{"id":6095,"date":"2024-01-31T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/?p=6095"},"modified":"2024-03-08T17:01:41","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T23:01:41","slug":"weavers-newsletter-january-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/2024\/01\/weavers-newsletter-january-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Weaver’s Newsletter January 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An Online newsletter of<\/strong>
\u201cThe Andy Griffith Show<\/em>\u201d Rerun Watchers Club (TAGS<\/em>RWC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to the January Weaver’s Newsletter<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n

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It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the first issue of Weaver’s for the year 2024! The Andy Griffith Show has been around for 63 years and in October will reach the 64th anniversary of it’s original air date. The Andy Griffith Show<\/em> Rerun Watchers Club<\/strong> (TAGS<\/em>RWC<\/strong>) began in the fall of 1979 as a small and informal group of people who shared a love for watching “The Andy Griffith Show”.<\/em> TAGS<\/em>RWC will be celebrating the clubs 45th anniversary this fall. Since TAGSRWC at some point during those 45 years created Weaver’s Department Store in order to help fund the expense of running the club, it seem only fitting that we point out and join in celebrating this milestone in Mayberry history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without that October 3, 1960 premiere of The Andy Griffith Show, there would be no TAGSRWC and there would be no Weaver’s. I know that I am thankful to Andy Griffith, Sheldon Leonard, and Aaron Ruben (among the many responsible) for the creation of “our hometown.” The smiles, laughter, and even misty eyes fans have experienced for so many years would never have happened. Friends I’ve met at Mayberry events and online over the years, who have become like family, would never have crossed my path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world wouldn\u2019t be as good a place if Mayberry had never come to be. Thank goodness we never have to know what the it would have been like without the wonderful characters that make up our hometown to enjoy. This year, maybe we can remember to be thankful and can share some of our joy with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year already has several wonderful Mayberry events<\/strong> planned for us to gather and celebrate Mayberry. We’ll list them out below and I want to invite you to visit us at WeaverDepartmentStore.com<\/a> to see all that Weaver’s has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Floyd’s Barbershop<\/strong> Bulletin Board<\/strong> &<\/strong> Event Calendar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Andy Griffith Museum<\/em><\/strong>, featuring the late Emmett Forrest’s amazing collection of Andy Griffith artifacts, is operating on its full, normal schedule. For complete updates on operating hours and other info, visit the website at AndyGriffithMuseum<\/a>.org<\/a> <\/strong>or call (336) 786-1604.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are upcoming events that folks have posted on Floyd’s bulletin board: <\/p>\n\n\n

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* Feb. 3:<\/strong> Karen Knotts<\/strong> performs her one-woman \u201cTied Up in Knotts\u201d show at 7 p.m. at Pursell Farms Resort in Sylacauga, Ala. For more info, visit www.pursellfarms.com<\/a>. Tip: While in town, check out the Jim Nabors<\/strong> exhibit at the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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* Feb 10: Mayberry and the 40 Acres Backlot<\/strong> at Mid-America Science Park (821 S Lk Rd) in Scottsburg, IN for a little Mid-Winter Mayberry boost! Noted Author, historian and expert on \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show<\/em>\u201d Randy Turner<\/strong> presents a fascinating look at the famed 40 Acres backlot that served as Mayberry. 40 Acres was also used in countless classic television shows and movies. The backlot was the filming location for \u201cGone with the Wind,\u201d \u201cKing Kong,\u201d \u201cStar Trek,\u201d \u201cBatman,\u201d \u201cHogan\u2019s Heroes,\u201d<\/em> and many other movies and TV series. Randy will share interesting details about the shows and movies we all know and love using many rarely seen pictures and video clips. If you\u2019re a lover of classic television and movies this is an event you won\u2019t want to miss! There will be a Q&A session with Randy and an opportunity to purchase some of his wonderful books and other items. Click to reserve your seat today!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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* Feb. 29-Mar. 2:<\/strong> 27th Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival<\/strong> reels in top independent films in Florence, Ala. Details TBA. For updates and official festival info, visit www.lindseyfilmfest.com<\/a><\/strong> and check out the festival’s page on Facebook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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* Apr. 11-13: 4th Annual Mayberry & I Love Lucy Festival<\/strong> in Historic Granville, Tenn. (aka the Mayberry of Tennessee). Special Guests include Keith Thibodeaux<\/strong> (Johnny Paul Jason in Mayberry and Little Ricky on “I Love Lucy”), Dennis Rush<\/strong> (Opie pal Howie), Dixie Griffith<\/strong> (daughter of Andy), and Karen Knotts<\/strong> (daughter of Don). All will participate in special presentations throughout the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other highlights include entertainment by Mayberry and Lucy tribute artists (Barney, Floyd, Otis, Goober, Gomer, Briscoe, Charlene, \u201cFun girls\u201d Skippy & Daphne, and Andy & Nurse Mary), Mayberry Dinner Theater, Mayberry-Lucy parade, Mayberry Squad Car Nationals, Mayberry trivia contest, Mayberry look-alike contest, Mayberry Museum exhibits, and Darlings-style music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a $7 general admission fee to enter the grounds on Fri. and Sat. (and a $5 parking fee on Sat. only). The dinner shows and some other portions also require additional tickets\/reservations. For complete info (and for tickets for those select portions of the event requiring tickets), check the GranvilleTN.com website<\/strong><\/a>. (And also check out Historic Granville on Facebook<\/a>.) <\/p>\n\n\n

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*<\/strong> May 8-10: The Mayberry Retreat<\/strong>, hosted by Mayberry author Randy Turner<\/strong>. The beautiful Sauder Heritage Inn in Archbold, Ohio, is the site for the this year’s retreat. The inaugural Mayberry Retreat in 2023 was a real treat for attendees, and another good time is planned for this year. Randy will be presenting a talk titled \u201cHow Andy Griffith Became Andy Taylor,\u201d which will examine Andy\u2019s early career and the origin of \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special guest for the event is David Browning<\/strong>. David is the man who portrayed “The Mayberry Deputy<\/em>” and delighted crowds for years at Mayberry events. David will be there as himself, not the Deputy, and will be sharing stories from his amazing career. The Special musical guest is Mayberry Days regular Tim White<\/strong> will be providing entertainment filled with bluegrass music and comedy (\u201cGot time to breathe, got time for music\u201d). The event will be a relaxing Mayberry-filled weekend. For full details, visit the event\u2019s website at mayberrybooks.com\/mayberryretreat<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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ADORE A JAR?–Maybe Andy’s call’s for concern about Ellie and the New Doctor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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*<\/strong> June 15: <\/strong>Essential Mayberry <\/em>author Neal Brower<\/strong> kicks off his summer lecture series about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. All three monthly, hour-long lectures this summer feature an episode dealing with matchmaking and romantic rivalry. Today\u2019s lecture is about \u201cThe New Doctor”<\/strong> from Season 2. Lecture admission is included with Museum admission ($8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/strong><\/a> or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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* June 21-23:<\/strong> After the roaring success of their 2023 festival, the second edition of Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg<\/strong> will be held in Scottsburg, Ind., this weekend. Scheduled to attend are:  Rodney Dillard<\/strong> (guitar playing Darling boy), Dennis Rush<\/strong> (Opie\u2019s friend \u201cHowie\u201d), Keith Thibodeaux<\/strong> (Opie\u2019s buddy Johnny Paul Jason), Karen Knotts<\/strong> (Don\u2019s daughter), Ronnie Schell<\/strong> (two episodes and Duke Slater on \u201cGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.<\/em>\u201d), Dixie Griffith<\/strong> (Andy\u2019s daughter), Dreama Denver<\/strong> (wife of Dud Wash #2, Bob Denver), and Dick Atkins<\/strong> (Producer of Murder in Coweta County). There will also be a full slate of Mayberry tribute artists attending and performing throughout the weekend For updates, more complete list of performers, and schedule, visit the festival website at www.mayberrycomestoscottsburg.com<\/strong><\/a> and check out their page on Facebook. Mark your calendar!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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* July 11:<\/strong> Karen Knotts<\/strong> presents her one-woman \u201cTied Up in Knotts!\u201d show at 7 p.m. at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Full details TBA. For more info, visit www.dhgroup.com\/theaters\/the-ohio-star-theater<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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* July 19 & 20:<\/strong>  12th Annual Mayberry Meetup<\/strong>, sponsored by TAGS<\/em>RWC\u2019s \u201cTwo Chairs, No Waiting<\/a>\u201d<\/strong> podcast, gathers in Mount Airy, N.C. Details and registration info TBA.<\/p>\n\n\n

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* July 20: <\/strong>Timed to coincide with the Mayberry Meetup, Neal Brower<\/strong>, author of The Essential Mayberry<\/em>, presents the second installment of his summer lecture series about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today\u2019s lecture features \u201cAndy’s Rich Girlfriend.\u201d<\/strong> Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit  www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/strong><\/a> or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Party Time!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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* July 21: A Don Knotts 100th Birthday Celebration Event<\/strong> at the Royal Theater in Macon, Mo. This afternoon event, sponsored by Carousel Productions and hosted by Blood Brothers<\/strong> chapter of TAGSRWC, features Sean Dietrich<\/strong> (aka Sean of the South), musical guest Keota<\/strong>, and an audio-visual presentation by Randy Turner<\/strong>. Details TBA, but for now just mark your calendar. For more info, contact Johnna at edukater6330@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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* Aug. 17:<\/strong> Mayberry author Neal Brower<\/strong> concludes his summer lecture series about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today\u2019s lecture features \u201cA Wife for Andy.” <\/strong> Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/strong><\/a> or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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* Sept. 24-29: 35th Annual Mayberry Days\u00ae<\/strong> <\/strong>in Mount Airy, N.C. Full details TBA, but advance tickets to some portions of the weekend, including for the concert by The Dillards<\/strong> featuring Rodney Dillard<\/strong>, are available to order now. For more info, visit www.mayberrydays.org<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Howie float!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

* Oct. 26-Oct. 31: Cruise to Mayberry 17 <\/strong>sets sail for five days from Charleston, S.C., with ports of call at Princess Cays and Nassau, Bahamas, aboard Carnival\u2019s Sunshine<\/em>. The cruise\u2019s Special Guest will be Dennis Rush<\/strong> (Howie Pruitt ).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Also on board will be a full crew of Mayberry tribute artists, including Dixie Griffith<\/strong> (Andy\u2019s daughter) as Mt. Pilot Fun Girl Skippy. For more info and to book, call All About Cruises (336)538-4926.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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****News of Cast & Crew ****<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Queensland Australia <\/strong>– Ron Howard and family having fantastic experiences at Australia Zoo. Reports are that the giraffes are indeed selfish. (Photo by Ron’s grandson Theo)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We just came through the Christmas season and the rumor mill has been spinning about the possibility of Ron Howard’s<\/strong> (Opie) 2000 movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas<\/strong>” having a sequel. Since this newsletter tries to bring you news, we can tell you that this is only a rumor. Jim Carrey is unlikely to return as the Grinch because in the past he has expressed no interest in participating in sequels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold onto your space helmets! In the cosmic spectacle of December 2024, Apollo 13<\/em><\/strong> (1995), directed by Ron Howard<\/strong>, just snagged a coveted spot in the National Film Registry’s celestial lineup. Picture this: astronauts facing near-tragic hurdles in a cinematic journey spanning over 90 years of movie magic! This stellar collection, carefully curated by the Library of Congress since 1988, immortalizes films of cultural and historic significance. Big round of applause to everyone who made this stellar achievement possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ron has several projects in the works but is currently focused on the thriller Eden<\/strong><\/em> which is currently in production in Australia, with a small unit also filming in the Galapagos. The film is based on a real-life unsolved mystery that unfolded on a remote island in the Galapagos. Ron will be producing the film along with Brian Grazer and Karen Lunder for Imagine Entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clint Howard<\/strong> (Leon) spent time with family and friends over the holidays and new year. He was present on social media during Christmas and sang “Jingle Bells” to fans. Be watching for his appearances at events around the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keith Thibodeaux<\/strong> (Johnny Paul Jason) has been spending time with family while also working with Ballet Magnificat where he is the Executive Director. In late January he and his amazing wife Kathy headed south of the equator for warmer weather to Ballet Magnificat Brazil\u2019s, 1st Summer Dance Intensive in the beautiful city of Curitiba!!! An “Intensive” is a workshop comprised of intense technical and spiritual training, conducted by the artists of Ballet Magnificat’s professional touring companies and staff who guide the young dancers to develop their potential and seek God’s direction for their lives. As Mayberry folks might say, “Johnny Paul, you got’a right to be might proud.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Hawaii <\/strong>– Dennis and Judy Rush enjoying nature. Dennis thought he heard the web-footed, red-crested lake loon and followed it back to civilization.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dennis Rush<\/strong> (Howie Pruitt\/Williams) and his wife Judy have been having fun in the San Diego, Calif. hometown area during the Christmas season. They then took what seems to be their yearly pilgrimage to Hawaii for ziplining, hiking, a luau, and beautiful sunsets. Sure beats sailing boats in a flooded basement. Check out the Event Calendar for details about Dennis and his planned appearances, along with Mayberry partner Keith Thibodeaux, coming up this year that you will not want to miss.

Joy Ellison<\/strong> (Effie Muggins, Mary Scobey and Mary Wiggins) checked in saying she was doing well and had an experience in December seeing the band Manhattan Transfer in the final concert of their career. She said that was a fantastic evening. We wonder if Bobby (or Freddy) Fleet and the Band with the Beat might step up to feel the void left in the concert schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret Kerry<\/strong> (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) was at Animate!Raleigh in North Carolina on January 5-7 and has been busy of late because she and her husband are moving again! This time they are moving to a brand new senior living community. Margaret reports they are excited about the move but the task of moving and downsizing is a challenge. The move will be completed sometime in February just in time to celebrate their fourth year anniversary on is February 14th so the move is their anniversary gift to each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronnie Schell<\/strong> (two episodes and Duke Slater on \u201cGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.\u201d) is doing well and received many well wishes from fans for his 92nd birthday on December 23, 2023. He posted the following in response, “I want to thank everyone who remembered me on my birthday. Thanks. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you all a Happy New Year!” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s all the news I was able to dig up for this issue. If you run across “news of cast and crew, ” please consider passing it along to me by email <anewsome@gmail.com><\/a> with the subject “News of Cast & Crew.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

****Fan Update ****<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Mount Airy, N.C. (2021)<\/strong> – T. Graham Brown getting gussied up to perform for the Mayberry Days Golf Tournament Awards. Floyd reported that unlike Barney, T. Graham’s lobes are even.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Weaver’s was fortunate to hear from a BIG fan of The Andy Griffith Show<\/em> recently and thought it would be nice for all us fans to share. Mayberry fan and country music icon T. Graham Brown appears regularly on the Grand Ole Opry and has performed at Mayberry Days! (Okay, maybe I listed those things in the wrong order but hey…this is a Mayberry newsletter.<\/em>) He is a huge fan of the show and is most certainly “one of us.” I (Allan) have been blessed to be able to speak with him, quote lines from the show to one another and I’ll tell you it was hard to keep up with him. He *knows* Mayberry. Here’s a note from him, to all of us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Mayberry is everyone’s ideal. I’ve been a citizen for my whole life. Andy is my mentor. Barney is my buddy. Floyd keeps me groomed. Gomer and Goober keep my tank filled. Aunt Bee loves me and always makes sure I’m fed. Opie is my pal. All the rest complete Otis’s mosaic. Fun fact from Johnny Paul Jason: If you put a horse hair in stagnation water, it’ll turn into a snake. I love my hometown.
Mayberry, May-berry!”<\/p>\nT. Graham Brown<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

****Chapter News ****<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mayberry <\/strong>chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) members attended their annual Christmas gathering on December 9th at the home of “Mr. Schwamp” tribute artist Dennis Beal. The exchanged some really creative and original Mayberry related gifts to exchange during the gathering again this year. I thought it might be fun for us to see a list of they type of gifts the created this year so there’s a list below in the order they were opened. A complete list from previous years can be found at the following link: Mayberry Chapter – Christmas Gift Exchange Items<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the gifts are in the order they were opened:<\/p>\n\n\n

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