{"id":1219,"date":"2014-08-25T21:45:13","date_gmt":"2014-08-26T02:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/?p=1219"},"modified":"2014-09-09T20:56:34","modified_gmt":"2014-09-10T01:56:34","slug":"weavers-newsletter-august-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/2014\/08\/weavers-newsletter-august-2014\/","title":{"rendered":"Weaver’s Newsletter August 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em><\/strong>
\nAn Online newsletter of<\/strong>
\n\u201cThe Andy Griffith Show\u201d Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)
\nAugust 2014
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

**** Merchandise Update ****<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\"Ol'<\/a>

Ol’ Ben, post-jug and pre-jig!<\/p><\/div>\n

Along with shelves full of longtime favorites, we have nine brand new items <\/strong>in stock since our last issue! Ol’ Ben is ready to get out his celebratin’ jug and dance a jig!<\/p>\n

While Ben enjoys a happy snooze, we’ll get right to telling you about these neat new, officially licensed Mayberry products he has in his store this month.<\/p>\n

Featured This Month at Weaver\u2019s:<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

Two New T-Shirts!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Three Mayberteers T-Shirt<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"Trevco3Amigos\"<\/a>New!
\n$20.00<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s all for one and one for all with these three Mayberry buddies on this happy cream-colored, 100% cotton shirt.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s sure to make everybody smile. Just grin and grin and grin!<\/p>\n

Lawmen T-Shirt<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"TrevcoLawFB1\"<\/a>New!<\/strong>
\n$25.00<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019re excited to have this new design in the popular All-Over design. An official Mayberry manufacturer hasn\u2019t made these types of shirts in about 15 years, but these shirts were always enormously popular when they were available in the past. It\u2019s great to have them back!<\/p>\n

This shirt is a super-soft and lightweight material made of 65% polyester\/35% cotton. You\u2019ll get smiling looks coming and going, wherever you go.<\/p>\n

And best of all, you can always be sure that Andy, Barney, and Opie have got your covered on both your front\u2026and your back!<\/p>\n

\u00a0Lawmen Throw, Blanket, Pillow, Pillow Case and Beach Towel<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"LawmenThrow\"<\/a>Lawmen design available in assorted items (woven Throw shown)<\/em><\/p>\n

Everybody is so keen on the Lawmen design that one of the licensed manufacturers just went wild coming up with things to put it on.\u00a0 With Aunt Bee and Clara’s help, of course.\u00a0 You’ll find a cool (and warm!) assortment of items for fun decor, whether in your home or at the duck pond.\u00a0 Mix and match.\u00a0 Actually, at this point, it’s more like match and match.\u00a0 But that just makes decorating all the easier!\u00a0 Everything goes together when it’s all the same!<\/p>\n

Lawmen Bandana<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Lawmen<\/a>

Lawmen Bandana (front and back)<\/p><\/div>\n

$16.00<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a brand new item for this fall.\u00a0 Made of 100% polyester for a soft feel and easy care.\u00a0 It measures a generous 22 in. x 22 in.<\/p>\n

Lawmen on the front and TAGS logos covering the back.\u00a0 Definitely nothing to sneeze at…unless you need to.\u00a0 For example, if you’re wearing the ol’ salt and pepper (ha-ha), then you’ll be extra glad that you have the coolest handy kerchief around!<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Get Ready for 2015!<\/strong>
\nThe 2015 Wall Calendar<\/a> Is Here!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"2015TAGSCalendarFront\"<\/a>\"2015CalendarBack\"<\/a>$15.00 <\/strong>
\nAvailable to order now!<\/strong><\/p>\n

We think the 2015 edition is an especially good edition. It features 11 different characters (a new record for 21st century Mayberry calendars).\u00a0 All photos are black and white, but there’s a lot of nice color in the design around the photos.\u00a0 (And it looks like the Year of the Lawmen, with our three tough guys gracing the calendar cover, along so many other new products, for 2015!)<\/p>\n

Because of a smaller allotment than usual this year, this edition may end up being somewhat harder to find later on than some previous editions have been, but we’ll do our best to keep it in stock for as long as we can.\u00a0 There just may not be the discounts available to later shoppers later that some earlier editions have had.<\/p>\n

Anyway, 2015 will be the 55th Anniversary of TAGS. What better way to keep Mayberry on your mind every day than with this cool calendar!<\/p>\n

From Ben Weaver\u2019s Archives:<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

The Andy Griffith Show Trivia Game<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"TAGSTriviaGame\"<\/a>$59.00<\/del> $49.00
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"TAGSTriviaGameOpen\"<\/a>This is the original Andy Griffith Show Trivia board game from 1998. It\u2019s now out of print and really hard to find still unused and even sealed in its original shrink wrap, but we\u2019ve got a couple.<\/p>\n

A wonderful game to play or to preserve as a collectible. (Even crusty ol\u2019 Ben thinks it\u2019s more fun to play than to save back!)<\/p>\n

Loads of fun anytime!<\/p>\n

Find all of these items and much more (books, DVDs, music, artwork and all the rest) at weaversdepartmentstore.com<\/a>, or just click on the orange and blue Weaver\u2019s button at the top left or top right of the page whenever you\u2019re visiting\u00a0www.imayberry.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\n

Floyd’s <\/span>Barber<\/span>shop
\n<\/span>Bulletin <\/span>Board <\/span>&<\/span> Event<\/span> Calendar<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"There's<\/a>

There’s always a lot to smile about at Floyd’s!<\/p><\/div>\n

The Andy Griffith Museum<\/strong>, featuring the late Emmett Forrest\u2019s amazing collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia, is open daily in Mount Airy, N.C. For info, visit the website at www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/a> or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n

\"CHEERY<\/a>

CHEERY GROUP AND A CHAIR–Russell Hiatt enjoys a visit with incognito friends Tim “Goober ” Pettigrew, Kenneth “Otis” Junkin and Allan “Floyd Jr.” Newsome when the trio popped in at his shop after breakfast next door at the Snappy Lunch on Aug. 22. Photo Instagrammed by Allan.<\/p><\/div>\n

SPECIAL NOTE:<\/strong> We\u2019re happy to report that, after being under the weather in the spring, Russell Hiatt<\/strong>, America\u2019s Barber, is back greeting visitors at his Floyd\u2019s City Barber Shop in Mount Airy. Russell, who celebrated his 90th birthday in January, has now retired from cutting hair, but he\u2019s still cutting up with friends at his shop. Drop by the shop when you\u2019re on Main Street, and say hey.<\/p>\n

\"KarenKnottsGuitar\"<\/a>* Aug. 29 and 30: Karen Knotts<\/strong>\u00a0performs \u201cTied Up in Knotts\u201d at the Edison Repertory Theatre in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Show time both nights is 7 p.m.\u00a0 For more info, call (760) 934-6592.<\/p>\n

* Sept. 1: “The Andy Griffith Show”<\/strong> begins airing on MeTV in markets that don’t already have TAGS available on local stations.\u00a0 The local markets already with TAGS might instead be getting “Mayberry R.F.D.” on MeTV.<\/p>\n

* Sept. 5: The Roland White Band\u00a0<\/strong>has a CD release party at The Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn.\u00a0 Show time is 9 p.m., and admission is $12.<\/p>\n

* Sept. 5 and 6:<\/strong>\u00a0You\u2019re sure to spot a loon when David \u201cMayberry Deputy\u201d Browning goes \u201cBack to Nature\u201d for the Tom Johnson Camping Center Fall Barbecue in Marion, N.C.<\/p>\n

\"Missouri<\/a>

Missouri Boatride (featuring Dean Webb, far left)<\/p><\/div>\n

* Sept. 13: Dean Webb<\/strong>\u00a0and Missouri Boatride close out their\u00a0free<\/strong>\u00a0Kimberling City Summer Bluegrass Concert Series\u00a0outside of the Hillbilly Bowl at Kimberling City Shopping Mall.\u00a0 In true Darlings style, they\u2019ll be performing on the back of their\u00a0 \u201941 Chevy flatbed truck. From 7 to 9 p.m.\u00a0 Bring your lawn chairs or whatever you like to sit on while listening to music under the stars.<\/p>\n

\"F<\/a>

F TROOP BUDDIES\u2013Kenny Berry (left) and Larry Storch.<\/p><\/div>\n

* Sept. 14: Ken Berry<\/strong>\u00a0is among the stars making a special appearance at The Comedy Store in Hollywood, Calif., with Ken\u2019s old \u201cF Troop\u201d co-star Larry Storch for \u201cLarry Storch Live,\u201d which will be Larry\u2019s official final stand-up performance, on the same stage where he first did stand-up those many decades ago.\u00a0 Show time is 7 p.m.\u00a0 For tickets and more info, call (323) 650-6268 or\u00a0visit\u00a0www.thecomedystore.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"BettyAGM0714\"<\/a>* Sept. 19: Betty Lynn<\/strong>\u00a0(Thelma Lou) greets fans at the Andy Griffith Museum 12:30-1:30 p.m. She will have autographed 8\u00d710 photos available ($10). For info, visit the website at\u00a0www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/a>\u00a0or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n

* Sept. 19:<\/strong>\u00a0There will be lots of carrying on when David \u201cMayberry Deputy\u201d Browning works security at the Carriage Travel Club Grand National Rally in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.<\/p>\n

* Sept. 21-24: Life Lessons From Mayberry: It\u2019s All There in Black and Whit<\/strong>e\u00a0in Ridgecrest, N.C. (outside Asheville) is a Bible study event drawing on the biblical truths and life applications found in \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show.\u201d The event is $295 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes three nights of on-campus lodging, eight meals, Bible study sessions based on favorite TAGS episodes, dynamic preaching, worship, an orchestra concert of TAGS tunes, and a lunch with favorite Mayberry tribute artists. To register, call Ridgecrest Conference Center at (800) 588-7222 or visit www.lifeway.com\/mayberry.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Rodney<\/a>

Rodney Dillard<\/p><\/div>\n

* Sept. 25-28: 25th Annual Mayberry Days\u00a0<\/strong>in Mount Airy, N.C. As always, numerous \u201cAndy Griffith Show\u201d stars will be on hand. Stars already confirmed are hometown favorite Betty Lynn<\/strong>\u00a0(Thelma Lou) and Darling Boy\u00a0Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and the Dillard Band (with special guest\u00a0Maggie Peterson<\/strong>, aka Charlene Darling), who will perform a matinee show on Friday.\u00a0\u00a0James Best<\/strong>\u00a0also presents his popular \u201cBest in Hollywood Show\u201d on Friday afternoon, and\u00a0Karen Knotts<\/strong> returns with her fun, wonderful \u201cTied Up in Knotts\u201d show, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday.<\/p>\n

Other guests scheduled to return include\u00a0Elizabeth MacRae <\/strong>(Betty Parker on TAGS and Lou Ann Poovie on \u201cGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.\u201d),\u00a0Morgan Brittany<\/strong>\u00a0(Mary Alice Carter),\u00a0Jackie Joseph<\/strong>\u00a0(\u201cRomeena\u201d Ankrum),\u00a0Peggy McCay<\/strong>\u00a0(Sharon DeSpain),\u00a0George Spence<\/strong>\u00a0(Frank the Boyfriend),\u00a0Margaret Kerry<\/strong>\u00a0(Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey), and\u00a0George Lindsey, Jr<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"MaryWiggins\"<\/a>Also, Joy Ellison<\/strong>\u00a0(Mary Wiggins, Effie Muggins, Mary Scobey, Betsy, and Iris) is planning to attend her first Mayberry Days this year (and her first Mayberry event of any kind since 2000)!\u00a0 Joy will the special guest for Neal Brower\u2019s lecture (always a festival highlight) in conjunction with the TAGSRWC Annual Meeting on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n

Other festival favorites include David \u201cMayberry Deputy\u201d Browning, Allan \u201cFloyd\u201d Newsome and the merry Mayberry band of tribute artists; the VW Boys and their \u201cSalute to Mayberry;\u201d and Michael Hoover\u2019s \u201cMemories of Elvis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"James<\/a>

James Gregory<\/p><\/div>\n

Also, there will be a hilarious comedy show on Friday night by the amazing\u00a0James Gregory<\/strong>, \u201cthe Funniest Man in America.\u201d Also, The Embers warm the night with their music on Thursday, while the legendary Tams bring their soulful coastal music to the amphitheater on Friday evening. There will be something for everybody at this special 25th Mayberry Days. Visit\u00a0www.surryarts.org\u00a0<\/a>for more info and tickets.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

* Oct. 3:<\/strong> 54th Anniversary of the premiere of \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show\u201d on CBS.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\u201cOhhh,<\/a>

\u201cOhhh, you get a line and I\u2019ll get a pole, honey!\u201d \u201cHoney.\u201d \u201cYou get a line and I\u2019ll get a pole, ba-abe!\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

***<\/p>\n

* Oct. 3: Dean Webb<\/strong>\u00a0and Missouri Boatride perform for The Old\u00a0Brush Arbor, at Keystone Baptist Church in Reeds Spring, Mo.<\/p>\n

* Oct. 5: Karen Knott<\/strong>s\u00a0brings her \u201cTied Up in Knotts\u201d show to the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, Calif., at 2 p.m. For tickets and info, call 209-338-5071 or visit www.galloarts.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"LeroyMackFlag\"<\/a>* Oct. 19: LeRoy \u201cMack\u201d McNees<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>and wife Jan share their faith and bluegrass gospel music during the 11 a.m. worship service at the New Horizons Baptist Church in Oxford, N.C.<\/p>\n

\"RonHowardGuilford\"<\/a><\/strong>* Oct. 23: \u201cAn Evening with Ron Howard\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0as part of the Bryan Series, hosted by Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. In a moderated conversation, Ron Howard will offer the Bryan Series reflections on his 50 years in the motion picture and television industry. He will discuss his journey from his role as Opie to his achievements as one of the most accomplished filmmakers of our time. Expect him to talk about the creative process and the significance of his films including\u00a0Apollo 13,\u00a0A Beautiful Mind, Frost\/Nixon<\/em>\u00a0and others. The presentation starts at 7:30 at the Greensboro Coliseum.<\/p>\n

Single ticket prices are about $59 (including fees & taxes), plus $7 per vehicle (\u201ceverybody on the truck!\u201d) for parking. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. For more info, visit\u00a0www.guilford.edu\/bryan-series<\/a>.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0Oct. 31- Nov. 2:\u00a0Back to Mayberry Retreat<\/strong>\u00a0at the Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond, Miss.\u00a0 A fundraiser weekend of Christian fellowship and Mayberry fun and games in the heart of Mississippi.\u00a0 For more info visit www.backtomayberryretreat.webs.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"CarnvialVictory\"<\/a>* Nov. 1-6: Cruise to Mayberry 9<\/strong>\u00a0stars\u00a0LeRoy \u201cMack\u201d McNees<\/strong>,\u00a0George Lindsey, Jr.\u00a0, and a passel of Mayberry tribute artists for music, sights, sun, fun, and games\u2026and hearty eatin\u2019 aboard Carnival\u2019s\u00a0Victory<\/em>\u00a0cruise ship, departing Miami for Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman.\u00a0\u00a0 For more info, contact Sharon at All About Cruises (336) 538-4926 or by e-mail at\u00a0pwesje@aol.com<\/a>\u00a0or visit the website at www.allaboutcruisesnc.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n

* Nov. 5-10:<\/strong>\u00a0David Mayberry Deputy\u201d Browning joins the VW Boys and a boatload of down-home comedy, bluegrass and country music performers on the Acoustic Cruise sailing from Charleston, S.C., to the Caribbean.\u00a0Info is at www.ExclusiveCruiseTravel.com<\/a>, call Kathy Kennedy at (877) 288-7711.<\/p>\n

2015<\/strong><\/h1>\n

* Jan 9: Karen Knotts<\/strong>\u00a0performs \u201cTied Up in Knotts at the Norris Center in Naples, Fla.\u00a0 Show time is 7:30. For more info, call 239-213-3058 or visit\u00a0www.naplesgov.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"KarenKnottsHeadShot\"<\/a>* Jan. 11: Karen Knotts<\/strong>\u00a0performs \u201cTied Up in Knotts at the Florissant Civic Center in Florissant, Mo., at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $28.00.\u00a0 For more info or tickets, call (314) 921-5678 or visit\u00a0www.florissantmo.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

* Feb. 15: Karen Knotts<\/strong>\u00a0performs \u201cTied Up in Knotts at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. Show time is 7:30. For more info, call 888 467-6442 or visit www.howard.andrews.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"FilmFestLogo\"<\/a>* Mar. 5-7:<\/strong> The 18th Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival<\/strong>\u00a0in Florence, Ala. Details TBA.\u00a0 For updates go to\u00a0www.lindseyfilmfest.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Something<\/a>

Something to celebrate! Otis loves a fifth of anything!<\/p><\/div>\n

* May 1 and 2: Fifth Annual Mayberry Comes to Westminster<\/strong>\u00a0 festival in Westminster, S.C.\u00a0 Details TBA. Photo highlights from 2014 at www.mayberrywestminster.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

* May 15-17: Mayberry in the Midwest<\/strong>\u00a0returns to Danville, Ind. Among the festival\u2019s highlights are the parade, the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals, and performances by the Mayberry Tribute Artists. Guest stars and other details TBA.\u00a0 For now, just mark your calendar.<\/p>\n

**** News of Cast & Crew ****<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"DonKnottsStatue\"<\/a>Organizer John Pyles of the\u00a0Don Knotts<\/strong>\u00a0Statue Fund in Don\u2019s hometown of Morgantown, W.V., informed us last week that, thanks in great part to some recent generous donations by friends of TAGSRWC, they have now reached their goal of $50,000 to pay for the statue!\u00a0 It\u2019s now full speed ahead on completing and installing the statue. The current expectation is that the statue will be completed by next spring. The statue fund committee is most appreciative of all who have supported the effort, including Don\u2019s family, friends, fans and the Morgantown community.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, there\u2019s still a need for donations for the overall project.\u00a0 The fund-raising focus now shifts to creating a proper garden park to surround the statue.\u00a0 The plan is to wait to install and unveil the statue until the surrounding park is also ready for visitors.\u00a0 So it\u2019s not too late to offer support to the cause and be part of making this special tribute to Don Knotts a dream come true.\u00a0 Checks should be sent to: Don Knotts Statue Fund in care of Your Community Foundation, 111 High Street, Morgantown WV\u00a0 26505.<\/p>\n

In July,\u00a0Ron Howard\u00a0<\/strong>and his wife, Cheryl, sold their lakefront estate in Greenwich, Conn., where they have lived for 20 years and raised their four children.\u00a0 We don\u2019t know whether they had any help from Barney Fife, Realtor, but they got their asking price.<\/p>\n

Ron and his Imagine Entertainment partner Brian Grazer last week announced a deal for their company to produce (along with Scott Pascucci and Grammy winner Nigel Sinclair) and for Ron to direct a documentary about the touring years of The Beatles. \u201cImagine\u201d that!\u00a0 Fab for Ron\u2026and for Beatles fans everywhere!\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s so compelling to me,\u201d Ron told\u00a0Rolling Stone<\/em>, \u201cis the perspective that we have now, the chance to really understand the impact that they had on the world.\u201d Keep up with the project\u2019s progress at www.thebeatlesliveproject.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

The duo of Howard and Glazer is also set to produce a new adaptation of\u00a0East of Eden\u00a0for the big screen.\u00a0 Jennifer Lawrence has been announced as one of the stars.<\/p>\n

\"\u201cWE<\/a>

\u201cWE WANT A GHOST STORY!\u201d\u2013Ron Howard tweeted this photo of himself with writer Neil Graiman, touring graveyards in London in July.<\/p><\/div>\n

And Ron is preparing to direct a film version of Neil Graiman\u2019s best-selling\u00a0The Graveyard Book<\/em>.\u00a0He\u2019s also likely to direct or at least produce the film version of another best-selling book,\u00a0The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair<\/em>\u00a0for Warner Bros.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s not all.\u00a0 Ron has signed on as executive producer for a mini-series based on the\u00a0Clan of the Cave Bear<\/em>\u00a0book series.\u00a0 The series is expected to air on Lifetime next year.<\/p>\n

Ron\u2019s also still very much involved in post-production for his next feature film release,\u00a0In the\u00a0Heart of the Sea<\/em>, which will be in theaters next March.<\/p>\n

And just last week, Ron too the Ice Bucket Challenge on Abbey Road in London.\u00a0 Here’s the short video of Ron’s charitable dowsing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Jim Nabors<\/strong>‘ Maui home and the \u201cBig Island\u201d home of TAGS associate producer Richard O. Linke<\/strong> both were fine after the rare hurricanes that skirted Hawaii in early August.<\/p>\n

\"BettyAGM0714\"<\/a>Betty Lynn<\/strong> has been drawing large crowds of fans to her meet-and-greet afternoons once a month at the Andy Griffith Museum. And she looks forward to welcoming her fellow TAGS stars and all attendees at Mayberry Days in September. She’s also celebrating a birthday this week!<\/p>\n

Ronnie Schell\u00a0<\/strong>(two TAGS episodes and Duke Slater on \u201cGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C\u201d) completed a stint at Harrah\u2019s Improv Comedy Club in Las Vegas in June and another at Harvey\u2019s in Lake Tahoe in July. Also, he performed Love Letters\u00a0with\u00a0Maggie Peterson <\/strong>at the Touch of Mayberry festival in Georgia this month.<\/p>\n

\"Maggie<\/a>

EVERYBODY BACK AT THE TABLE–Maggie Peterson (left) with Rodney Dillard and his wife, Beverly, greet fans and offer photos and CDs during the Oakboro Cruise-In on Aug. 22, before heading over to Troy for the next night’s big DARE fundraiser concert. Photo by Tom Rusk.<\/p><\/div>\n

And just last week Maggie joined TV brother Rodney Dillard <\/strong>for another successful DARE concert and fundraiser with a full roster of the Mayberry tribute artists in Troy, N.C.<\/p>\n

James Best\u00a0<\/strong>has had an active year so far with performing and making personal appearances. And also painting (you can view\u2013and buy!\u2013 his work at\u00a0www.jamesbestart.com<\/a>). James also has been making time for some fascinating sightseeing and leisurely travel. He has just returned from a family vacation in Europe. But barely back from that, he has already gotten in two performances of his one-man \u201cBest in Hollywood\u201d show and a “Dukes of Hazzard” reunion show.<\/p>\n

James also won a Kay Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Norman Thayer Jr. in the Hickory Theatre’s production of On Golden Pond<\/em> last spring.\u00a0 Attaboy, Jimmie!<\/p>\n

Peggy McCay <\/strong>(Sharon DeSpain) took a tumble on the set of \u201cDays of Our Lives\u201d in June. But ever spunky, she quickly bounced back and is looking forward to being at Mayberry Days in September.<\/p>\n

Morgan Brittany\u00a0<\/strong>(Mary Alice Carter) is gearing up for touring and media appearances to promote her new book, titled\u00a0What Women\u00a0Really\u00a0Want<\/em>, which is being released the week before Mayberry Days in September. (Yes, books will be on hand for her to sign at the event!)<\/p>\n

Margaret Kerry\u00a0<\/strong>(Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) has been busy as usual with lots of Disney-related appearances. She just got back from a Disneyana Club event in Garden Grove, Calif., in July. Keep up with Margaret on her website:\u00a0www.tinkerbelltalks.com<\/a>. The Club House section of her site also has a video of her cutting up with\u00a0George Lindsey Jr.\u00a0<\/strong>(That Club House area of her site is for \u201cmembers only\u201d and requires a paid subscription.)<\/p>\n

Karen Knotts<\/strong>\u00a0has had several performances of her \u201cTied Up in Knotts\u201d stage show so far this year.\u00a0 And she has more shows coming up, including Mayberry Days (see Floyd\u2019s bulletin board above). She also recently performed in a two-month run of the well-reviewed I\u2019m Not Just a Comic Genius<\/em> at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

We’re sad to report the passing of Rick Mittleman<\/strong>, who wrote 20 episodes of \u201cGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.\u201d He died following a car accident while walking his dog on July 30 in Los Angeles. He was 84.<\/p>\n

\"Mittleman\"<\/a>During his five-decade career writing for TV, Rick was a three-time Emmy nominee who specialized in comedies. Among the shows for which he wrote were \u201cThe Red Skelton Hour (which earned him his first Emmy nod), \u201cThe Dick Van Dyke Show,\u201d \u201cThe Flintstones,\u201d Get Smart,\u201d \u2018Bewitched,\u201d \u201cMcHale\u2019s Navy,\u201d \u201cThe Odd Couple,\u201d \u201cThe Mary Tyler Moore Show,\u201d \u201cM*A*S*H\u201d and \u201cArnie,\u201d which earned him his second Emmy nomination. His third Emmy nomination was for the 1975 comedy special \u201cVan Dyke and Company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rick also wrote for \u201cRemington Steele,\u201d \u201cSimon & Simon,\u201d \u201cMurder She Wrote,\u201d \u201cMatlock\u201d and many others. His last writing credit was for a 1999 episode of \u201cEarly Edition.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was a producer for several shows, including \u201cYou Asked for It,\u201d in the 1950s. And though he never wrote for TAGS, Rick was a favored writer of the Sheldon Leonard\/Danny Thomas family of shows, including not only \u201cDick Van Dyke\u201d and \u201cGomer Pyle,\u201d but also \u201cThat Girl\u201d and \u201cI Spy,\u201d as well as shows steered by TAGS producer Aaron Ruben, including \u201cSanford & Son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rick served on the board of directors for the Writers Guild of America for several years, and in 1997 received the WGA\u2019s Morgan Cox Award for exceptional service to the Guild.<\/p>\n

Survivors include his wife, Arlene, children Todd, Rachel and Dana, and four grandchildren.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Editor\u2019s Note:<\/em> Thanks to our ace stringer Brent Seguine for alerting us to Rick’s passing.<\/p>\n

**** Mayberry on the Web ****<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"imayberrycommunity\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The iMayberry Community
\n<\/strong>This TAGSRWC online group is organized and overseen by webmaster Allan “Floyd” Newsome<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0 You can check it out and sign up for free at: http:\/\/imayberrycommunity.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The iMayberry Community complements our other online activities, including our main www.imayberry.com<\/a> page, podcasts, Facebook page, online newsletters (such as The eBullet!), weaversdepartmentstore.com<\/a> and chat rooms.\u00a0 Combined with TAGSRWC chapters and the various Mayberry events for all fans (from Mayberry Days to ocean cruises), not to mention enjoying the sites of Mount Airy year-round, the world of Mayberry fun keeps expanding.<\/p>\n

And best of all, it’s all rooted in watching the show itself.\u00a0 Whether through DVDs (and now Blu-ray), streaming video, local stations or TV Land, loving to watch the show continues to be the energy that feeds all the other Mayberry fun and activities that we enjoy.\u00a0\u00a0What a wonderful thing Andy Griffith and his talented team of actors, musicians, writers and crew people created 54 years ago–for us and generations to come!<\/p>\n

\"Mayberry<\/p>\n

\"TwoChairsLogo2\"<\/a><\/em>Two Chairs, No Waiting<\/a><\/em><\/strong> is our weekly podcast of TAGS news, interviews and pretty much whatever happens to be going on in and around Mayberry. It’s hosted by Allan Newsome. There’s a new episode every Tuesday (and you can watch and listen live during tapings on Monday evenings). Past episodes are in an online Archives in case you want to listen to or view episodes you’ve missed. (There have been 294 episodes since Allan started the podcasts in October 2008.)<\/p>\n

There’s a lot of info and discussions that you simply won’t find anywhere else, including rare interviews (vintage and new) with cast and crew members of TAGS. If you’ve got sound on your computer or have an iPod or similar device, you can easily tune in live or download these podcasts.<\/p>\n

Also, check out the podcast area of our www.imayberry.com<\/a> site for info about a Mayberry Bible Study Podcast<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, also hosted by Allan, and a “brother figure” podcast called Burke on Mayberry<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, hosted by Kevin Burke.<\/p>\n

\"Facebooklogo\"<\/a>TAGSRWC’s official page on Facebook <\/strong>now has more than 85,000 friends! You can find us at www.facebook.com\/tagsrwc<\/a>. There’s a variety of comments about Mayberry, and a lively stream of fans’ favorite TAGS lines and photos. And our Facebook page is also one of the first places we post announcements and breaking news about TAGS. 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!<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>**** Post Note ****<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Between issues of\u00a0Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em>, keep up with the happenings in Mayberry with the daily\u00a0\u201cWho\u2019s Been Messin\u2019 Up the Bulletin Board?\u201d Digest<\/strong>.<\/a>\u00a0It\u2019s a\u00a0free\u00a0<\/strong>subscriber list that consists entirely of comments, news flashes, and questions and answers from subscribers. You can sign up for that list by going to the \u201cMailing Lists\u201d link at\u00a0www.tagsrwc.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

TAGSRWC also publishes\u00a0The eBullet\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>in more or less alternate months to\u00a0Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em>.\u00a0The eBullet\u00a0<\/em>is the online successor to our longtime printed newsletter,\u00a0The Bullet<\/em>. Like\u00a0Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em>, The eBullet\u00a0<\/em>is\u00a0free<\/strong>. It includes some of the same news as\u00a0Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em>, but with more features and depth and a little less emphasis on merchandise news. To sign up, go to: www.tagsrwc.com\/ebullet\/joinebullet.htm<\/a>.<\/p>\n

TAGSRWC\u2019s other main vehicle for Mayberry information is simply our website at\u00a0www.tagsrwc.com<\/a>\u00a0(and its sister site\u00a0www.iMayberry.com<\/a>). Both sites have extensive content and links for just about everything a Mayberry fan might be looking for.<\/p>\n

The next issue of\u00a0Weaver\u2019s Newsletter\u00a0<\/em>is scheduled for October, with the next\u00a0eBullet\u00a0<\/em>planned for mid-September (our Pre-Mayberry Days issue!).<\/p>\n

\"Mayberry<\/a>

Mayberry Days will be here before you know it, but it’s probably still too soon to hold your breath in anticipation. But now, don’t go and throw a tantrum about having to wait a little longer either!<\/p><\/div>\n\"Printer<\/a> Printer Friendly Version<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Weaver\u2019s Newsletter An Online newsletter of \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show\u201d Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC) August 2014 **** Merchandise Update **** Along with shelves full of longtime favorites, we have nine brand new items in stock since our last issue! Ol’ …<\/span> Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-newsletter"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1DkeF-jF","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1219"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1271,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1219\/revisions\/1271"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}