{"id":7,"date":"2011-06-13T22:13:01","date_gmt":"2011-06-14T03:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/weaversdepartmentstore.com\/newsletter\/?p=7"},"modified":"2011-08-17T17:09:39","modified_gmt":"2011-08-17T22:09:39","slug":"weavers-newsletter-june-2011","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/2011\/06\/weavers-newsletter-june-2011\/","title":{"rendered":"Weaver’s Newsletter: June 2011"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

**** Merchandise Update ****<\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Ben has some hot summer deals to tell us about!<\/p><\/div>\n

Ol\u2019 Ben Weaver has loaded his shelves for summer.\u00a0 And in honor of Andy Griffith\u2019s birthday month (June 1) and Don Knotts\u2019 birthday month (July 21), we\u2019ve got bunches of items on sale\u2014even more than usual, including most of the Fine Art prints in our Art Gallery<\/a> section.\u00a0 And the summer heat and the cicadas (even worse than those ring-g-g-ing doorbells!) must be getting to Ben\u2019s star employee, Bert Miller, because Bert\u2019s gone around and put lower prices<\/strong><\/span> on items everywhere, especially the DVDs<\/a> section.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

And The Incredible Mr. Don Knotts book at an equally incredible price!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Complete Series (with pilot and movie) Box Set now 30% off original list price!!!<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And with Father\u2019s Day just around the corner, remember classics such as our Barney Necktie<\/a> and the Act Like Somebody<\/a> book about parenting in Mayberry.<\/p>\n

In addition to some brand new items, we\u2019ve also recently restocked several out-of-production and otherwise rare items that we haven\u2019t carried for a while, sometimes even for years.\u00a0 We have only a small handful of some of these items (as few as just one or two), so browse our online shelves soon!\u00a0 Here are some merchandise highlights:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>New CD Just Has Arrived!<\/strong>
\nDance ‘Til Your Stockings Are Hot and Ravelin’<\/a><\/strong>
\n $6.00<\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

This exciting new Mayberry-inspired bluegrass CD from the mega-award-winning Grascals features 7 tunes, including 5 from TAGS\u2014\u201cDooley,\u201d \u201cBoil Them Cabbage Down,\u201d \u201cOl\u2019 Joe Clark,\u201d \u201cStay All Night (Stay a Little Longer)\u201d and \u201cLeaning on the Everlasting Arms\u201d\u2014plus the \u201cMayberry\u2019s Finest Theme\u201d and a song written just for this CD, \u201cBoy, Giraffes Are Selfish.\u201d<\/p>\n

You can tell The Grascals are not only world-class musicians and performers, but also true Mayberry fans.\u00a0 This CD is truly a hoot!\u00a0 And great music to boot.<\/p>\n

And here\u2019s a video of The Grascals\u2019 Birthday Salute to Andy Griffith<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Attaboy Don Knotts Comic Legends\/Tied up with Laughter DVD<\/a><\/strong>
\n$15.00<\/strong>
\nAvailable Now!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Beyond\u00a0Mayberry\u2019s beloved Barney Fife, this Don Knotts: Tied up\u00a0with Laughter!<\/strong><\/em> DVD shows Don in\u00a0a series of\u00a0wonderful, hilarious\u00a0stand-up routines and skits in rare performances from the 1960s and \u201870s.<\/p>\n

In this special hour-long comedy collection released just this spring, Don is joined by singer-actress Joey Heatherton, actress Jane Powell, former Dallas Cowboys player Lance Rentzel, comic (and Mayberry deputy) Jack Burns,\u00a0Don\u2019s Love God movie co-star Maureen Arthur (also wife of\u00a0\u201dAndy Griffith Show\u201d\u00a0producer Aaron Ruben), and the legendary Jimmy Durante.<\/p>\n

Bonus<\/strong> material includes Don with Lucille Ball and an early look at Don\u2019s comedy career and some \u201cnever before seen\u201d special features.<\/p>\n

This DVD is sure to be a\u00a0great treat for all fans of our favorite deputy–one of the true,\u00a0cherished\u00a0comedy legends of our time…and of\u00a0all time. \u00a0And at a great price.<\/p>\n

**** Cool Mayberry Caps for Hip Mayberry Cats ****<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Embroidered Show Logo and Security by Fife Caps<\/a><\/strong>
\n$17.00<\/strong><\/h2>\n

These officially licensed, cool canvas hats (in Mayberry Sheriff Dept. tan!) are finely embroidered with a choice of the official \u201cAndy Griffith Show\u201d<\/strong> logo or Security by Fife<\/strong>.\u00a0 Adjustable for just the right fit for any occasion.<\/p>\n

The Goober Beanie<\/a> is Back!<\/strong>\"\"<\/a>$9.00<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This genuine Goober-Style Beanie Hat Fashioned from brown felt has the look any Goober will love.\u00a0 Best of all, you get to cut your own holes in the top, just as Goober himself would do.\u00a0 Get your beanie, baby, and say \u201cYo!\u201d\u00a0 One size fits most.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u201c<\/strong><\/span>The Andy Griffith Show 50<\/a>th<\/sup> Anniversary\u2014The Best of Mayberry\u201d DVD<\/a> $25.00<\/del> $22.00<\/h2>\n

This is a really exciting item that was released at the end of last year.\u00a0 It\u2019s an item that we had long been hoping for.\u00a0 In addition to a bunch of the very best episodes, this 3-disc set includes uncut versions of the \u201cDanny Thomas\u201d pilot for \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show\u201d and the 1986 Return to Mayberry movie.\u00a0 And all at a phenomenally low price, even before Ben Weaver\u2019s additional discount.\u00a0 Here are some of the highlights of what\u2019s on it:<\/p>\n

* 17 Favorite Episodes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChristmas Story\u201d
\n\u201cThe Pickle Story\u201d
\n\u201cBarney and the Choir\u201d
\n\u201cMr. McBeevee\u201d
\n\u201cConvicts-at-Large\u201d
\n\u201cMan in a Hurry\u201d
\n\u201cClass Reunion\u201d
\n\u201cThe Darlings Are Coming\u201d
\n“Barney’s First Car”<\/td>\n		\u201cDogs, Dogs, Dogs\u201d
\n\u201cMountain Wedding\u201d
\n\u201cOpie the Birdman\u201d
\n\u201cThe Sermon for Today\u201d
\n\u201cCitizen\u2019s Arrest\u201d
\n\u201cFun Girls\u201d
\n\u201cBarney\u2019s Sidecar\u201d
\n\u201cGoober and the Art of Love\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

* \u201cDanny Meets Andy Griffith\u201d (the \u201cDanny Thomas\u201d pilot for TAGS)
\n* Clips from Season Premiere nights for the 1962-63 and 1963-64 seasons
\n* The 1986 Return to Mayberry reunion movie
\n* Original sponsor commercials featuring cast members<\/p>\n

This collection is chockfull of great Mayberry moments.\u00a0 And the price makes for a truly unbeatable combination of quantity, quality and value.\u00a0 We think it\u2019s a dream come true for Mayberry fans everywhere.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>I Wish Life Was Like Mayberry CD<\/a>
\nby Rodney Dillard\u00a0\u00a0 $16.00<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This CD, released in Fall 2010, features Rodney Dillard<\/strong> singing lots of favorite Darlings tunes from \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show,\u201d along with other popular Dillards tunes and some later songs about the Darlings.\u00a0 These are some classic bluegrass and Mayberry songs for any fan of, well, bluegrass and Mayberry.<\/p>\n

Features 19 tracks and some bonus material.\u00a0 Ol\u2019 Ben Weaver knows a toe-tappin\u2019 good deal when he sees one!<\/p>\n

TRACKS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. MAYBERRY MOMENT
\n2. THE DARLIN\u2019 BOYS
\n3. THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD
\n4. THERE IS A TIME
\n5. WICKER ROCKING CHAIR
\n6. DOOLEY
\n7. DOUG\u2019S TUNE (Instrumental)
\n8. SALTY DOG
\n9. EBO WALKER
\n10. THE MAYBERRY HAT<\/td>\n		11. BANJO IN THE HOLLOW (Instrumental)
\n12. LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS
\n13. THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW
\n14. WET SHOES IN THE SUNSET SUITE
\n15. LEAKY BOAT
\n16. G-MAN BARNEY
\n17. PICTURES
\n18. GOOBER AND ROY
\n19. PARENTING<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Bonus Material:<\/strong> A Tribute to Mayberry Values<\/p>\n

From the archives of the popular radio show \u201cMayberry Minute,\u201d hosted by Rodney.\u00a0 The radio show ran nationally for three years as Rodney took a look back at \u201cAndy Griffith Show\u201d episodes and the life lessons they taught.<\/p>\n

Limited Edition \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show\u201d
\n50th<\/sup> Anniversary Portrait<\/a> $60.00<\/del> $30.00<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

This beautiful print has been hugely popular in the year since it was issued.\u00a0 It\u2019s sure to be a cherished lifetime keepsake marking this special time in the history of TAGS.\u00a0 But more than a keepsake, it\u2019s a superb work of art whose many smiling faces will bring an instant grin to the face of everyone who sees it.<\/p>\n

Printed with premium inks on archival paper, this outstanding 12 in. x 16 in. collage pencil portrait is signed and numbered by talented Wilmington (N.C.) artist George Murray and officially licensed by CBS Consumer Products<\/p>\n

The suggested gallery price for this commemorative print is $60, but we\u2019ve got it for just $30.\u00a0 That\u2019s right\u2026half off<\/strong>!<\/span> (That summer heat really is getting to ol\u2019 Ben Weaver.\u00a0 He\u2019s going totally soft on us.)\u00a0 We have only a handful left of this limited edition print.\u00a0 Get yours while you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

We have several Fundraisers for Charities<\/a>, including one for the Japan Disaster.\u00a0 The tornadoes and floods and fires have been coming so fast across the United States this year that, instead of targeted fundraisers for each one, we\u2019ve just been donating proceeds from Weaver\u2019s directly to the American Red Cross, Mobile Medical Disaster Relief, Samaritan\u2019s Purse, etc.\u00a0 We are, however, working on a special fundraiser of prime Mayberry memorabilia designated for tornado victims in Joplin.\u00a0 We expect to have that in place by our next issue.\u00a0 As soon as all the pieces are in place in the next few weeks, we\u2019ll also have info about it up on www.imayberry.com<\/a>, www.weaversdepartmentstore.com<\/a> and on http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tagsrwc<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

And More\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong>We have the first six seasons of \u201cMatlock\u201d<\/strong> (the Sixth Season was released in January) along with all seasons of TAGS<\/a><\/strong> (including a Box Set with all eight seasons, the \u201cDanny Thomas\u201d pilot and the Return to Mayberry<\/em> movie) and all five seasons of \u201cGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.\u201d<\/a><\/strong> And we have a nice assortment of the best movies starring Andy Griffith and Don Knotts.\u00a0 They\u2019re in the DVDs Section<\/a> at Weaver\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Also, be sure to check out our Collectibles & Special Items<\/a> at Weaver\u2019s.\u00a0 There are some unique and rare items there that could make really special gifts or additions to your own collection.\u00a0 And we have a wide assortment of great licensed Mayberry products in the Cool Gifts<\/a> section and throughout the Weaver\u2019s shopping area at imayberry.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n
\n

On the Move<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ol\u2019 Ben Weaver recently closed the little Weaver\u2019s booth Bert Miller was running for us at the Main-Oak Emporium in Mount Airy, N.C., for the last 10 years.\u00a0 The good folks at the Andy Griffith Museum acquired some of the items for their jam-packed gift shop, so be sure to check out their selection when you\u2019re in Mount Airy.<\/p>\n

\"\"We\u2019ve put the rest of the items back in our online store at www.imayberry.com<\/a>, so we\u2019re well-stocked on many items, including some rare and discontinued items that we haven\u2019t had online in a while.<\/p>\n

\"\"And \u201cTrained noticers\u201d have likely noted that our website addresses in this issue now say imayberry.com instead of just mayberry.com.\u00a0 Both versions still work for getting to various areas with TAGSRWC\u2019s content on the web, but imayberry.com is the one that we\u2019re going to be primarily promoting from now on.\u00a0 To make sure you can always find us, remember the saying, \u201cE<\/strong> before N<\/strong> in Chicken and i before Mayberry in www.imayberry.com<\/a>.\u00a0 (i<\/strong> always forget that rule, but not anymore!)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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**** Phone Orders ****<\/h2>\n

In addition to accepting orders online or by mail, our Weaver\u2019s Dept. Store<\/strong> has a phone number FOR ORDERS ONLY (615) 604-1298<\/strong>. \u00a0The phone number is generally in operation from\u00a09 a.m.\u00a0to\u00a06 p.m.\u00a0CT Monday through Saturday<\/strong>.\u00a0 (They sneak out to go fishin\u2019 for carp and pike a lot, so if you miss them during business hours, just leave a message with a number where they can call you back.)<\/p>\n

Please call this number only for ordering or for inquiring about orders placed by phone. \u00a0All inquiries about online orders and mail orders should be made online.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**** \u201cMayberry\u2019s Finest\u201d Update! ****<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mayberry\u2019s Finest Brand Foods<\/strong>, the official food licensee of \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show,\u201d has been busy with corporate dealings that will make the brand all the stronger going forward.\u00a0 But all those Man in a Hurry-types of efforts have caused a production delay in the much-anticipated Commemorative Gift Tin.<\/p>\n

Still scheduled to be popping out of the oven sometime in the next few months, this gift tin will contain four of the most popular varieties of Mayberry\u2019s Finest baking mixes, such as Peach Cobbler and Cinnamon Toast muffins. \u00a0As a treat for fans of the show, the collectible tin will feature images of some of Mayberry\u2019s most representative memorabilia.<\/p>\n

And as a special feast for the ears, the gift tin will include the brand new CD<\/strong> of Mayberry tunes by the award-winning bluegrass band The Grascals<\/strong> (see description at the top of Merchandise Update above).<\/p>\n

There\u2019s still no definite production date yet for this special gift tin.\u00a0 If you\u2019re among those who pre-ordered, we still have your orders ready to go (at your original pre-order price) just as soon as the tins become available.\u00a0 We think they\u2019ll be worth the wait.\u00a0 Meanwhile, continue to ask for Mayberry\u2019s Finest baking mixes wherever you shop for groceries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Floyd\u2019s<\/span> Barber<\/span>shop<\/span>
\nBulletin <\/span>Board <\/span>& <\/span>Event <\/span>Calendar
\n\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

It has already been an especially busy year for Mayberry goin\u2019s-on.\u00a0 (\u201cSuch goin\u2019s-on, such goin\u2019s-on!\u201d) \u00a0Here are some of the upcoming happenings in the world of Mayberry:
\n* June 15: Rodney Dillard <\/strong>and The Dillard Band perform at 7:30 p.m. at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield Street\u00a0in San Diego, Calif.\u00a0 Tickets are $20; $45 for dinner package.\u00a0 For more info, call (619) 303-8176.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

* June 16: Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and The Dillard Band perform at 8:00 p.m. at Zoey’s Cafe in Ventura, Calif.\u00a0 Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.\u00a0 For more info, call (805) 652-1137.<\/p>\n

* June 17: Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and The Dillard Band perform at 8:00 p.m. at the Westwood Music Center in Los Angeles. Tickets are $25.\u00a0 For more info, call (310) 478-4251.<\/p>\n

* June 18:\u00a0Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and The Dillard Band perform at 5:00 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. at Huck Finn’s Jubilee at Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville, Calif.\u00a0 Tickets range from $5 to $95.\u00a0 For more info, call (951) 780-8810.<\/p>\n

* June 19: LeRoy “Mack” McNees <\/strong>and<\/strong> wife Janice<\/strong> host the non-denominational chapel service at California Bluegrass Association Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival at 9:00 a.m. in Grass Valley, Calif.\u00a0 For more info about the festival, visit www.cbaontheweb.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

* June 25: Dean Webb<\/strong> and Missouri Boatride perform\u00a0in the Kimberling City Summer Bluegrass Concert Series, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. outside at the Kimberling City Shopping Mall.\u00a0 (Bring your own lawn chair.)<\/p>\n

* June 25 and 26: Margaret Kerry<\/strong> (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey in Mayberry) appears at the\u00a0Dayton Plane Crazy chapter of the Disneyana Fan Club Show\u00a0at the Holiday Inn Dayton-Mall<\/a>, 31 Prestige Plaza Dr., Miamisburg, OH 45342.\u00a0 Hotel phone: (937) 434-8030.\u00a0 (Margaret’s primary Disney connection is that she was the live model for Tinker Bell.) \u00a0Details TBA.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0July 9: Rodney and Beverly Dillard <\/strong>are special guests and performers for the 11th Annual Mayberry Squad Car Nationals <\/strong>and 7th Annual “Mayberry\u00a0Comes to Graysville” Festival<\/strong> in Graysville, Ala.\u00a0(near Birmingham).\u00a0 The event also features many Mayberry tribute artists.\u00a0 There’s a morning parade down Main Street, the Mayberry Squad Car Nationals (with Mayberry Squad Car replicas racing on an obstacle course) around Noon, and then trivia and other contests and vendors throughout the afternoon, followed by a barbecue dinner\u00a0and\u00a0the evening concert. \u00a0A single ticket covers the entire day and the dinner.\u00a0 Exact times and other details TBA.<\/p>\n

* July 10: Rodney<\/strong> and<\/strong> Beverly Dillard<\/strong> present their Mayberry Values program at Graysville United Methodist Church in Graysville, Ala. at 11:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

* July 11: Dean Webb<\/strong> and Missouri Boatride perform\u00a0in the Kimberling City Summer Bluegrass Concert Series, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. outside at the Kimberling City Shopping Mall.\u00a0 (Bring your own lawn chair.)<\/p>\n


\n* July 23: Dean Webb<\/strong><\/strong> and Missouri Boatride perform\u00a0in the Kimberling City Summer Bluegrass Concert Series from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. outside at the Kimberling City Shopping Mall.\u00a0 (Bring your own lawn chair.) <\/strong><\/p>\n

* Aug. 6 and 23: Dean Webb<\/strong> and Missouri Boatride perform\u00a0in the Kimberling City Summer Bluegrass Concert Series, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. outside at the Kimberling City Shopping Mall.\u00a0 (Bring your own chair.)<\/p>\n

* Aug. 7: Maggie Peterson<\/strong> and Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and The Dillard Band are joined by David “Mayberry Deputy” Browning for an evening of Mayberry fun at the Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City, Tenn.\u00a0 Show time is 8 p.m. and admission is free.\u00a0 For more info, call (423) 461-4855.<\/p>\n

* Aug. 12:<\/strong> Mayberry Country Boy LeRoy “Mack” McNees<\/strong> performs three concerts in conjunction with the New Day Community Church in Boulder, Colo.\u00a0 Details TBA.<\/p>\n

* Aug. 13 and 14:<\/strong> James Best<\/strong> appears at the Hazzard Homecoming in Sperryville, Va., with fellow “Dukes of Hazzard” stars.\u00a0 For more info, visit www.cootersplace.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0Aug. 20 and 21: <\/strong>Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and the Dillard Band perform at a Mayberry Festival at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church in Cullman, Ala., on the 20th, and Rodney and Beverly Dillard\u00a0present their Mayberry Values program at the church\u00a0on the 21st.\u00a0 Details TBA.<\/p>\n

* Aug. 27:\u00a0Rodney Dillard <\/strong>and Maggie Peterson<\/strong> are joined by several of the Mayberry tribute artists (including David \u201cMayberry Deputy\u201d Browning, Kenneth \u201cOtis\u201d Junkin, and\u00a0Jeff \u201cHoward\u201d Branch) for a concert benefiting the Montgomery County DARE program.\u00a0 The evening concert\u00a0will be at the James H. Garner Center in Troy, N.C. \u00a0 Details TBA.\u00a0 For more info, visit www.bluegrassintroy.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

* Sept. 3 and 17: Dean Webb<\/strong> and Missouri Boatride perform\u00a0in the Kimberling City Summer Bluegrass Concert Series from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. outside at the Kimberling City Shopping Mall.\u00a0 (Bring your own lawn chair.)<\/p>\n

* Sept. 12-14:<\/strong> The Doug Dillard Band<\/strong> and also Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and The Dillard Band are\u00a0featured at the all-star 100th Birthday Celebration of Bill Monroe in Owensboro, Ky.\u00a0 Details TBA.\u00a0 For more info, call 270-926-7891 or visit http:\/\/www.bluegrass-museum.org\/general\/CentennialCelebration.php#schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n

* Sept. 20-22: Life Lessons From Mayberry: It’s All There in Black and White <\/strong>in <\/strong>Ridgecrest, N.C. (outside Asheville), is a celebration of \u201cThe Andy Griffith Show\u201d and the biblical truths and life applications found in the show.\u00a0 The three-day event includes fun-filled Bible study based on some of your favorite episodes, great preaching and worship, bluegrass bands, country cooking, and lodging nestled in the North Carolina mountains. Life Lessons From Mayberry immediately precedes Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, so start a week of Mayberry fun and inspiration here! \u00a0For more info, visit at www.lifeway.com\/mayberry<\/a>.<\/p>\n

* Sept 23: <\/strong> Rodney Dillard<\/strong> and The Dillard Band perform at 8:00 p.m. at the Gram Parsons Annual Guitar Pull and Tribute Festival at Okefenokee Fairgrounds in Waycross, Ga.\u00a0 Festival tickets are $35.00.\u00a0 For more info, call (912) 288-3712.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Big!\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

* Sept. 22-25: 22nd Annual Mayberry Days<\/strong> in Mount Airy, N.C.\u00a0\u00a0Shows already confirmed include two concerts\u00a0by\u00a0The Doug Dillard Band<\/strong>, a new one-man show with Ronnie Schell <\/strong>(two “Andy Griffith” episodes and Duke Slater on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”), “An Afternoon with James Best,”<\/strong> “Tied Up in Knotts” starring Karen Knotts<\/strong>, Memories of Elvis with Michael Hoover, the “Salute to Mayberry” with the VW Boys, Professor Brower’s Lecture with Neal Brower (featuring\u00a0“Andy Griffith Show”\u00a0assistant director\/future Emmy-winning director\u00a0Bruce Bilson <\/strong>for his first Mayberry Days), the Mayberry Days Golf Tournament and Banquet, and Colonel Tim’s Talent Time.\u00a0\u00a0Other confirmed Mayberry stars so far include favorites Betty Lynn<\/strong> (Thelma Lou), Maggie Peterson<\/strong> (Charlene Darling), Elizabeth MacRae<\/strong> (one “Andy Griffith” episode and Lou Ann Poovie on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.), LeRoy McNees<\/strong> (of\u00a0Mayberry’s Country Boys), and Margaret Kerry<\/strong> (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey).\u00a0 For info and tickets, go to http:\/\/www.mayberrydays.org<\/a>.\u00a0 More stars and events TBA.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

* Sept. 24: George Lindsey<\/strong><\/strong> is being inducted into the University of North Alabama Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on campus in Florence, Ala.\u00a0 Details TBA.<\/p>\n

* Oct. 1: Dean Webb<\/strong> and Missouri Boatride close out the 2011 Kimberling City Summer Bluegrass Concert Series from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. outside at the Kimberling City Shopping Mall.\u00a0 (Bring your own chair.) <\/strong><\/p>\n


\n* Oct. 7-9:<\/strong><\/strong> Darling Boy Dean Webb<\/strong> and his Missouri Boatride band perform at the Wooley Creek Bluegrass Festival in\u00a0Cape Fair, Mo.<\/p>\n

* Nov. 6: Rodney Dillard <\/strong>and The Dillard Band perform at 3:00 p.m. at the Sheldon Theater in St. Louis, Mo. Tickets are $20 to $25.\u00a0 For more info, call (314) 533-9900.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>* Nov 12-17: A Cruise to Mayberry 6<\/strong>: A\u00a05-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0Leaving from Tampa, Fla., with ports-of-call in Cozumel and Costa Maya, and 2 days at sea. For more details, contact Sharon at All About Cruises<\/a> by phone (10 a.m.-5 p.m. ET)\u00a0at 1-800-832-7993.\u00a0 For more details, visit the Mayberry Cruise <\/a>section of the All About Cruises web site. (Note<\/strong>: You must have booked through All About Cruises and be part of the “Mayberry Cruise” in order to attend Mayberry portions of the cruise<\/em>.)<\/p>\n

**** News of Cast & Crew ****<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Andy Griffith<\/strong> says that he\u2019s doing O.K. this spring and early summer on the North Carolina coast.\u00a0 He celebrated his birthday quietly earlier this month.\u00a0 The brunt of the devastating April storms in the Southeast missed him.\u00a0 But there was some sad family news.\u00a0 His first cousin Lorraine Gilley<\/strong> of Pilot Mountain, N.C., passed away on May 2, at age 85.\u00a0 She and late husband Earlie were great friends of Mayberry and were supporters of efforts, such as Mayberry Days.<\/p>\n

\"\"

ALL IN THE FAMILY\u2014Andy and Cindi Griffith are surrounded by Griffith kinfolk following the unveiling of the TV Land Landmark statue during the 2004 Mayberry Days in Mount Airy. That\u2019s Lorraine Gilley (in white) in front next to husband Earlie Gilley. Photo: TAGSRWC Archives.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Earlie Gilley is mentioned several times on TAGS.\u00a0 Andy also gave a wink to both Lo and Earlie in \u201cOpie\u2019s Fortune,\u201d when the Mayberry Gazette states that Virginia Beasley and Earlie Gilley announce their engagement.\u00a0 (Her full maiden name was Virginia Lorraine Beasley.)\u00a0 Our prayers and love are with Lo\u2019s family as we remember this joyful person and wonderful friend.\u00a0 Here\u2019s a link to the obituary in the Mount Airy News: www.mtairynews.com\/LorraineGilley<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Ron Howard\u2019s<\/strong> productions of Stephen King\u2019s The Dark Tower (in three movies and two TV miniseries) are having a few hiccups as potential movie studios try to digest the giant budgets involved. \u00a0Stay tuned for updates.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Ron has a couple of movies already in the can as producer (including this summer\u2019s Cowboys & Aliens, starring Harrison Ford), and several in the pipeline, including an Arrested Development feature.)<\/p>\n

Ron\u2019s son, Reed, is working hard on becoming a professional golfer.\u00a0 He\u2019s on the eGolf Tour now and hoping to get his PGA Tour card.\u00a0 Here\u2019s a recent story: ReedHowardEsquireClub<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jim Nabors greets the crowd at the 100th Indy 500 in May. He continued the decades-long tradition of singing \u201cBack Home Again in Indiana.\u201d Photo: http:\/\/photos.indystar.com<\/p><\/div>\n

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George Lindsey<\/strong> continues his recovery from a burst appendix and surgery in February. \u00a0He was pleased to be able to attend a very special \u201cSalute to George Lindsey\u201d at the University of North Alabama (his alma mater) on April 30 in Florence.\u00a0 The Salute, in conjunction with the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival, was held just three days after the terrible tornadoes that tore through much of Alabama and other states.\u00a0 Even so, a capacity crowd turned out for the gala event.<\/p>\n

\"\"

WHAT A BUNCH OF CHARACTERS\u2014During a reception at April\u2019s Salute to George Lindsey, George is surrounded by Mayberry tribute artists (l-r): Tim Pettigrew, Bob Mundy, David Browning, Allan Newsome and Kenneth Junkin. Photo by Joe Layton, tribute staff.<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The evening featured a musical tribute from fellow \u201cHee Haw\u201d star Lulu Roman and video tributes from Ron Howard, Rance Howard<\/strong> and Ernest Borgnine, as well as Mel Tillis and other country music stars.\u00a0 It was also announced that evening that the George Lindsey Film and Digital Media Scholarship is being launched at the University.\u00a0 Also, a theater arts building bearing George\u2019s name is currently under construction on campus and due to be completed in 2012.\u00a0 It was announced that George will be inducted into the University\u2019s Sports Hall of Fame in September.\u00a0 (George was quarterback and on the school\u2019s first football team.)\u00a0 It was a big night for George all the way around.<\/p>\n

In late May, George also participated in a \u201cHee Haw\u201d reunion with a couple of dozen of his former cast mates.\u00a0 The special is scheduled to be released on DVD in the next few months.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

George Lindsey shares a laugh and grin (and a knee) with Victoria Hall Traver (in yellow) and Lulu Roman and Larry Gatlin (seated to George's left) during a May taping of a "Hee Haw" reunion show.<\/p><\/div>\n

A chip off the old block, George Lindsey Jr.<\/strong> directed and performed in a recent production of High Noonish at the West Valley Playhouse in Canoga Park, Calif.<\/p>\n

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And while on the subject of the work of children of TAGS stars, we should mention that Karen Knotts<\/strong>, daughter of Don Knotts, had three highly successful performances of her one-woman Tied Up in Knotts show in Tennessee in April\u2014one in Murfreesboro and two at the Tennessee Valley Theatre in Spring City.\u00a0 She\u2019s also doing some stand-up comedy\/cabaret shows in the L.A. area this month.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And one more nut from the Mayberry family tree\u2026David Morris<\/strong>, son of Howard Morris, has been working on alternative rock project titled Picture an Accident. You can learn more about it and hear a track here: www.pictureanaccident.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We\u2019re happy to report that Darling boy Doug Dillard<\/strong> has recovered well from a collapsed lung he suffered in February.\u00a0 He and George Lindsey recently got together for lunch in Nashville and compared medical notes while munching on cornbread and home-style vegetables.<\/p>\n

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\"\"

Parade Grand Marshal and featured performer Rodney Dillard at April\u2019s Mayberry Comes to Westminster festival in Westminster. S.C. Rodney has a revamped website at: http:\/\/rodneydillard.tv.<\/p><\/div>\n

Betty Lynn<\/strong> was interviewed by CNN\u2019s Tom Foreman for a story about how TAGS and Mayberry tourism have helped stabilize the Mount Airy economy during the recession and after many areas factories and mills closed.\u00a0 (Andy Griffith\u2019s childhood friend Emmett Forrest was also interviewed for the story.)\u00a0 CNN broadcast live from Mount Airy during its \u201cAmerican Morning\u201d show on May 11th<\/sup>.\u00a0 You missed the story, you can still see it on cnn.com<\/a>.\u00a0 Betty also continues to greet fans and sign autographs at the Andy Griffith Museum once a month.\u00a0 (See Floyd\u2019s event calendar above.)<\/p>\n

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Maggie Peterson<\/strong> was a featured speaker for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Mo., in late April.\u00a0 She was in Alabama in May for a couple of appearances.\u00a0 And see the event calendar above for some of Maggie\u2019s other upcoming appearances, including some with Rodney Dillard.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>

James Best and Rick Hurst on location for Return of the Killer Shrews.<\/p><\/div>\n

James Best <\/strong>has just wrapped principal filming in California of Return of the Killer Shrews<\/em>, a sequel to Attack of the Killer Shrews<\/em>, the cult classic in which he starred in the 1950s.\u00a0 The film stars John Schneider and also features fellow \u201cDukes of Hazzard\u201d actor Rick Hurst, as well as Jennifer Lyons, Bruce Davison, Patty Browning and David Browning (not as the \u201cMayberry Deputy\u201d this time).<\/p>\n

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This time Jimmie is shrewdly producing and acting.\u00a0 Others in the cast include John Schneider and Jennifer Lyons.\u00a0 To stay current on the latest Shrews <\/em>news (including sneak peeks from the set, visit www.killershrewsmovie.com<\/a>.\u00a0 Be very afraid!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There\u2019s no graceful way to make the transition from discussing Killer Shrews<\/em> to the following sad update, except to say that the kooky fun of Killer Shrews<\/em> is something Barbara Stuart<\/strong> surely would have enjoyed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>It is with tremendous sadness that we report that Barbara passed away on May 15.\u00a0 She lived in Utah the last few months of her life in order to be near family members who live there.<\/p>\n

Though remembered in Mayberry as bank robber Pat Blake in \u201cTV or Not TV\u201d (Episode 150) and probably even more so as Miss Bunny, Sgt. Carter\u2019s girlfriend on \u201cGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.\u201d, Barbara had a long and varied career of memorable roles.<\/p>\n

Some favorites included playing an hilarious scene as Robert Stack\u2019s wife in Airplane! and most recently the recurring role of Alice in the acclaimed Showtime series \u201cHuff.\u201d\u00a0 A testimony to her range as an actor, she also worked in Hellfighters with John Wayne and in Bachelor Party with Tom Hanks.\u00a0 Beginning in the mid-1950s, Barbara\u2019s 50-year film career spanned an amazing cross-section of top dramas and comedies.\u00a0 Most of her work was in TV.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Barbara was born on January 3, 1930 in Paris, Illinois.\u00a0 By her mid-20s, she was well on her way with a solid career in Hollywood.\u00a0 Her characters were often feisty and never failed to please.\u00a0 In roles big and small, her performances always had great energy and spirit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Barbara was just as full of energy and fun in her personal appearances, including many Mayberry reunions and other gatherings over the years.\u00a0 She was always game for doing improvised sketches with friends and fellow \u201cGomer Pyle\u201d stars Ronnie Schell and Elizabeth MacRae.\u00a0 The sketches were \u00a0a huge hit with audiences.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>

HAPPY DAY\u2014Barbara Stuart is flanked by Ronnie Schell and Jim Nabors as they pose with fellow \u201cGomer Pyle\u201d cast member Elizabeth MacRae and Maggie Peterson during Jim\u2019s induction into the Alabama Stage & Screen Hall of Fame in Tuscaloosa in 2006. Photo: TAGSRWC Archives.<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Barbara\u2019s great friend, Jackie Joseph (Mayberry\u2019s Ramona Ankrum) shared these thoughts about Barbara in a recent column she wrote for the Tolucan Times:<\/p>\n

With sadness I need to talk about the passing of Barbara Stuart, who lived in our community for many decades. \u00a0Always beautiful, always funny and always working, Barbara will be remembered, by those who knew and loved he as a loyal friend, a generous giver of her home and her heart, and a beautiful actress. As Bunny in \u201cGomer Pyle,\u201d she was deeply adored by the Mayberry fans. \u00a0Give her a Google and see how Barbara Stuart entertained you in so many diverse ways.<\/p>\n

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We were strippers together in 1964 in a memorable \u201cDick Van Dyke Show\u201d called \u201cDear Mrs. Petrie, \u00a0Your Husband Is in Jail.\u201d \u00a0She was called Maureen Core, dressed in short military glitz, with a small working canon. \u00a0I was her partner, Alberta Schweitzer, wearing a leotard and a long veiled pith helmet. \u00a0We both ended up in the clink along with Dick. \u00a0So much fun! \u00a0We were neighbors, friends and colleagues. \u00a0And I need to offer a warm recognition to Barbara Stuart\u2019s best pal, the exceptional Ruta Lee. \u00a0When the chips were down, Ruta was a great example of what a good friend really is. \u00a0Brava. \u00a0A standing \u201cO\u201d for all concerned.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note:<\/strong> Jackie\u2019s column appears regularly in The Tolucan Times<\/a>.\u00a0 Check it out. It\u2019s always great reading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And here\u2019s a link to the obituary<\/a> for Barbara that ran in Variety.\u00a0 And a link to another: Tribute in the Canyon News<\/a>.\u00a0 (The latter has a few minor facts wrong, but overall is an insightful and positive remembrance of Barbara.)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That\u2019s it for this issue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**** POST NOTE ****<\/h2>\n

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

TAGSRWC also publishes The eBullet<\/strong><\/em> in more or less alternate months to the Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em>.\u00a0 The eBullet <\/em>is the online successor to our longtime printed newsletter, The Bullet<\/em>. \u00a0Like the Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em>, The eBullet <\/em>is free<\/strong>.\u00a0 It includes some of the same news as the Weaver\u2019s Newsletter<\/em>, but with more features and depth and a little less emphasis on merchandise news.\u00a0 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 tagsrwc.com<\/a>.\u00a0 It has extensive content and links for just about everything a Mayberry fan might be looking for.<\/p>\n

The next issue of Weaver\u2019s Newsletter <\/em>is scheduled for early August with an issue of our main online newsletter, The eBullet<\/em>, coming out in early July.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s all for now.\u00a0 We hope you have fun browsing at Weaver\u2019s and visiting imayberry.com<\/a>.<\/p>\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) **** Merchandise Update **** Ol\u2019 Ben Weaver has loaded his shelves for summer.\u00a0 And in honor of Andy Griffith\u2019s birthday month (June 1) and Don Knotts\u2019 …<\/span> Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","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":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-newsletter"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1DkeF-7","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7","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=7"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7\/revisions\/24"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}