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.)

As we move into the summer months, the Mayberry spirit is truly in high gear. We’ve already enjoyed a fantastic weekend at the Mayberry – I Love Lucy festival and the BIG Andy’s 100th Birthday Bash gathering with Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg just around the corner. Beyond that, we have the 14th Mayberry Meet-up in Mount Airy coming in July to look forward to, followed by the year’s main attraction: Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C. in September.

In this edition of Weaver’s Newsletter, we have reports on the festivities from Granville & the Andy Griffith birthday bash held in Macon, Mo., along with plenty of photos to capture the fun. You’ll also find several new items available at Weaver’s that you won’t want to miss. Sadly, we also have some somber news to share with our community.

Even during difficult times, Mayberry reminds us of the people we’ve cherished over the years, and those memories can bring a smile even through the sadness. It is my hope that as you read through this newsletter, you’ll find that same comfort in the updates about our Mayberry friends.

This remains the heart of everything I do—whether it’s this newsletter, the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast, or any other project related to The Andy Griffith Show I’m involved in; to provide a bit of joy and a fond memory to help navigate life’s occasional rough patches. Mayberry is much like a bit of Miracle Salve; if you just apply it and let it sink in, it has a way of making everything feel a whole lot better.

With that in mind, let’s dive into the details for this month’s Weaver’s Newsletter and share some Mayberry smiles.

**** Granville Mayberry/I Love Lucy 2026 Report ****

The Mayberry-I Love Lucy Festival in Granville, Tennessee, went off without a hitch. Well, that’s not quite true—there were a few technical glitches with the video presentations, but they didn’t dampen the spirit of Tennessee’s Mayberry town. Attendance this year was up 77% from last year! It was a huge success, so if you missed out, please make plans to join us next year.

The weekend was packed with tribute artists, ranging from Barney to Malcolm Merriweather. Ernest T. Bass even came out of the woods to throw bricks and serenade the ladies. Floyd was there cutting hair, while Otis chatted with Rafe Hollister about a still that might (or might not) be hidden in the hills. Mayberry wasn’t the only show represented, though; Lucy and Ricky were also on hand to make the weekend even more encompassing.

Cast members Keith Thibodeaux and Dennis Rush—who played Johnny Paul Jason and Howie Pruitt—were there to meet fans. We also welcomed family members of the cast, including Dixie Griffith, Karen Knotts, and Peter Ackerman (son of Elinor Donahue). To top it all off, both “Elvis” and “Charlene” performed for the crowd.

The weather was a picture no artist could draw, and all in all, it was a magical weekend. I definitely encourage you to check the Mayberry event calendar on imayberry.com to see when next year’s event is scheduled. While you’re at it, make plans to attend one of the upcoming Mayberry events. They are all special and unique, so attending one will get your Mayberry spirit pumping and put a smile on your face while looking forward to attending more events.

A huge thank you goes out to the wonderful volunteers in Granville, Tennessee. Not only did they put on the event, but many of them also performed in four separate Mayberry play performances! If you’ve never seen one, you really should, because it’s a lot of fun to watch people perform the lines we all know so well. At first, you might think an actor doesn’t look exactly like the character, but in no time, you’ll totally accept them as Andy, Barney, Opie, or Aunt Bee. They truly capture the spirit of the show. They host these plays throughout the year—especially for Christmas and Valentine’s Day—so check out their website at granvilletn.com to see what’s coming up.

****Andy’s 100^th Birthday Bash ****

Johnna Clarke of the Blood Brothers chapter (Macon, Mo.) was kind enough to provide a report and photos of the BIG event. Weaver’s Newsletter would like to thank Johnna for this amazing report that follows.

An incredible once-in-a-lifetime celebration was held in commemoration of the centennial birthday of legendary actor and entertainer, Andy Griffith. The Blood Brothers Chapter of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club celebrated the event in a BIG way! Only one word for it — BIG!

On Saturday, May 30, the celebration opened with TAGS music performed by local favorite, Keota, and The Andy Family Singers. Following the crowd-pleasing program, Comedian Rik Roberts shed his Barney uniform and entertained the crowd with clean comedy. After intermission which included refreshments, Randy Turner offered an audio-visual presentation on the life and career of Andy Griffith. Then Randy interviewed Dixie Griffith, Andy’s daughter, about her childhood growing up with the man she simply called “Dad.”

The following day the Blood Brothers hosted a chapter meeting at a noon carry-in Mayberry – style potluck.

Special guests Dixie Griffith and Randy Turner gave an audience-captivating abbreviated interview, and Andy Taylor tribute artist James Dodson performed “Romeo & Juliet” and “What It Was, Was Football.”

Other guests included Steve & Rita Jackson from Indiana and Joy Dodson from North Carolina.

The Blood Brothers concluded their celebration with saluting Andy while Dixie cut the cake bearing her father’s name and sheriff badge.

Blood Brothers were most honored to pay homage to the man who was a bird in this world. Happy Birthday, Andy!

As Johnna said when she provided the images, “a picture is worth a thousand words” so be sure the click on the images (they’ll open in a new browser tab) to get the full size versions for you to enjoy.

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:

* June 12-14: Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg returns to Scottsburg, Ind., after a year’s hiatus. (NOTE: dates for this event have moved by a week, so make adjustments to your schedule.) This will be the third time Mayberry comes to town, and the organizers are planning to have Mayberry music, presentations, a parade, classic cars, tribute artists, cast members of the “Mayberry Man” series, and more. Special Guests confirmed so far include Rodney Dillard (the guitar-playing Darling boy), Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason), Joy Ellison (Mary Wiggins, aka Miss Mayberry Junior, and others), Dixie Griffith (daughter of Andy), and Karen Knotts (daughter of Don). Also keep an eye out for Dixie the Praying Dog ! The festival will be celebrating Andy Griffith’s 100th birthday, so come on out and act like somebody. Visit the website for more details, including tickets to some portions (but most of the festival is free), at MayberryComesToScottsburg.com.

* July 24 & 25:  14th Annual Mayberry Meetup, sponsored by TAGSRWC’s “Two Chairs, No Waiting” podcast, gathers in Mount Airy, N.C. Follow this link to REGISTER for the Mayberry Meetup, For Details about the Meetup and what to expect, visit this link for a GoogleDoc with all the information. Start planning to spend a relaxing Mayberry weekend in Mount Airy with fellow fans.

* July 25: Professor Brower’s Lecture. In conjunction with the Mayberry Meetup, Mayberry author Neal Brower gives the second of his Aunt Bee-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 “Andy Discovers America.” Professor Brower and Time With Jesus is Time Well Spent are teaming up to bring you this special lecture presentation. Refreshments will be served along with some surprises as we celebrate Andy’s 100th Birthday and our Country’s 250th Birthday. 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. 14-16: Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) appears at Animate! at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The focus of her appearances will be largely about her connection to Disney’s Tinker Bell, rather than Mayberry, but any chance to see and visit with Margaret is always a treat! For more info about the Animate convention, visit www.galaxycon.com/pages/animate-orlando.

* Aug. 15: Professor Brower’s Lecture. Neal Brower gives the final of his three Aunt Bee-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 “Aunt Bee’s Romance.”  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. 21-27: 37th Annual Mayberry Days® in Mount Airy, N.C. Special Guests confirmed so far include The Dillards (featuring Rodney Dillard) in concert, Karen Knotts (daughter of Don) presenting her new show, “Tied Up in Knotts…Untied” and Bill Knotts (nephew of Don) with a presentation of his own.

Tim White & Troublesome Hollow also return with their popular mixture of comedy and bluegrass music, as does Michael Hoover with his “Memories of Elvis” show featuring Denise Glass as Patsy Cline. Also scheduled are comedy by John Floyd (The Mouth of Mayberry), concerts by Mayberry Melodies, Band of Oz, and first-timers The Cleverlys and Too Much Sylvia. Neal Brower will also be presenting his popular Professor Brower’s Lecture. Registration is also now open for the Mayberry Days Golf Tournament (aka The Emmett). Additional Special Guests and other details TBA. For tickets and complete info as plans develop, visit www.mayberrydays.org.

###

** Farewell to Our Dear Friend Howie: Dennis Rush (1951–2026) **

Our hearts are truly heavy as we gather to say goodbye to someone who felt like one of our own. Dennis Rush, the warm-hearted boy who brought Howie Pruitt to life as Opie’s loyal pal on The Andy Griffith Show, passed away on May 9 at the age of 74—just a few short weeks before what would have been his 75th birthday on June 10.

The news came as such a shock. Dennis had only recently been diagnosed with leukemia. His dear friend and fellow “Opie’s gang” member, Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason himself), shared the sad word with all of us. Keith was with Dennis at a fan event last month, where they were able to pray together after the diagnosis. In his tribute, Keith wrote so beautifully: “Mayberry has lost a great citizen and a great friend.” Those words capture exactly how so many of us feel right now.

Dennis was born Dennis Eugene Rush in Philadelphia on June 10, 1951, and moved to California as a little boy. Even as a child, he had that special sparkle. At just six years old, he held his own opposite the great James Cagney in Man of a Thousand Faces, playing young Creighton Chaney. Cagney was so fond of the boy that they kept exchanging Christmas cards for years afterward—a sweet reminder of the kindness Dennis seemed to draw from everyone around him.

On The Andy Griffith Show, Dennis appeared in eight episodes across Seasons 3 to 5 as Howie Pruitt. Whether the boys were fishing, scheming little adventures, or just being kids in that gentle Mayberry world, Dennis brought such natural warmth and sweetness to every scene. He made us believe these were real friendships on screen, and somehow those feelings carried right into our living rooms. He also lit up episodes of Perry Mason, The Lucy Show, Gunsmoke, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and more during that golden era of television.

By his mid-teens, Dennis chose a quieter life away from the spotlight. He settled near San Diego and worked at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, building a life filled with the everyday joys he seemed to cherish. But he never turned his back on Mayberry. For years, he was a beloved regular at Mayberry Days in Mount Airy—fans fondly recall it being his eighth visit one year—where he shared smiles, heartfelt stories, warm hugs, and genuine kindness with folks who traveled from all over the world just to meet him. He posed for photos with tribute artists, chatted about the old days on set with Andy, Ron, and Don, and made every single person feel like a friend. Just last month at the Mayberry-I Love Lucy Festival in Granville, Tennessee, he was lighting up panels and reconnecting with everyone, as gracious and full of life as ever.

Dennis is survived by his loving siblings Sally, Monica, Patrick, and Megan. (His brother Jack passed away earlier this year.) As well as his dear companion of many years Judy Hong.

To all of us who grew up with him on screen, Dennis wasn’t just “that kid who played Howie.” He was part of the heart of Mayberry—the laughter, the innocence, the simple goodness that still draws us back to those black-and-white episodes again and again. We’ll miss seeing his smile at the festivals, but we’ll carry his gentle spirit with us every time we watch the gang running through the streets of Mayberry.

Rest easy, Dennis. Thank you for the joy you gave us, for the friendship you shared so freely, and for being such a bright light in our favorite town. You’ll always have a special place in our hearts, dear friend. We love you.

**** Dennis Rush Interview ****

If you’d like to hear more from Dennis in his own words, there are a few episodes of the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast that feature interviews with Dennis. The most recent featured interview was recorded on the 2024 Cruise to Mayberry. In part 1 , Dennis talks mostly about his early career and a portion of his time on The Andy Griffith Show. In part 2 of the interview featured in a second podcast episode, Dennis talks more about Mayberry and discusses how his time as a child actor completed. There are questions from the Mayberry cruisers who attended the interview as well. I know you’ll enjoy hearing Dennis’s stories.

**** Mayberry Meetup ****

If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly way to soak up that classic Mayberry spirit in Andy Griffith’s hometown, let me tell you about the Mayberry Meetup—a wonderful little gathering that’s become a favorite tradition for many of us. 

It all started back in 2013 when I headed to Mount Airy to interview the one and only Betty Lynn (our beloved Thelma Lou). Like a lot of podcasters, I figured it’d be nice to invite listeners who were already in town for a casual get-together. I honestly thought maybe two, four, or a handful of folks might show up. Boy, was I wrong—nearly 30 people said they’d love to meet! 

My wife Jan and I started scrambling. A big group dinner wouldn’t work for real conversation, so we came up with a simple, perfect idea: meet at the gazebo in the courtyard of the Mayberry Motor Inn. We’d set up a projector, watch episodes of The Andy Griffith Show as it got dark, and just visit, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company under the stars. That first weekend turned out so well that folks immediately started asking, “When’s next year?” 

Before we knew it, the Mayberry Motor Inn gave us their enthusiastic blessing to make it an annual event, and the Mayberry Meetup was born. 

This year marks the 14th Annual Mayberry Meetup and is happening July 24–25, 2026, right there in Mount Airy, North Carolina. During the daytime, you’re free to do as you please—tour the Andy Griffith Museum, ride in a squad car or trolley, catch one of Professor Brower’s classes, hike at Pilot Mountain, visit the Mayberry Trading Post up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax and chat with fellow fans. 

Then, as evening rolls around, everyone gathers at the gazebo for the heart of the Meetup. Bring a picnic dinner, a blanket, or lawn chairs, and settle in with friends old and new to watch episodes and other Mayberry videos as the sun goes down. It’s low-key, welcoming, and full of that warm fellowship we all love. 

Don’t worry if you’ve never been—this event isn’t meant to replace the big September Mayberry Days festival. It’s a smaller, more intimate crowd (usually around 150 folks) that gives you time to enjoy the quieter side of Mount Airy and connect with other fans and tribute artists in a relaxed setting. 

You can find all the details and register (it’s free and really helps us with planning) right here: Registration isn’t required, but it’s appreciated! 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning “regular,” I promise you’ll have a wonderful time. Come make some new Mayberry friends, share stories, and celebrate the show we all hold dear. 

We sure hope to see you there in July!

Tales From Yellowstone

Toward the end of May, Mrs. Weaver and I embarked on a journey to Yellowstone National Park. Being our first visit, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect—half wondering if we’d need to retreat to the car roof to avoid a bear or some other creature wandering out of the wilderness!

You might have noticed our absence since Weaver’s was technically “closed.” While you could still place orders, our two-person shipping department (that’s just Jan and myself) took a break until June 3rd. We reached out to those who ordered during that window to let them know about the delay, and we truly appreciate everyone taking things nice and slow while we were away.

It seems I can find a Mayberry connection no matter where I travel. While exploring the Canyon area visitor center and taking in the exhibits, I happened to spot a display sign featuring a vehicle that looked remarkably familiar. 

Aside from the luggage rack perched on top, it looked just like the squad car we all know so well. The timing was certainly right, as the photograph dated back to 1966. I like to imagine that Andy and Barney might have packed up the patrol car and trekked all the way from North Carolina to see Old Faithful for themselves. Catching a glimpse of those Ford Galaxie taillights in the photo certainly made me wonder about a lost episode where the boys went on a grand western road trip.

I suppose if they had brought Aunt Bee, Opie, Helen, and Thelma Lou along, things might have been a bit crowded in that car! Still, it’s fun to use your imagination and think about what a cross-country adventure with Andy and Barney would have entailed and the various sights they would have encountered along the way.

I know I would have loved to sit in the backseat, listening to their observations and perhaps chiming in once in a while. It certainly would have been a sight to behold.

** News of Cast & Crew ****

Ron Howard (Opie) has been making news with his latest documentary project, Avedon, a feature-length film exploring the life and work of legendary photographer Richard Avedon. The documentary recently premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France, where Ron attended the premiere and participated in several interviews and industry events. The project continues Ron’s long-running interest in documentary filmmaking through Imagine Entertainment, the production company he co-founded with Brian Grazer.

Ron is also attached to direct the upcoming feature film Alone at Dawn, based on the true story of Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman. The military drama has generated considerable interest in Hollywood and remains one of the major projects on Ron’s schedule.

In addition to his directing work, Ron remains deeply involved in the many film, television, and documentary productions developed through Imagine Entertainment. Recent reports indicate that Imagine continues to expand its documentary division, an area in which Ron has become increasingly active over the last decade.

Fans may also have spotted Ron at several public events this spring, including appearances at the Cannes Film Festival and industry conferences where he has spoken about storytelling, filmmaking, and the future of entertainment.

While Ron does not currently appear to have any fan-convention appearances scheduled, he remains remarkably busy behind the camera. From his beginnings on The Andy Griffith Show to directing acclaimed films such as Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon, and many others, Ron Howard continues to build upon one of the most successful careers ever launched from Mayberry.

Clint Howard (Leon)has built an impressive career of his own, appearing in hundreds of television shows and movies across more than six decades. And judging by recent announcements, he’s as busy as ever.

Over the past few months, Clint has been popping up on guest lists for several major fan conventions. Horror fans continue to embrace him as one of the genre’s most recognizable character actors, and convention organizers have been highlighting his appearances in cult favorites such as Ice Cream Man, Evilspeak, and numerous other fan-favorite films.

One recent convention announcement noted Clint’s involvement in Terrifier 4, showing that he continues to add new credits to a career that already spans generations. Not bad for the little boy who once wandered the streets of Mayberry!

Clint has also been announced as a guest at several horror and pop-culture conventions throughout 2026, where fans will have the opportunity to meet him, hear stories from his long career, and collect autographs. Anyone who has attended these events knows that Clint is often one of the most approachable and entertaining guests, with stories that range from classic television to science fiction, comedy, and horror films.

What makes Clint’s career especially remarkable is its longevity. Few performers can claim credits that stretch from The Andy Griffith Show and Gentle Ben all the way to modern genre films and convention appearances more than sixty years later. He remains one of the hardest-working alumni of the Mayberry family.

So if you happen to spot Clint’s name on a convention guest list near you, it may be worth the trip. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance to meet one of Mayberry’s own who is still actively adding new chapters to an already legendary career.

Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) is known best by Mayberry fans as her character(s) from The Andy Griffith Show, but to millions of Disney fans around the world she will forever be known as the woman who inspired one of animation’s most beloved characters—Tinker Bell.

At an age when most people would be content to stay home and enjoy retirement, Margaret continues to travel, meet fans, and share stories from her extraordinary career. Recent convention announcements show that she is scheduled to appear at several fan events in 2026, including NostalgiaCon in Anaheim and Animate! Orlando, where Disney enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet the original live-action reference model for Tinker Bell.

Margaret’s career is one of those fascinating Hollywood stories that seems almost too magical to be true. Long before computer animation, Disney artists filmed her movements and expressions as reference material while creating the animated Tinker Bell for the 1953 classic Peter Pan. More than seventy years later, fans still line up to hear her stories about working with legendary Disney animator Marc Davis and helping bring the famous fairy to life.

For fans who have never had the opportunity to meet Margaret in person, keep an eye on convention schedules. She remains one of the last living links to both Disney’s Golden Age of Animation and the classic era of television that gave us The Andy Griffith Show.

Weaver’s is sad to report that on Sunday May 24, 2026 Margaret posted this on her Facebook page:

It was 7:12 am this morning when Heaven decided to take my beloved husband, Robert H. Boeke, back. I am still stunned, though I was ready for it. I will talk to all of you more in the near future when things settle down. Right now, I need time to take it all in.
I love you all. Blessings, Margaret

All who have met Margaret over the years mourn with her over her loss. Keep her in your thoughts as she moves forward and continues to heal and move forward.

Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt/Williams) passed away on May 9, 2026, at age 74, as was reported above. Thankfully fans were able to spend time with him and hear his stories at the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival in Granville, Tenn. on April 10th & 11th. Dennis was, as always, a pleasure to be around as he was smiling and happy to be in “Mayberry” with the fans.

While we are saddened by his passing, we are grateful that Dennis spent so much time with the Mayberry community in recent years. Through his appearances, interviews, and friendships, he helped keep the spirit of Mayberry alive for a new generation of fans.

As we remember Dennis Rush, we’re reminded that every citizen of Mayberry—whether they appeared in one episode or one hundred—helped create the special town we continue to visit week after week.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow Mayberry cast members. Dennis may be gone, but Howie Pruitt will always have a place in Mayberry.

Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul) who also famously played Little Ricky on I Love Lucy, stays plenty busy blending his acting roots, musical talents, and faith-filled life.

In recent weeks, Keith has been reflecting on friendships and loss. Back in mid-May, he shared a heartfelt tribute mourning the passing of fellow Andy Griffith Show castmate Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt), with whom he’d shared decades of friendship and Mayberry event appearances. It was a touching reminder of the special bonds in our fan community.

On the music front, Keith continues rocking with David and the Giants (the Christian rock band where he’s long been the drummer). They released their new album See You There around Memorial Day (May 26, 2026), with Keith contributing to several tracks—perfect timing for summer listening! The band has been performing at churches and events, keeping that energetic sound going strong.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars: Keith will be a special guest at Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg in Indiana, June 12–14, 2026. This festival (returning bigger after a hiatus and celebrating Andy Griffith’s 100th birthday) features a Celebrity Meet & Greet Banquet and Benefit on Friday evening, plus plenty of stories, laughs, and Mayberry magic with other cast members and tributes. It’s a great chance to meet Keith in person!

Keith also keeps sharing personal moments online—like a recent fishing trip in Catalina and glimpses of his ongoing performances and testimony. He remains active in the fan community, appearing at festivals and sharing his journey from child star to musician and beyond.

If you’re heading to Scottsburg or just spinning the new album, send a little Mayberry love his way. These guys keep the spirit of the show alive in the best ways. What a blessing!

Rodney Dillard (guitar playing Darling boy) is still going strong at 84 (happy belated birthday in May!). He’s widely credited as the “father of modern bluegrass” and continues touring with his wife Beverly Cotton-Dillard, keeping the band’s pioneering sound alive.

Just a couple of weeks ago (May 29–30), Rodney and The Dillards lit up the Folky Fish Fest at Maramec Spring Park in St. James, Missouri, with their classic hits like “Dooley,” “Old Home Place,” and “There Is a Time,” plus favorites from the show.

On the recording front, the band has been promoting their recent album Songs That Made Charlene Cry—a fun collection turning those humorous song titles mentioned on the show into real tunes. Rodney has also launched a new record label focused on supporting artists.

Rodney will be a special guest at Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg in Indiana, June 12–14, 2026. He joins Keith (mentioned above) and Joy Ellison (Miss Mayberry Junior and other roles) as cast members appearing at the Scottsburg event.

Looking ahead, circle your calendars: Rodney Dillard and The Dillards will be performing at Mayberry Days® on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mount Airy, NC. It’s sure to be a highlight of the festival, packed with songs from the show and Dillards classics. Don’t miss this chance to see a true legend in person!

A quick note—Rodney recently dealt with some van trouble after a deer collision and fans have rallied with support for repairs. He’s a resilient Ozarks treasure who keeps sharing his music, stories, and Mayberry spirit with all of us.

If you catch him at a show or spin one of his albums, raise a jar of moonshine (or sweet tea) to Rodney Dillard—still pickin’ and grinnin’ after all these years.

Joy Ellison (Miss Mayberry Junior and other roles) will be a special guest at Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg in Indiana, June 12–14, 2026! She’s scheduled for a wonderful interview session on Sunday, June 14, where she’ll share stories from her time on The Andy Griffith Show and her fascinating career afterward. It’s a perfect chance to meet her, get autographs, and soak up some authentic Mayberry memories.

Joy continues to connect warmly with the fan community at these events, bringing her grace, humor, and insider tales that keep the spirit of those early episodes alive. Whether she’s coaching accents in Hollywood or reminiscing about Mayberry, she’s a true treasure.

If you’re planning to head to Scottsburg this month, be sure to catch her session—you won’t want to miss it! In the meantime, rewatch one of her episodes and remember the joy (pun intended) she brought to the screen.

Ruta Lee (Jean Boswell/Darlene Mason), now a vibrant 91 years young (happy belated birthday on May 30!), continues to light up rooms with her wit, charm, and energy.

Ruta stays connected to her fans through interviews, podcasts, and reflections on her incredible career—from classic films like *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers* and *Witness for the Prosecution* to her many TV appearances. While she’s stepped back from some autograph requests due to her busy schedule and age, her spirit and stories remain as lively as ever.

No major new acting projects or upcoming convention appearances popped up in the last couple of months, but she’s still very much a part of the classic TV community, sharing memories and inspiration with old and new fans alike.

Ruta Lee is a true Hollywood legend who added that extra touch of glamour to *The Andy Griffith Show*. If you catch one of her episodes (or a podcast interview), you’ll see why she’s still winning hearts after all these years. What a treasure!

That’s all the cast & crew news Weaver’s has been able to dig up for Mar/Apr issue. If you come across cast news between issues, Weaver’s would love for you to share it with us. You would be given credit as a “roving reporter.” Otherwise, Weaver’s will continue to comb the web for News of Cast & Crew and do the best we can to find the news fit to “print.”

****Chapter News ****

The Mayberry Chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) celebrated Margaret Kerry’s 97^th birthday on Saturday, May 2, 2026with a party at Dennis and Shannon Beal’s house at 7:00 p.m. and called her at 8:00 p.m. Those attending were Dennis and Shannon Beal, Mike and Janet Jones, Kent and Stephanie Baker and Julie Sipe. Vickie Drescher joined us by phone from Kentucky.

Margaret portrayed both Helen Scobey in “Andy Forecloses” (episode #28) and Bess Muggins in “Christmas Story” (episode #11) from season 1. Margaret is also famous for being the original model for Disney’s Tinker Bell!

We had a chocolate cake with chocolate icing with “Happy Birthday Margaret” on it. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her and watched “Andy Forecloses” episode while we talked with her.

Margaret told us how she just got out of the hospital that day due to some breathing difficulties. She was back home resting and getting additional oxygen. She was a real trooper for still talking with us under the circumstances. We talked for about 20 minutes.

She told us that she still watches TAGS on television. Her other favorite television shows include Antiques Road Show and musicals. She said she has a new assistant who handles all of her communications on the computer. Her husband Bob Boeke enjoys watching golf and is now over 100 years old!

The Barney Chapter (Greensboro, N.C.) had a gathering recently to usher in the spring/summer seasons. Amy and Wayne Washburn hosted at their home in Greensboro, NC. After a delicious meal, everyone fellowshipped with each other and Neal Brower, Mayberry author/expert extraordinaire, as well as a Barney Chapter alumnus, shared some memorable stories. We also had sing-a-long with some tunes from the show, and ended our time together watching an episode. A great time was had by all! 

Blood Brothers (Macon, Mo.) had a BIG Mayberry experience in May. You’ve already seen the report about the “Andy’s 100th Birthday Bash: Bluegrass, Comedy, and Mayberry Memories” earlier in this newsletter. The day following the big celebration, the chapter members gathered to continue the Mayberry feeling along with special guest Dixie Griffith and others who had performed at the Birthday Bash the day before. A wonderful time was had by all and the Mayberry Spirit was glowing throughout those gathered.

Those are all the chapter reports we’ve received since our last issue. We, and all your fellow Mayberry fans, would love to hear reports from your local chapter so we can all share in your fun.

Please submit an official report from your chapter for inclusion in the July/Aug 2026 issue of Weaver’s Newsletter. Weaver’s encourages all TAGSRWC chapters to email in their reports (Please add Subject: Newsletter to your email) so we can share your fun with others .

**** Chapter Update ****

Our total number of chapters started since TAGSRWC was founded in 1979 has remained the same since our last issue with the total number of chapters holding steady at 1,494!

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).

**** Word Search: Opie’s Charity Solution ****

In our last issue, Weaver’s had a Word Search puzzle for you to try. We hope you enjoyed it and don’t need the answer-key but it is provided below. If you missed the puzzle in the last newsletter, stop scrolling now so you don’t see the solution (below) and use the following link to download a PRINTABLE PDF version of the puzzle here and fill it out yourself.

**** Solution ****

Okay, here’s the solution. Please let Weaver’s know if you enjoyed this puzzle. We’re hoping you enjoyed the word search

**** 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 893 episodes of Two Chairs since Allan launched the podcast over 17 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 the Mayberry Bible Study Podcast that are no longer being produced but the content remains “evergreen.”

Facebook

TAGSRWC’s official page on Facebook  has ~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 Weaver’s Department Store 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.

**** Post Note ****

Weaver’s Department Store hopes you enjoyed this issue of our newsletter. The Weaver’s team, Jan and Allan, work hard to find or create fun Mayberry products and information to share with fellow fans. If you run across something interesting, email me at floyd@iMayberry.com with the subject Weaver’s Newsletter Info so I don’t miss your e-mail.

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.

Consider joining the FREE 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 Jul/Aug 2026 . 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!

 ****

 Printer Friendly Version