mayberry, 2 I Love Lucy, and an Elvis tribute artist. How can you beat an event Elvis, Andy and Lucy?
I should let you in on a secret, while the event was advertised as beginning on Friday April 11th, in truth you could have started the fun early on Thursday night, April 10th with two performances of their Mayberry Dinner Theater. Each performance featured two plays with each being a live recreation of an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. Not to worry, if you missed out on the Thursday night performances, they repeated them on Friday evening. The “Sutton Players,” as they are known, put on these type plays several time per year and especially during the Christmas and Valentine seasons. If you are in or near Granville, consider attending one of the plays sometime as “they’re goooood.”
Indiana Steve here with my thoughts on our first trip to the Mayberry I Love Lucy Festival in Granville, Tennessee.
Overall, I would have to say Rita and I loved it. By far, our favorite thing was seeing our friends that came from all over to attend this festival as well. The town is small, but that’s its charm. All its citizens were extremely friendly, and you can easily walk to all the different venues and never get lost.
Saturday was our favorite day. We got to see tribute artists performing on stages, “Charlene” singing with the bluegrass band, interviews by Allan (Newsome) with Dennis Rush (Howie) and Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul), and Randy Turner talking to Dixie Griffith and Karen Knotts.
Saturday night was the cats. It started with a delicious meal of catfish and chicken (with “Elvis” singing for our dinner), and then we proceeded to four different stations for some outstanding entertainment.
They were all great, but when we got to the gazebo where Floyd, Ernest T., and Mayor Pike were, I thought I’d bust a gusset. Our group was cracking jokes with tributes and a nonstop free-for-all of laughter.
After we first got to Granville, I thought this might be a “one and done” for us. But by the end of the weekend, we were hooked, and we will be back.
Rita and I can’t express how much we enjoy the friendship and entertainment of all our tribute artist friends, and we are proud to be part of the Mayberry family.
Thank you to Steve for that wonderful first hand report. I (Allan) always like hearing from our Mayberry family regarding their experience at events. As many of you are aware, I am the Mayberry tribute artist for “Floyd” so I have a different experience when attending events. As a fan, I love these events so I’m always happy to hear those attending have experiences that will draw them back to the next event.
As Steve mentioned, as part of the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival, I was honored to interview “Opie’s Pals” Dennis Rush (Howie) and Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul) once on Friday and again on Saturday. If you’d like to hear the interview and see photos captured during the festival, Watch the YouTube video (below) of Two Chairs No Waiting #839: Keith Thibodeaux and Dennis Rush Interview. “Opie’s Pals” talk about their careers and share wonderful insights/stories from how their careers started and where they are now.
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.
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.
Artwork created exclusively for Weaver’s by artist, Christina Green.
***Supporting Mayberry Related Events***
Editor’s Note: I encourage you to support events related to ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ both in your local area and at larger events in other parts of the country.
One of the wonderful events that is no longer.
I often hear people tell me, “I’ve always wanted to go to Mayberry Days,” or “I wanted to attend Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg,“ or “I really would like to go to the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival but I just haven’t done it.” I definitely understand not being able to attend events but I want to encourage you, if it’s really something you want to do, make plans to attend as soon as possible. These events and others, like the “Cruise to Mayberry,” may not go on forever.
Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg was paused in 2025, and while it may return next year, that’s not guaranteed. Most Mayberry events usually have a run of five years or less before the organizers “wear out” and stop putting on the event.
Many fans don’t realize how much work it takes for the organizer and all their volunteers to put together a two or three day Mayberry event with tribute artists, cast members, and musicians that are there to entertain us. It’s a lot of work and is often thankless because normally the organizer hears many more complaints than praises.
My intention is not to shame anyone into attending, but rather to encourage you to attend while you still have the opportunity. Over the last 30 years that I’ve been attending events, we have lost cast members and we no longer have a chance to see them but, there are still special guests who attend and I don’t want you to miss that chance for an experience you’ll long remember.
Well, I’ll step off my soapbox now and we’ll get back to the newsletter and to the Event Calendar.- Allan
The 11oz white enamel camp mug features the artwork of the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast. The mug features a caricature of the podcast’s host as “Floyd the barber” sitting in a barber chair and the phrase Two Chairs No Waiting. The camp mug is made of steel with a practical handle all coated with hard wearing enamel. It resists stains and scratches and is easy to clean (handwash only).
The barber soap will certainly bring to mind a visit to Floyd’s with it’s barber pole color scheme of red, white and blue. The smell will remind you of a barbershop and it’s all natural. You can, of course, use it as just plain old hand washing soap with a patriotic coloring.
The wooden handle brush will allow you to make shaving lather just like Floyd. A little barber soap and a mug with some warm water and this brush is exactly what you need.
You can also use it to mix up a lather for shaving that makes that nice “clep, clep, clep” sound the brush makes against the mug.
Weaver’s suggests that you use all three together but each works great on it’s own.
Floyd’s BarbershopBulletin 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.orgor call (336) 786-1604.
Here are upcoming events that folks have posted on Floyd’s bulletin board:
Karen Knotts
* June 5: Karen Knotts brings her one-woman “Tied Up in Knotts” show to the Hartville Kitchen in Hartville, Ohio. 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 orwww.mayberrycomestoscottsburg.comfor 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.
Barney takes a stand.
* 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.
* July 20: Rodney Dillard is performing at 1 p.m. in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. He’ll tell all the stories about his career, play a couple songs (with some guests!), sign autographs, and just might take a few questions as well. The Musician Spotlight featuring Rodney is included with Museum admission. Visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org or call (615) 416-2001.
* 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.
***
Rodney Dillard
*Sept. 22-28: 36th Annual Mayberry Days®in Mount Airy, N.C. Special Guests announced so far are Rodney Dillard (of The Dillards, aka the Darling Boys); Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason); Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt); Margaret Teele (Agnes Jean Parker); Bettina Linke (widow of TAGS producer Richard O. Linke); Karen Knotts (daughter of Don); Bill Knotts (nephew of Don); Peter Ackerman (son of Elinor Donahue); AndyBullock, Kerry Scarvie, and Courtney Bullock (children of writer Harvey Bullock); Dan Roebuck (Cliff Lewis on “Matlock”); and Dick Atkins (producer of Murder in Coweta County).
“YOU REALLY GOT TALENT”–Fun times at “Colonel Tim’s Talent Time.”
Photo by Kenny Hooker
More Special Guests and full details are 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, bluegrass by Tim White and Troublesome Hollow, traditional beach music by Band of Oz, funky, soulful beach music by The Holiday Band, and two concerts by Mayberry Melodies (including a Gospel show); a presentation by Karen Knotts and another by Bill Knotts ; comedy by John Floyd (aka The Mouth of Mayberry) and John Riggle (“The Nostalgia Show”); Professor Brower’s Lecture with author Neal Brower; two Mayberry presentations by author Randy Turner; and Colonel Tim’s Talent Time.
* 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.
Have you been, or perhaps plan to go, on the Mayberry Cruise? Weaver’s is happy to have this design featuring the words “Cruise to Mayberry” above a cruise ship that looks like a seafaring version of Mayberry’s patrol car.
If you haven’t heard of, or been on, the Cruise to Mayberry, you can get all the information and see past photos by going to this link: Mayberry Cruise. Come with the Mayberry family and bring your t-shirt with you!
This design comes in two colors: Heather Berry, and Light Blue.
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 Comes to Scottsburg Update***
The following information was provided by the organizer and driving force behind the event in Scottsburg, Eric Lowry. Fans will know Eric as the tribute artist for Mayor Pike at Mayberry events everywhere.
Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg started out as a dream and became reality in June 2023. The festival was such a success that it returned again in 2024. Thousands of Mayberry fans came to Scottsburg to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere created by our volunteers, sponsors and the Mayberry family.
Sadly, in November 2024 our family was rocked by a serious medical situation. Our son was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. This shocking news sent us reeling and required us to focus all our energy on medical appointments, treatment plans and other major life changes. While we wanted very much to hold the festival this year, ultimately our family decided that our priority needed to be our son.
Now for some good news. Our son is progressing through chemotherapy. He has a way to go yet, but he’s received good reports regarding the effectiveness of the treatment. In a way, our hiatus has caused many of us to have a greater appreciation for Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg and all it means to our community.
We have begun preliminary planning for the 2026 version of the festival and have some exciting ideas to build on the success of the first two years. We’re planning some major announcements starting in June and continuing over the remainder of 2025. So, stay tuned and begin making your plans to join us. You won’t regret it!
–Eric Lowry
Thank you to Eric for being so open with the situation with his family. He, his son, and the family is in our prayers and can’t wait to support the event as it returns in 2026! If you’d like to see a longer report from Scottsburg you can click here for the full report.
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.
*** What is the Mayberry Meetup? ***
The Mayberry Meetup is an event held in Mount Airy, North Carolina at the end of July each year. It didn’t start off to be an annual event. The event started when Allan Newsome, host of the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast, went to Mount Airy to interview Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou). Like other podcasters, he thought it would be nice to have a “get-together” with podcast listeners who were in Mount Airy the weekend of Betty Lynn’s interview. He thought there would be one or two or maybe even four people that might want to “meet up” with him and his wife Jan. After mentioning the possibility of meeting up, almost 30 people said, “we’ll meet up with you.”
As stated, Allan didn’t believe there would be a great number of people wanting to meet up. His plan had been to go out to dinner with those who said they could meet up. If 30 people were going to be there, he thought “what am I going to do to entertain these folks?” It wouldn’t be practical for a large group to go out to dinner and have a meaningful conversation. So he and Jan started thinking and came up with an idea. Everyone could meet in the gazebo at the Mayberry Motor Inn and watch episodes of The Andy Griffith Show on a projector screen. We’d be outside so there would be plenty of room for all to gather and talk. This plan was put into action on the Friday and Saturday of the weekend in 2013 when Allan interviewed Betty.
There was no intention that this event would be a yearly thing. Soon after the event, Allan started receiving inquiries asking, “When is the event next year?” Next year? Allan thought. It was a one time thing. There was no intention to do it again next year. But, so many people were asking about “next year” that he contacted the Mayberry Motor Inn and asked when would be the best weekend in July for us to take over the gazebo and do a Mayberry Meetup
The Mayberry Motor Inn gave us a suggested weekend and enthusiastic permission to use their grounds. They thought it would be great to have “Mayberry” people come visit and fellowship. That’s how the Mayberry Meetup was born.
2025 will mark the 13th annual Mayberry Meetup. Fans gather in Mount Airy do whatever they would like to do during the daytime hours. They visit the Andy Griffith Museum, go on a squad car or trolley tour, attend Neil Brower’s Professor Brower’s class at the Andy Griffith Museum Theater, go hiking over at Pilot Mountain, drive up to the Mayberry Trading Post on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax and visit with fellow fans in town.
Friday and Saturday evening is reserved for everyone to come to the gazebo in the courtyard of The Mayberry Motor Inn. Visitors can enjoy time with fellow fans, bring a picnic dinner, a blanket, or lawn chairs, and watch episodes of The Andy Griffith Show and other Mayberry-related videos as it gets dark.
It’s a very relaxing weekend that is definitely not to replace Mayberry Days as your primary visit to Mount Airy. It’s a fun time to come with a smaller group of about 150 people that are fans of the show and see the things you might not have time to see during the BIG Mayberry Days event held the last full weekend of September.
Information about the Mayberry Meetup can be found at this link. Attendees are encouraged to register, though it is not required. Registering helps organizers have an idea of how many are attending and allows them to provide updates to schedules in the event of changes.
Don’t be afraid to attend this year just because it’s the 13th annual. We can refer to it as the 12 + 1 Annual Mayberry Meetup if you feel better about it. I’m sure even if you’re cautious you will have a wonderful time visiting fans, tribute artists (that are not dressed in character), and the people in the town of Mount Airy. We hope to see you there.
The Mayberry Travel Guide was updated in 2023 and is both an actual travel guide for Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina and a book filled with facts and trivia about The Andy Griffith Show.
The guide contains information on the many influences Andy’s hometown had on the beloved series with full explanations of the many references he made so often to the real town of Mount Airy to its businesses, streets and roads, nearby towns and communities, and real people from back home.
The 2023 updated version of the book contains information on Mount Airy’s new murals, new restaurants, and more.
The 384-paqe perfect bound softcover book contains over 350 photos and 40 sidebars that provide detailed looks at items of interest.
The book was specifically written to be of interest to you, the Mayberry fan, even if you have no intention of ever actually visiting Mount Airy (though you definitely should if you ever get the chance).
*** Mayberry Song Quiz (Part 2)***
The May 2025 edition of Mayberry trivia is part 2 of “song” trivia 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 do Opie and Andy sing, as a duet, for the Darling family?
What song does the Ladies Aid Church Committee sing after getting crocked on Colonel Harvey’s Indian Elixir?
What song is playing when Ernest T. Bass asks Ramona, “May I have this dance?”
To what song are Barney and Thelma Lou dancing when he loudly tells her, “YOU’RE THE ONLY GIRL I LOVE!”?
What song does Briscoe darling sing when he serenades Aunt Bee outside her window?
What song causes escaped convict Naomi to lose her composure and smash a vase on Floyd’s head?
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 to leave you singing and waiting two months for the answers.
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.
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) reunited on April 5, 2025 with Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, and Don Most at the Steel City Comic Con in Pittsburgh for their first long-form fan panel in 50 years. While not a Mayberry event it marked a significant moment for fans of Ron Howard and “Happy Days,” which premiered in 1974 and ended in 1984. The panel discussed the show’s success, attributing it to their tight bond and ensemble dynamic, and paid tribute to deceased cast members and creator Garry Marshall, who died in 2016 at 81.
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Ron & Clint Howard posed with tribute artists James (Andy) and Joy (Nurse Mary) Dodson at the 2025 Steel City Comic Con.
In an interview published on March 29, 2025, by People, Ron expressed that he would consider returning to acting if cast by his daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard. At 71, Ron has primarily focused on directing and producing, notably through Imagine Entertainment with Brian Grazer, but he recently played himself in an episode of The Studio and enjoyed the experience. He mentioned, “It is endlessly fascinating and…” indicating his openness to acting again under the right circumstances, particularly for a project directed by his 44-year-old daughter.
Of Ron’s acting in The Studio his daughter Bryce Dallas Howard, herself an actor, found that she was more nervous than her father for his return to the screen. She accompanied her father to the set. “I was very nervous for him, so I went with him,” said Howard. I was like a ‘momager.'” She had no need to be nervous as he quickly showed he’s still “got it” as an actor. Brice joked with her dad, “I guess you have learned a bit from Tom Hanks over the years.” She went on to tell him, “You were great before Tom Hanks, but he definitely rubbed off on you.“
Ron recently shared insights into his nearly 50-year marriage with Cheryl Howard in an interview with People. Approaching their 50th anniversary on June 7, 2025, he emphasized that communication and problem-solving are crucial. He stated, “I think the whole key is learning how to problem solve, learning how to communicate and beginning to trust that you as a couple, you’re good at solving this stuff.” He added that luck plays a role, noting, “Sometimes you feel like you don’t want to talk anymore, ‘Just don’t. Please stop.’ And that’s the wrong path.“
Clint Howard (Leon) joined his brother appearing at the Steel City Comic Con in Pittsburgh in early April. He greeted and posed for photos with fans. On May 10, 2025, Clint announced his feature film directorial debut in the film “Another Ice Cream Man” emphasizing his excitement for the project. This film is not a sequel to the 1995 cult classic “Ice Cream Man” but rather a whole new horror-comedy movie. He mentioned, in an interview, watching his brother Ron Howard and others direct for years and consulting Ron for pointers. His next scheduled appearance will be at Crypticon Kansas City 2025 held June 27-29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.
Margaret reading 96th birthday cards spread on the floor.
Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) tripped and fractured her left arm on April 19th. Other than the fracture, she was okay and in a good mood but slowed down any traveling and appearances for a while. She was not able to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in late April.
Nothing seems to get this wonderful lady down! She celebrated her 96th birthday on May 11th and received many cards. She had this to say, “I wanted to thank all of you who wrote me or called on my birthday and/or Mother’s Day. I am blessed to have so many friends! This attached photo gives you an idea of how thrilled I am to hear from all of you–on Facebook, on the website, through the mail via cards or however you communicate.”
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.
Granville, Tenn. – Dennis Rush and Keith Thibodeaux share amazing stories with interviewer, Allan Newsome, and the room full of fans at the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival.
Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt/Williams) attend the Granville, Tenn. Mayberry-I Love Lucy event, as mentioned previously in this issue, in April. Following up his trip to Mayberry, Dennis headed off to Hawaii with his wife Judy. They road horses, saw waterfalls, a beautiful sunset Luau, and beautiful scenery. He did report that Howard Sprague was not seen on the islands. Dennis is planning to be at Mayberry Days and follow that up with a trip on the Cruise to Mayberry. Make plans to see him at one of these events in the fall.
Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul) also attended the April Mayberry – I Love Lucy festival as the perfect person to bridge the gap between Mayberry (Johnny Paul) and I Love Lucy (Little Ricky) in Granville, Tenn. He has also been traveling as the Executive Director with Ballet Magnificat. Ballet Magnificat! has upcoming events such as the Summer Dance Intensive from June 29 to July 27, 2025 that will keep Keith busy. Also, as the drummer with the band David & the Giants he wrote and sings three songs on their new album SEE YOU THERE that released on May 26th.
Happy Birthday, Rodney – Having a wonderful Birthday meal with some family and friends!
Rodney Dillard (guitar playing Darling boy) has been celebrating milestones in his and his family’s lives. Back on March 19th, he and wife Beverly celebrated their 42nd Wedding Anniversary. Then on May 18th, Rodney marked his 83rd birthday. Finally on May 2oth their granddaughter, and “littlest Dillard, graduated 8th grade and is headed for high school. Congratulations to all the Dillard family, big and small. Drop by RodneyDillard.tv and check it out.
Ruta Lee (Jean Boswell/Darlene Mason)
Ruta Lee (Jean Boswell/Darlene Mason) is having a 90th birthday celebration on May 30th at the El Portal Theatre is SOLD OUT!! Ruta’s birthday celebration is an all-start event and it raising money for The Thalians. In 1955 a group of entertainers decided to devote their energy and money to children with mental health problems. They called themselves “The Thalians,” after the Goddess of Comedy, Thalia. Ruta is the Chairman of the Board Emeritus. Happy birthday from all of us here in Mayberry.
As of May 28, 2025, The Andy Griffith Show is not yet officially the state television show of North Carolina. However, there is an ongoing effort through House Bill 557, which passed the North Carolina House of Representatives on April 16, 2025, with a 96-14 vote. This bill aims to designate the show as the official state television show, recognizing its cultural impact and connection to North Carolina.
The bill has been referred to the Senate for consideration, but there have been no updates on Senate action beyond April 28, 2025, when it was referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate. Without further action, it remains pending.
While the show has strong support and has passed the House, it is not yet official, and the outcome depends on the Senate’s decision.
That’s all the cast & crew news Weaver’s has for the May issue. If you run across cast news 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.) celebrating Joy Ellison’s birthday a carrot cake in her honor.
The Mayberry Chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) had a birthday party for Joy Ellison (Miss Mayberry Junior and other roles) on March 22 where they shared a carrot cake with “Happy Birthday Joy” on it and they called Joy. Joy gave them details on how the Los Angeles fires affected her (she didn’t have to evacuate, but did have a close call once). They watched “The Beauty Contest” episode while talking with Joy by speakerphone.
Mayberry Chapter also had a 96th birthday party for Margaret Kerry on May 17. They called her to sing “Happy Birthday” and talked by speakerphone. She told them how she got the parts of Helen Scobey and Bess Muggins. She said Ruth Burch, the casting director, remembered her from a “Long Ranger” episode and brought her in. Margaret also knew Bob Sweeney as a comedian before he became a director and thought he was a funny man. Margaret said she was considered as a possible girlfriend for Andy Taylor, but she was told she was too pretty.
The May 2025 Mayberry Chapter newsletter is in the mail! It is another big 16 page color edition that includes some coverage of our trip to Los Angeles in April 2024 and my meeting Ron Howard at MegaCon. Those who are current on their chapter dues should get it in the mail in a few days.
Dennis Beal is 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.
Mayberry Retreat group photo (2025)
Johnna Clarke of the Blood Brothers chapter shows her Mayberry quilt. Each square represents an episode or notable item from The Andy Griffith Show.
May marked the 3rd year of an intentionally small event called The Mayberry Retreat. The event is organized and hosted by Mayberry author Randy Turner of Gomer & Goober Pyle Comic Book Literary Guild (Cincinnati, Ohio). Fans attended from A Dollar and a Quarter chapter (New Philadelphia, Ohio), Blood Brothers (Macon, Mo.), Remembering Mayberry (Chillicothe, Ohio), Mother Figure (Huntsville, Ala.), What Did Calvin Coolidge Say? (Batesville, Ind.), and Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board? Chapter (Internet) to enjoy Mayberry activities and entertainment in keeping with the spirit of the series. The special guests were Dixie Griffith (daughter of Andy) along with musical guest Tim White of the Got Time to Breathe Got Time for Music (Blountville, Tenn.) chapter. Tim is the host of “Song of the Mountains” on PBS, and annual performer at Mayberry Days. Both special guests kept attendees smiling, laughing and singing along.
Blood Brothers (Macon, Mo.) chapter leader, Johnna Clark, did a presentation during The Mayberry Retreat on quilting. Whether you quilt or not, her presentation is certainly something you would enjoy should you have a chance to partake at future events. The artistry and imagination used to find and use quilt patterns is sight to behold.
The Colorado Fishin’ Hole Whistlers (Colorado Springs, Colo.) represented Mayberry in the March 15th St Patrick’s Day parade in Colorado Springs, Colo. Chapter member, Warren Listul and his 1962 Ford Fairlane squad car, and 94 year-old, Jane Knudsten joined “Andy” as they marched with the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association. Interesting…Jane’s maiden name is Mayberry, and her grandparents came from the area of Mayberry, Virginia. Mmmm…could it be her grandparents knew Andy’s grandparents???
Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Colorado Fishin’ Hole Whistlers leader Marc “Andy” Enger joins the Mayberry patrol car to share a little Mayberry spirt during the March St. Patrick’s Day parade.
These are the only official reports provided from chapters since the March issue of Weaver’s Newsletter. Weaver’s would like to 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).
ROLLS CHOICE–Even more valuable than that gold truck that came through town!
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.
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.
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 840 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!
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!
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.
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:
Old Dan Tucker
Chinatown
Carolina in the Morning
When the Saints Go Marching In
Low and Lonely
Poor Butterfly
I hope you found something you enjoyed in this issue of Weaver’s Newsletter. If you didn’t, well….. 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 theWBMUTBB Facebook Groupwith 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 July 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!
****
Otis and Floyd keeping the streets of Mayberry safe….until next time.
An FYI, the Karen Knots’ “Tied Up in Knotts” scheduled at the Hartville Kitchen on June 5 is in Hartville, OH (Ohio), not NH (New Hampshire). This is near where I live. The location has been listed wrong in the last two issues of the newsletter.
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Hey, Alan.
Dennis Rush would not have seen Howard Sprague in Hawaii, because Howard went to the Caribbean.
An FYI, the Karen Knots’ “Tied Up in Knotts” scheduled at the Hartville Kitchen on June 5 is in Hartville, OH (Ohio), not NH (New Hampshire). This is near where I live. The location has been listed wrong in the last two issues of the newsletter.
Thank you for the correction. I’ve updated the Newsletter and the Event Calendar as well.