Lucy-Desi News

Release Date Tuesday October 28, 2008

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Inc. has added five new members to their governing board of directions. In making the announcement, board president Charles Edward Fagan welcomed and thanked each new member for helping to strengthen the Jamestown connection and help ensure the continuity and stability of the Lucy-Desi Center here in our own home town. “The potential of this organization is unlimited and each of our new board members will participate in and act on that vision”, stated Mr. Fagan

The new members Lee Harkness, Mike Latone, Terry Lind, Todd Tranum and Holly Sullivan and are all long time area residents and community leaders. Both Mr. Tranum and Mrs. Sullivan were board members during the Center’s early years.

Mrs. Sullivan served from 2004 – 2007 on the Center board and is an active community volunteer who currently serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. She is also active with the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and has served on the campaign cabinet for a number of years.

In addition to CASA and the United Way she has been involved with other not-for-profits in the Jamestown area. A former public school teacher, she is currently teaching etiquette to young adults.

She and her husband Peter, who reside in Bemus Point, are the parents of grown children and several happy grandchildren

In commenting on her position with the Center, she said “Jamestown is a treasure, a wonderful place to live. The Lucy-Desi Center is the crowning jewel we are blessed with that can help ensure this area will thrive both culturally and economically. In this climate, where there is so much unsettling news, the power of humor, which the center espouses, can be a remedy for us all. We are lucky to have such a fine, world renown center right here in our own community!”

Todd Tranum, the second of the former board members is President/CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. In that role he also serves as Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and the Manufacturing Technology Institute. A graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, he is currently pursuing an MBA at Penn State University.

His other community involvements include The Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board, the Jamestown Local Development Corporation, support Enterprises, Inc., the Jamestown Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission and the Chamber Alliance of New York State. He is marred to Sarah Barnett Tranum and the couple has four children.

New to the board but a long time supporter of the Center is Mike Latone, owner of D&S Glass and a charter member of the Center’s Acquisition Society. He is past president of REI of Jamestown, New York and has volunteered with the United Way. He and wife Pam reside in Bemus Point and are parents of three children and three grandchildren.

Lee Harkness, another of the new board members currently serves as Executive Director of the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation where he coordinates over 40 different events annually and is also responsible for the execution and management of the “Main Street Program. Prior to the DJDC, Lee was a development specialist, a rural development specialist and events coordinator for the Chautauqua County Department of Development. He is a graduate of Jamestown Community College and Cornell University. He has a long list of community affiliations ranging from the Babe Ruth World Series Board of Directors to the Rotary Club to the Steering Committee for the New York State Rural Development Council. He and his wife Jennifer and family reside in Kennedy.

Terry Lind is President of the Lind Funeral home and a graduate of Simmons Institute of Funeral Services in Syracuse, New York. He is a member of the board of directors of Chautauqua Striders Board and the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation. Ingjald Lodge #65 IOV, Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #45 F&AM, Jamestown Consistory, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and a former member of the board of the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. He and his wife Darlene have three children.

The Mission of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center is to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter.

The Center operates three facilities – the newly opened Lucy-Desi Museum which pays tribute to the First Couple of Comedy, the Desilu Playhouse which displays exact replicas of the “I Love Lucy” television studio sound stages, and The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop.

For more information about the Lucy-Desi Center contact 484-0800 ext. 200 or visit the website at www.lucy-desi.com.

Release Date Wednesday October 8, 2008

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center,

The Center is embarking on new projects and programs with an increased emphasis on our mission and the “healing power of love and laughter”.

I have been hired as Associate Interim Director and my focus is on the future of the Center and providing continuity and day to day management during this transition.

The Lucy Desi Center is a vital community asset, a popular tourist destination and a place designed to pay tribute to Jamestown’s favorite daughter - Lucy, and her husband, Desi – who rightfully have been called the First Couple of Comedy.

I would like to reassure you that the newly opened Museum and the Playhouse continue to welcome and wow visitors. This month alone there are more than 16 tour groups from states near and far who will have the Lucy-Desi experience.

Our excellent staff continues to greet and welcome visitors and handle mail order requests, while others are putting the final touches on the catalog and the fall newsletter. The newsletter will have in-depth information on all the exciting programs focused on the “healing power of love and laughter”.

We appreciate your past support and hope you will journey with us as we continue to explore and promote Lucy’s legacy. Thank you.

Patricia A. Smith,
Associate Interim Director

COLLECTORS SUPPORT LUCY-DESI MUSEUM WITH DONATION OF VINTAGE MOVIE POSTERS
Release Date Friday, August 29, 2008

Jamestown, NY –The movie poster exhibit in Jamestown, New York’s new and expanded Lucy-Desi Museum was made possible by recent gifts to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Lucy’s hometown.

New Jersey collector Joe Genua donated three original 1940’s movie posters from Lucille Ball’s film career including a vintage 1944 poster for the MGM musical, Meet The People, co-starring William Powell. Two other posters provided to the Lucy-Desi Center by Genua include an original 1946 poster for the Universal Studios comedy, Lover Come Back and one for the 1947 film, Her Husband’s Affairs, Lucille Ball’s first film for Columbia Pictures.

“I’m happy to support Jamestown’s Lucy-Desi Center with this donation,” Genua said. “The Lucy-Desi Center is committed to celebrating the memory of two people that have brought so much joy, so much laughter and so many fond memories not only to me, but to millions of people throughout the world. Donating this poster is just a small token of my appreciation.”

Longtime Lucy-Desi fan Patti Oelrich also contributed two movie posters. An original poster promoting Yours, Mine, & Ours, the 1968 film co-starring Henry Fonda that inspired the creation of TV series, The Brady Bunch is now on display in the Lucy-Desi Museum. Oelrich’s second contribution is a poster documenting Lucille Ball’s last motion picture, the 1974 musical, Mame.

From her home in Illinois, Oelrich said, “I’m very familiar with all that Jamestown does to celebrate my favorite redhead. During my first visit to Jamestown in 1989, I never dreamed that one day I’d be able to contribute to a museum in Lucy’s honor. I’m happy to be a part of something that means so much to so many.”

Speaking on behalf of the staff and board, Ric Wyman expressed the Lucy-Desi Center’s appreciation for Genua’s and Oelrich’s generosity and the wonderful opportunity for visitors that their gifts provide. “The Lucy-Desi Center has experienced many successes and much growth over the past few years due to the generosity of some very special folks,” Wyman said. “Joe Genua and Patti Oelrich are certainly two names that are on that list.”

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 10 W. Third Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

FINAL PLANS TAKING SHAPE FOR LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Lucille Ball’s Hometown to Host Festival August 1-3
Release Date Monday, July 28, 2008

Jamestown, NY – A lot of planning goes into presenting more than 40 events during a three-day weekend festival – especially when you’re also opening a brand-new museum!

The walls have been built and painted, the carpet installed, the multiple video screens programmed, Lucy’s Mercedes put in place, and exhibits are currently being readied, so the new Lucy-Desi Museum at 10 West Third Street in downtown Jamestown, New York, will be ready to open for Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration this weekend, August 1-3.

Visitors from the more than 20 states and Canada are packing and making their travel plans to enjoy the festival with its more than 40 planned events. And the weekend’s celebrity guests are looking forward to their visit to the Queen of Comedy’s hometown as well.

As Ruta Lee, Hollywood Walk of Fame actress who is the weekend’s headliner, said from her home in southern California, “I look forward to reliving my life with Lucy and sharing the love and laughter with all her friends and fans!” Advertising Advantage & Eagle Systems are sponsoring Saturday night’s 8 pm “I Remember Lucy: An Evening with Ruta Lee” in the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown. Tickets are still available for the gala reception that follows.

And what would a festival celebrating Lucille Ball be without lots of “Lucy”!

There will be two film fests on the big screen in the Civic Center, the former Palace Theatre where a young Lucy watched vaudeville with her grandfather on Saturday afternoons. Three seldom-seen episodes of The Lucy Show, the Queen of Comedy’s long-running 1960s television series, will be shown at 3:30 on Friday afternoon, August 1. At 4:30 Saturday afternoon three back-to-back episodes of Life With Lucy, her final television series, will be screened, including the last episode that was filmed but never aired.

Weather permitting, “Lucy Under the Stars” will offer free outdoor movies on the corner of Third and Pine Streets at 9:45 on Friday and Saturday nights. Popcorn and soda will be available.

For live comedy entertainment, you can’t beat The Unexpected Guests, Jamestown’s own comedy improv troupe! Jane Fischer, Gary Peters, Jr., and Tim Smeal will lead the group, offering their improvisational sketches at 9:30 pm on Friday, August 1, in the Tropicana Room above the Desilu Playhouse (the “I Love Lucy” museum) at 2 W. 3rd Street in downtown Jamestown. Opening the show will be John Schillner, a popular host at Lucy-Desi festival events. The Guests will perform in zany “Lucy” ways, while John offers his own unique style of humor.

For additional information on these and the many other events during Lucy’s Birthday Celebration, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Museum Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum, Desilu Playhouse, and Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

LUCYTOWN TOURS REMAIN POPULAR FESTIVAL ATTRACTION!
Release Date Thursday, July 24, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Lucytown Tours date back to some of the earliest Lucille Ball festivals in her hometown, Jamestown, New York. And they’ve gotten even better with the passing years!

Departing from the original Lucy-Desi Museum on Pine Street at 10 am, 1 and 4 pm each day, Lucytown Tours will again be a major attraction during Lucy’s Birthday Celebration, August 1-3.

Jamestown native Lucy Studd serves as the tour guide, pointing out more than two dozen locations in Jamestown and neighboring Celoron that were significant in the early life of The Queen of Comedy. A historic video, made possible through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, gives passengers a look back to Lucy’s time.

A different celebrity mystery guest is a part of each trip. Passengers could find themselves traveling with Lucy’s personal secretary or her driver, the author of a “Lucy” book, or an actor from one of Lucille Ball’s television series! The tours conclude with a stop at Lake View Cemetery, where Lucille Ball is buried with her family.

All riders will receive a chocolate treat courtesy of The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, producer of the only officially licensed "I Love Lucy" chocolates, and a door prize will be awarded to one lucky traveler on each trip.

Sponsors for Lucy’s Birthday Celebration 2008 are Advertising Advantage, ATR Treehouse, Bank of America, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Community Bank, N.A., Cummins, DFT Communications, Donut Connection, Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, Eagles Systems, Eric Cohler Design, Falconer Printing & Design, Fenton Photography, Garden of Eden, Habiterra Architects, Hanson Sign Companies, Hope’s Windows, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress Co., Jamestown Savings Bank, Lake County Chrysler Dodge & Kia, Lakeview Computer, Ludwig Auction & Realty Co., M & T Bank, Pembroke Pines Media Group, Quality Markets, Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency, Roberto’s Restaurant, Shults Auto Group, Summer Wind, WBFO and Welch’s. Prizes are provided by Aliz International, All-U, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Vandor.

Seating for Lucytown Tours is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. For tickets and information on all 40+ festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop (300 North Main Street), the Lucy-Desi Museum (212 Pine Street), and the Desilu Playhouse (2 W. Third Street) in downtown Jamestown, New York, are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

FANS TO GATHER FOR PICNIC DURING LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Release Date Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Since the annual company picnic for Desilu Productions employees and their families was such an important part of the lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, it’s only natural when their fans gather that a picnic would be in order!

The American Legion Post 777 near Celoron, New York, the village where a young Lucille Ball lived during much of her childhood, will be the site for the Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion and Picnic during Lucy’s Birthday Celebration, August 1-3.

Wanda Clark was Lucille Ball’s personal secretary for more than 25 years. She will share rare photographs from the Lucy-Desi Center archives during the event beginning at 11:30 on Sunday morning. The Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion will be an opportunity to learn more about the Queen of Comedy from someone who played a unique role in her life. A founding board member of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Wanda is traveling from her home in Oklahoma for the gathering of fans from all across the country.

Giftwear manufacturer All-U is providing over $500 in door prizes for the event sponsored by Quality Markets. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Village of Celoron’s Desi Arnaz Band Shell that was dedicated in the spring of 2007.

For more information or to order tickets for Festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown -- are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

SNEAK PEEK OF EXPANDED LUCY-DESI MUSEUM OFFERED TO MEMBERS DURING LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Release Date Friday, July 18, 2008

Jamestown, NY –During Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration, Lucy-Desi Museum members will be the first to walk through the doors of the new, expanded Museum at 10 West Third Street in downtown Jamestown, next door to the Desilu Playhouse, the “I Love Lucy” museum.

The Museum Members Only Party on Friday, August 1, 8-9:30 am, will include not only the first viewing of the new facility but also refreshments and special gift shop discounts. Non-members can join at the door for this free event sponsored by the Donut Connection.

With eight distinct galleries, six screening opportunities, and Lucille Ball’s monogrammed 1972 gold Mercedes-Benz, the new Lucy-Desi Museum is a must-see! Visitors will learn about the early lives of The First Couple of Comedy, see the piano from Lucy’s grade school in Celoron, enjoy the beautiful gowns and costumes from her wardrobe, see paintings and photographs that once hung in Lucy and Desi’s home in Beverly Hills, view movie posters from Lucy’s extensive big screen career, and much more.

The 40+ events festival weekend will also be the last opportunity to visit the original Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street that opened in May, 1996. Highlights of its current exhibit, “Lucy & Desi: Memories & Mementos,” include the first of four Emmy Awards Lucille Ball received, her ostrich feather-trimmed black peignoir, and original photos taken during Desi’s 1976 appearance on the first season of Saturday Night Live. After the festival, the permanent exhibits in the original Museum will be moved into one gallery at the new location.

The new Museum will be open to the public for an admission fee at 2 pm Friday afternoon, August 1. Festival visitors can purchase a pass that will admit them to all three facilities – the original Lucy-Desi Museum, the new Lucy-Desi Museum, and the Desilu Playhouse – throughout the entire weekend. Separate admissions are available for each of the facilities, with a special festival rate for the new Museum during the festival weekend. Admission to the two Lucy-Desi Museums is free to members, and Desilu Playhouse admission is discounted for Museum members.

For more information about all the Lucy’s Birthday Celebration events and how to become a Lucy-Desi Museum Member, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HEADLINER TAKES HER CHARITIES SERIOUSLY!
Release Date Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Jamestown, NY – In 1955, a group of talented young Hollywood stars wanted to change the image that actors and entertainers just partied, married and divorced. Their mission became “to achieve better mental health for our community and the world at large,” and they called themselves “The Thalians,” after the Goddess of Comedy, Thalia. The Thalians have raised over $30,000,000, and they support treatment of those afflicted with mental and psychological illnesses and diseases through The Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

For many years Hollywood Walk of Fame actresses Ruta Lee and Debbie Reynolds have alternated the responsibilities of President and Chairman of the Board for The Thalians, with Ms. Lee the current Chairman. This year they will be honoring Clint Eastwood as “Mr. Wonderful.”

In 1974 Lucille Ball was the first “Mrs. Wonderful” that they honored!

But it’s not just Ruta Lee’s long-time charitable connection with The Queen of Comedy that brings her to Jamestown, New York, for Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration, August 1-3: it’s her appearances on The Lucy Show and Lucy Moves to NBC.

Lee’s extensive acting credentials include numerous movies (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Witness for the Prosecution, Anything Goes) and television appearances on series including The Andy Griffith Show, The Flying Nun, Mork & Mindy, Love Boat, Vega$, Murder She Wrote, and Roseanne.

On Saturday evening, August 2, in the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown, the audience will hear Ruta Lee’s memories of working with The Queen of Comedy, be able to pose questions to her, and enjoy a screening of her appearance in The Lucy Show episode, “Lucy’s Substitute Secretary.” The 8 pm event is sponsored by Advertising Advantage and Eagle Systems.

Immediately following “I Remember Lucy: An Evening with Ruta Lee,” a limited admission gala reception will take place, giving fans an opportunity to meet Ms. Lee while enjoying live music and refreshments.

For more information and tickets to the theatre event and gala, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

“VISIONS OF LUCY” ARTISTS TO BE SHOWCASED AT LUCILLE BALL FESTIVAL AUCTION
Release Date Monday, July 14, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Since 1999, Lucille Ball’s hometown has offered an annual art exhibit featuring original one-of-a-kind artwork of the Queen of Comedy. Appropriately titled “Visions of Lucy,” this unique exhibit, currently on display at Roberto’s Restaurant at 20 West Third Street in downtown Jamestown, New York, showcases the talents of local, regional, and national artists.

Rick Carl, famed Lucy artist whose artwork appears on the cover of The "I Love Lucy" Book and fills the pages of The Official "I Love Lucy" Paper Dolls, is among the talented artists who have offered submissions to this year’s exhibit. Paintings are also being offered by Brigitte Baldwin of Corning, New York; David Ciampichini of Summit, New Jersey; Fred Griese of Buffalo; and Dave Woodman of Alamosa, Colorado. Jamestown’s John Hitchcock is offering a unique screen door, and Ciampichini also created a sculpture for this exhibit.

On Saturday, August 2, in conjunction with Lucy’s Birthday Celebration, all artwork will be incorporated into the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction. For those unable to be a part of the festival weekend (August 1-3) but who would like to participate in the auction, complete details on how to place an absentee auction bid are available at lucy-desi.com under Festival Info.

In addition to the artwork, the auction will offer over 100 vintage Lucy-Desi memorabilia items, plus special one-of-a-kind collectibles, including memorabilia from the Estate of Vivian Vance.

The auction is sponsored and conducted by Ludwig Auction & Realty Co. and will be held at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 E. Third Street in downtown Jamestown. The preview for ticket holders opens at 12:30 pm, with the bidding beginning at 1:37 pm.

Another opportunity for both collectors and just the curious throughout the weekend is the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Collectors’ Show. Hours for the show at 217 N. Main Street are 10 am-4 pm Friday, 9 am-5 pm Saturday, and 10 am-4 pm Sunday. Among the vintage and out-of-production offerings will be movie posters, collector plates, dolls, comic books, magazines, and more. Admission to the Collectors’ Show is free.

For more information or to order tickets for Festival events, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

TROPICANA DINNERS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Release Date Friday, July 11, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Live music, a three course meal inspired by an “I Love Lucy” episode, and performances by “Lucy” and “Ethel” in a recreation of Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana nightclub proved to be so successful during May’s Lucy-Desi Days that organizers are offering two encore shows August 1 and 2 during Lucy’s Birthday Celebration—a weekend long festival in Lucille Ball’s hometown.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Lucy Ricardo” impressionist Diane Vincent and her sidekick “Ethel Mertz,” actress Rhonda Medina, will welcome guests to celebrate their all-time favorite television show in the beautiful Tropicana Room above the Desilu Playhouse, Jamestown’s “I Love Lucy” museum. They will reenact scenes from “I Love Lucy” episode 33, “Lucy’s Schedule,” where Ricky Ricardo puts Lucy on a schedule while serving dinner to his boss.

“Lucy” and “Ethel” will also add to the fun during Friday evening’s “I Love Lucy” Trivia Contest at 7:30 in Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Civic Center. Author and We Love Lucy Fan Club President Tom Watson will join host John Schillner to invite randomly selected audience members to step on stage and prove their Lucy-Desi knowledge. Over $500 in prizes will be provided by Vandor, a leading “I Love Lucy” giftware manufacturer.

At the festival’s opening ceremonies at Jamestown’s City Hall Plaza on Friday, “Lucy” and “Ethel” will help distribute free punch and cake as part of Lucy’s Birthday Cake Bake-Off. The comic duo will be available for professional photos at the Photo Op at the Lucy-Desi Collectors’ Show, 217 N. Main Street, from 2-3 pm Friday and Saturday and “Ethel” will pose 11 am-noon on Sunday.

For more information on these and all the 40+ events during Lucy-Desi Days, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

TRIBUTE TO LUCILLE BALL’S COSTUME DESIGNER PLANNED:
Mini Fashion Show with “Lucy” Part of August 1 Event
Release Date Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Jamestown, NY – With more than 40 events slated for Lucy’s Birthday Celebration in Lucille Ball’s hometown (Jamestown, New York) August 1-3, visitors may wonder which are a “must do.”

Here’s one not to miss: On Friday, August 1, at 1 pm, the Lucy-Desi Center will welcome author Allan Glaser to the Tropicana Room for a special afternoon luncheon event. Attendees will enjoy lunch in the beautiful recreation of Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana nightclub followed by a special tribute to Lucy’s costume designer, Elois Jenssen.

The author of The Official “I Love Lucy” Paper Dolls, Glaser will share original costume sketches approved by Lucy herself that Elois created for some very memorable "I Love Lucy" episodes. Participants will hear stories about Lucy and Elois’s unique friendship, view a slideshow of rarely seen photos from Allan's personal collection, and listen to Lucille Ball pay tribute to Elois on a rare audio tape that was recorded weeks before Lucy passed away. And as a special treat, Universal Studios: Hollywood’s Lucy Ricardo impressionist Diane Vincent will offer a mini fashion show of some Elois-inspired costumes.

The menu for the luncheon has been inspired by the popular “L.A. At Last” episode featuring William Holden in the Brown Derby.

Immediately following the program, Allan Glaser will be available to sign copies of The Official "I Love Lucy" Paper Dolls. The book’s artwork is by well-known Lucy artist Rick Carl. Some of Carl’s original art is part of the “Visions of Lucy” exhibit at Roberto’s Restaurant at 20 W. Third Street in downtown Jamestown. These pieces will be included in the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction on Saturday, August 2, during the festival. More information about the art auction is on-line under Festival Info at lucy-desi.com.

For tickets and more information, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

VIVIAN VANCE’S SISTER TO OFFER IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOPS DURING LUCILLE BALL’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Release Date Thursday, July 3, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Vivian Vance’s younger sister, Lou Ann Graham, will be in Jamestown, New York, for Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration, August 1-3, to commemorate the wonderful woman best known as Lucille Ball’s sidekick “Ethel Mertz” in “I Love Lucy”.

An accomplished performer herself, on Friday and Saturday afternoons, August 1-2, Ms. Graham will teach workshops in improvisational comedy. Admission to these two-hour sessions is limited so that each participant will have an opportunity to truly develop their skills.

Sunday morning, August 3, We Love Lucy Fan Club President Tom Watson will host “We Remember Viv: A Tribute to Vivian Vance,” and Ms. Graham will share private memories and family photos. There will be a special video of Vance’s career and some great surprises! Over $500 in door prizes will be awarded courtesy of Aliz International. The 9:30 a.m. event is sponsored by the Garden of Eden and will be in downtown Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Civic Center.

An actress and singer, Vance had a varied stage career before she defined the role of “second banana” on television. She was nominated for four Emmy Awards and was the first winner of the award in the Best Supporting Actress category. Following “I Love Lucy”, Vance was part of the cast in The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour and The Lucy Show. She later made appearances in a number of television programs, as well as playing Maxine, who dispensed Maxwell House coffee in a series of television commercials.

On Sunday afternoon Graham and “Ethel” (actress and “Ethel” impressionist Rhonda Medina) will host “Ethel’s Showboat Cruise” aboard The Summer Wind on Lake Chautauqua -- the same lake Lucy Ricardo talked about on “I Love Lucy”. Boarding for the 1:30 departure is at Lucille Ball Memorial Park in the village of Celoron, where Lucille Ball lived as a young girl.

For tickets to these events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

FREE EVENTS DURING LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:
August 1-3 Festival Celebrates The World’s Favorite Redhead!
Release Date Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Now more than ever, with the high price of gasoline, this summer’s travelers are looking for a good value for their vacation dollar. With so many free events during Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration, Jamestown, New York, is a great place to be for family fun August 1-3!

Friday morning on City Hall’s Tracy Plaza, Suzuki Strings & Friends directed by Nina Karbacka offer a musical tribute to the First Couple of Comedy. At noon Mayor Sam Teresi will proclaim the official opening of the festival, with the assistance of “Lucy” (Diane Vincent) from Universal Studios: Hollywood and her sidekick, “Ethel Mertz” (Rhonda Medina)! After the announcement of the winners of Lucy’s Birthday Cake Bake-Off, “Lucy” and “Ethel” will be sure to see that everyone enjoys the free cake and punch!

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation (DJDC) will have live entertainment throughout the Taste of Jamestown on Friday in downtown Jamestown. Restaurants will be outdoors, featuring some of their signature menu items for less than $4 between 11 am and 11 pm. On Saturday and Sunday DJDC’s Downtown Arts & Crafts Festival will offer craft vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and more!

Beginning at noon on Saturday, young Jamestown area musicians from the Infinity Performing Arts Project will salute the Queen of Comedy with outdoor performances.

Vintage foreign trading cards, movie posters, collector plates, dolls, comic books, magazines, and more will be on display and for sale at the Collectors’ Show at 217 N. Main Street. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm on Friday and Sunday, and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

There will be no charge for Lucy’s Mystery Theatre at the Reg Studio Theatre, 108 E. Third Street. Hours for these constantly changing screenings of Lucille Ball’s television appearances are Friday: Noon-7pm, Saturday: 10 am-7pm, and Sunday: 10am-6 pm.

Each afternoon will be the finalist competition for a different contest inspired by classic “I Love Lucy” episodes. Friday will feature Lucy’s Goofy Golfing Contest at 4:30 pm, Saturday will be the Candy Factory Antics Contest at 4 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm will be the finals for the Egg Stuffing Contest. Competition finals will be at Potters Terrace, on 3rd Street between Main and Potters Alley. Registration for participation is 9 am-2 pm each day at the Information Booth outside the Reg Lenna Civic Center at 116 E. 3rd Street.

Another prize-winning opportunity is the challenge to find pictures of 25 “I Love Lucy” comic books that have been hidden in downtown shops and restaurants. Entry forms for the Downtown Jamestown Loves Lucy Scavenger Hunt can be picked up at any of the three Lucy-Desi locations. Winners of prizes courtesy of the San Francisco Music Box Company will be announced in the fall.

Weather permitting, Friday and Saturday from 9:45-11 pm “Lucy Under the Stars” will be on the oversized outdoor movie screen on the corner of Third and Pine Streets. Viewers are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Adding to the fun, popcorn and soft drinks will be available to purchase.

For more information on these and other festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, with extended hours during the festival weekend.

LUCILLE BALL’S MERCEDES ON EXHIBIT DURING “LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION”!
Release Date Friday, June 27, 2008

Jamestown, NY – This August 1-3 won’t be the first time Lucille Ball’s long-time chauffeur, Frank Gorey, has been in Jamestown, New York, for Lucy’s Birthday Celebration. But it will be the first time he sees her 1972 gold Mercedes-Benz on display in the new and expanded Lucy-Desi Museum!

The automobile, with Lucy’s monogram on the door, was given to the Lucy-Desi Museum several years ago by her son-in-law, actor Laurence Luckinbill. The development of the new Museum space will enable the vehicle to be on permanent exhibit to the public.

During the Saturday morning, August 2, Lucy Legend Event fund raiser, participants will have a professional photograph taken of themselves in the Mercedes with the man who drove the car, Frank Gorey. Following the photo shoot, there will be a continental breakfast, a special screening, and conversation with Frank. Admission is limited.

While not all of the expanded Museum’s eight galleries will be complete, the festival weekend will be the first time the public gets a sneak peek at this new tribute to The First Couple of Comedy. Located at 10 West Third Street, it is next door to the Desilu Playhouse, Jamestown’s “I Love Lucy” museum.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the original Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street that opened in May, 1996. Highlights of its current exhibit, “Lucy & Desi: Memories & Mementos,” include the first of four Emmy Awards Lucille Ball received, her ostrich feather-trimmed black peignoir, and original photos taken during Desi’s 1976 appearance on the first season of Saturday Night Live.

After the 40+ events festival weekend, the permanent exhibits in the original Museum will be relocated into one gallery of the new space.

For more information about getting your picture taken in Lucy’s Mercedes and all the other Lucy’s Birthday Celebration events, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

JAMESTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE LUCILLE BALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED
Release Date Thursday, June 26, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Gallager Bobseine is the first recipient of the newly reestablished Lucille Ball Scholarship at Jamestown Community College.

Following an aircraft accident two years ago in Mayville, New York, the then 17-year-old Bobseine was airlifted to the Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The flight instructor he was sitting beside was killed on impact.

Recovering from 42 broken bones and other injuries delayed the Cattaraugus, New York, resident’s plans for attending Jamestown Community College (JCC) by a year. But it didn’t deter him from receiving certification for his private pilot’s rating and his intention to complete his Business Administration degree at JCC before transferring to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for his B.A. in Professional Aeronautics.

Bobseine comes by his love of flying naturally, as his father is also a pilot. His dream is to create his own business around his passion, eventually opening a flight school and offering transportation services in helicopters and light jets. His determination and overcoming of obstacles were the traits that led to his selection as the winner of the Lucille Ball Scholarship.

In keeping with the character of its namesake, the scholarship is to assist a Jamestown Community College student pursuing an Associates Degree in performing arts or business, with special consideration given to students who show exceptional drive and determination and/or who have overcome unusual challenges.

Fifteen-year-old Lucille Ball was sent home from drama school in New York City with a message to her mother that she had no talent. It was through persistence and hard work that she came to receive international accolades as The Queen of Comedy. Her business acumen as the first woman to head a major studio, Desilu Productions – the largest production studio in Hollywood at the time – led her to personally champion the creation of Star Trek and Mission Impossible.

In reflecting on his award, Bobseine noted, “I am immensely thankful to be selected for this award. I understand we must never forget the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. I could not agree more with Lucille’s philosophy that persistence and determination are the keys to succeeding.”

This spring, ten initial funders from across the country each provided $1,000 to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) to launch the endowment for the Lucille Ball Scholarship. They are Ford and Jane Blaney, Wanda Clark, Chris and Tricia Olsen, William Peck, Melody Thomas Scott, Todd and Alexis Singleton, Ken Souza, William and Barbara Stubbs, Darrell Vail, and Lou Weiss. William Peck made an additional contribution so that the first scholarship could be awarded this year.

Randy Sweeney, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, commented, “The Community Foundation has had the opportunity to help support a number of the activities of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center since its start several years ago. We are thrilled to continue this relationship with the administration of the Lucille Ball Scholarship Fund, which will award a student from Jamestown Community College. We are delighted that Gallager Bobseine has been selected as the first recipient, as he certainly depicts the characteristics of hard work, drive and a CAN DO spirit.”

Online gifts to the Lucille Ball Scholarship Fund can be made through CRCF’s website at http://www.crcfonline.org/DonateNow/tabid/332/txtSearch/lball/List/1/Default.aspx.

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop, 300 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

STAR TREK ACTOR JOE RUSKIN IN JAMESTOWN FOR LUCILLE BALL’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Release Date Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Jamestown, NY – What do four Star Trek series plus Alias, Bones, ER, Gunsmoke, Charlie’s Angels, Hill Street Blues, The Six Million Dollar Man, Twilight Zone, Get Smart, Mission Impossible, The Untouchables, Murder, She Wrote – and many others – all have in common? They include some of the more than 100 television shows in which actor Joe Ruskin has made guest appearances.

But it is thanks to his guest starring roles in both The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy that he is coming to Jamestown, New York, for Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration, August 1-3, 2008!

On Saturday morning, August 2, during “I Remember Lucy: A Special Morning with Joe Ruskin,” the legendary character actor will reflect on his Hollywood career and his memories of being in the “Lucy and John Wayne” episode of The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy’s “Lucy’s Impossible Mission.” The event will feature a special screening of Ruskin and the Queen of Comedy.

For “Trekkies,” Ruskin can be expected to throw in some recollections of his appearances in four Star Trek series and a Star Trek: The Next Generation feature film. He is one of only three actors to appear in both the original Star Trek series and Star Trek: Enterprise.

Sponsored by Jamestown Mattress Company, this 10:30 a.m. event will be in downtown Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Civic Center.

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME ACTRESS TO HEADLINE LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Release Date Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Jamestown, NY – From movies like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Witness for the Prosecution to numerous television appearances on series including Mork & Mindy, Love Boat, Vega$, and Murder, She Wrote, this Hollywood Walk of Fame actress’s credentials are extensive. But it was Ruta Lee’s guest roles on The Lucy Show and Lucy Moves to NBC that are bringing her to Lucille Ball’s hometown to headline Lucy’s Birthday Celebration weekend, August 1-3, 2008!

On Saturday evening, August 2, in the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown, New York, the audience will hear Ruta Lee’s memories of working with The Queen of Comedy, be able to ask questions, and enjoy a special screening – followed by a limited admission grand gala reception.

In addition to the more than 40 events in the festival line-up, the weekend will feature a sneak peek at the new Lucy-Desi Museum at 10 West Third Street, next door to the Desilu Playhouse (the “I Love Lucy” museum). With seven galleries, multiple screening opportunities, and Lucille Ball’s 1972 gold Mercedes-Benz on display, it will be an exciting new experience! Museum members will be the first to see the space early Friday morning at the Members Only Party. Visitors can become members at the door.

Later Friday morning, a Lucy-Desi Musical Revue by Jamestown Suzuki Strings & Friends will open festivities that include a mayoral proclamation and Lucy’s Birthday Cake Bake-Off – with cake and punch for everyone!

At the Tropicana Luncheon on Friday afternoon, Allan Glaser, author of The Official “I Love Lucy” Paper Dolls, will offer a salute to Elois Jenssen, one of Lucy’s favorite costume designers. Glaser will also autograph books throughout the weekend. Universal Studios’ “Lucy” (Diane Vincent) and her sidekick “Ethel” (Rhonda Medina) will host special “I Love Lucy” reenactment dinners Friday and Saturday evenings in the Tropicana Room above the Desilu Playhouse.

Friday evening the “I Love Lucy” Trivia Contest with “Lucy” and “Ethel” will be followed by a performance by Jamestown’s own comedy improv troupe, The Unexpected Guests, with a stand-up opening by John Schillner.

At Saturday morning’s Lucy Legend Event in the new Lucy-Desi Museum, participants will have their pictures taken in Lucy’s Mercedes-Benz with her long-time chauffeur, Frank Gorey.

Later Saturday morning legendary character actor Joe Ruskin will remember The Queen of Comedy from his appearances in both The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. For “Trekkies,” he can be expected to throw in some recollections of his appearance in four Star Trek series and a Star Trek: The Next Generation feature film.

Among the treasures in Saturday afternoon’s Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction will be the “Visions of Lucy” original art now on exhibit at Roberto’s Restaurant, 20 W. Third Street, in downtown Jamestown. Collectors will also enjoy the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Collector’s Show, on-going throughout the weekend.

Screenings are a fun part of every Lucy-Desi festival, and this Birthday Celebration is no exception. Friday and Saturday afternoons will be highlighted by The Lucy Show and Life With Lucy film fests on the large screen in the Reg Lenna Civic Center. “Lucy Under the Stars” -- free outdoor movies -- will be shown Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting.

Sunday will commemorate Vivian Vance, the wonderful woman best known as “Ethel Mertz.” A morning tribute will be hosted by Vivian’s sister, Lou Ann Graham, and We Love Lucy Fan Club president Tom Watson. Sunday afternoon Ms. Graham and “Ethel” (actress Rhonda Medina) will welcome guests aboard The Summer Wind for “Ethel’s Showboat Cruise” on Lake Chautauqua. On Friday and Saturday afternoons, Ms. Graham, an accomplished actress herself, will teach comedy improv workshops.

A picnic lunch will be on the menu Sunday when the village of Celoron hosts the Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion. Special guest Wanda Clark, Lucille Ball’s long-time secretary, will share never-before-seen family scrapbook pictures.

On nine occasions during the weekend a different festival celebrity will host Lucytown Tours, when riders will enjoy a guided tour of area locations important to Lucille Ball, culminating with a stop at the cemetery where she is buried.

Live music from Infinity Performing Arts Project and three contests – Lucy’s Goofy Golfing, Candy Factory Antics, and Egg Stuffing – will be just some of the free street activities throughout the weekend. The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation (DJDC) will sponsor the Taste of Jamestown on Friday, with restaurants outdoors, featuring some of their signature menu items. On Saturday and Sunday, DJDC will bring craft vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and more!

Weekend Guest Pass holders can visit the original Lucy-Desi Museum, the new Lucy-Desi Museum, and the Desilu Playhouse as often as they like. Admission to both Lucy-Desi Museums is free to Museum members.

Many Lucy’s Birthday Celebration events are free and others have limited admission. For a festival flyer or to place orders for ticketed events, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

LUCIE ARNAZ TO MODERATE LEGACY OF LAUGHTER AT HUMOR PROJECT CONFERENCE
Release Date Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Lucie Arnaz will be moderating a Legacy of Laughter panel and receiving a Laughtime Achievement Award on behalf of her parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, at the HUMOR Project’s 52nd international conference on “The Positive Power of Humor & Creativity” this weekend (June 20-22) in Silver Bay, New York. She will also offer a conference session “Ask Lucie: Up Close and Personal with Lucie Arnaz.”

The Legacy of Laughter event is being sponsored by TV Land. Mary Jane Price, Education/Outreach Director for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Lucy’s hometown, Jamestown, New York, will be attending the conference.

This world-class weekend includes over 30 sessions focusing on the use of humor in business, health care, education, therapy, parenting, and life. Showing that humor is a universal language, over the years, these programs have attracted more than 21,000 people from all 50 states, throughout Canada, six continents, and The Moon (Apollo Moonwalking astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell).

“This learning-filled, laughter-fueled conference is designed to be positively productive for organizations, personally enriching, and professionally practical,” comments Dr. Joel Goodman, founder and Director of The HUMOR Project, which will celebrate its 31st anniversary at the conference. Goodman goes on to say, “In this challenge-filled world, we need humor, hope, healing, and creativity more than ever to survive and thrive. This conference is a great way to celebrate humor and to help people get more smileage out of their lives and jobs.”

The HUMOR Project has provided grants to more than 450 schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations in the past. Recipients have used their funding to establish Humor Rooms and Comedy Carts in hospitals, develop a Geriantics program in a nursing home, publish a booklet on using humor in parenting special needs children, establish a Comedy Corps to telephone a joke-of-the-day for homebound elderly, provide humor resources for a shelter for the homeless, and much more.

According to Ms. Price, “I am excited to be participating in this conference, and to represent our Center at the most recent Legacy of Laughter presentation. The opportunities offered at the conference are sure to benefit our Education and Outreach Department as we continue our initiative to enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter.”

For more information on the HUMOR Project and the conference, call 518-587-8770 or visit www.HumorProject.com. For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center’s Education and Outreach, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN), ext. 211, or visit www.lucy-desi.com.

EMMY WINNING COSTUME DESIGNER RET TURNER SUPPORTS LUCY-DESI CENTER
Release Date Monday, June 9, 2008

Jamestown, NY – After five-time Emmy Award-winning costume designer Ret Turner visited Jamestown, New York, last August, he wanted to do something special for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center.

Earlier this year the Lucy-Desi Center contacted Turner for some ideas on how to brighten up the Center staff’s all-black attire. He not only designed ties and scarves featuring the Center’s logo but also had them created and donated them to the Center.

“I was happy when Ric Wyman asked me if I could come up with something to enhance the Lucy-Desi Center staff’s attire,” Turner said from his home in Los Angeles. “I’m even more thrilled to know how pleased everyone is with the outcome!”

Throughout his illustrious career, Ret Turner has designed for a virtual list of Hollywood Who’s Who. In addition to his often Emmy-nominated contributions to such shows and specials as Mama’s Family, The Carol Burnett Show: A Reunion, Dolly, Donny & Marie, and The Sonny & Cher Show, his work was also a part of the groundbreaking pilot for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. Later, Turner created for the Kennedy Center’s 25th Anniversary and the 51st Emmy Awards in 1999. In 2002 the Costume Designer Guild made a special award to him for Career Achievement in Television.

Lucille Ball asked Turner to create a gown for her appearance with Bob Hope at the 1989 Academy Awards. From six sketches he presented, Lucy selected a high-necked, long-sleeved black dress covered with bugle beads, gold sequins and imitation diamonds. Turner was present at the Oscars that evening and, just before going on stage, Lucille handed him her purse. Lucy walked on stage to a standing ovation so heartfelt and prolonged that she was stunned and teary. This was to be her last public appearance; she passed away a few weeks later.

“What an honor it is,” observed the Center’s Ric Wyman, “that a designer of Ret’s stature and fame would share his talents with us. We are very grateful for his tremendous show of support!”

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine in downtown Jamestown, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street, and the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop at 300 N. Main Street are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

LUCILLE BALL-DESI ARNAZ CENTER RECEIVES MAJOR GIFT FROM LYNNS
Release Date Monday, June 2, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Jamestown, New York’s Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center recently received an amazing gift from a local couple: Community Development Association, LLC and its owners, Gary and Helen Lynn, donated the Rapaport Center building in downtown Jamestown to the Lucy-Desi Center.

Since August of 2005, the building at 2 West Third Street has welcomed visitors from around the world to the Desilu Playhouse, Jamestown’s “I Love Lucy” museum. It is also home to the Tropicana Room, a re-creation of Ricky Ricardo’s famous nightclub that is used for groups and special events, and administrative offices for the Center. Located at the main intersection of the downtown, the building is named for Bill and Mary Rapaport of East Amherst, New York, whose initial gift of $500,000 made it possible to develop the space that had been vacant for several years.

Working on behalf of the Lucy-Desi Center, Gary Lynn directed the rehabilitation of the facility he owned. In making this generous gift, he said that it was a privilege to be able to support the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and the Jamestown Development Corporation in their efforts to make Jamestown a destination for tourism.

Lynn noted, “We are very pleased that so many previous donors, individuals, board members, governmental organizations, and employees of the organization have had the foresight, determination, and tenacity to complete this project. It certainly creates a wholesome family atmosphere and helps put Jamestown on the world map.”

He continued, “We wish to thank the community for not only supporting our work with the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center but our many other business development projects and our efforts at the Gateway Center to improve the quality of life in the Greater Jamestown Area.”

Lucy-Desi Center board president Charles Edward Fagan expressed his appreciation for the Lynns’ gift. “On behalf of the board and staff of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center as well as Lucy-Desi fans around the world, I want to thank Gary and Helen Lynn not only for the wonderful donation of their building, but for all the support they have given the Center over the years. We would not be where we are today without them!”

MANY FREE EVENTS AT JAMESTOWN’S LUCY-DESI DAYS THIS WEEKEND:
Lucille Ball’s Hometown Celebrates!
Release Date Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Jamestown, NY -- Downtown Jamestown, New York, will be alive this weekend with dozens of fun opportunities, many free, during Lucy-Desi Days 2008 Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 23-25.

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation (DJDC) is presenting the “Jamestown Loves Lucy” Street Festival, featuring live entertainment, crafters, food vendors, children’s amusement rides, activities, and more. DJDC is also sponsoring the Class A Motor Coach Rally, with over 30 motor coaches showcased along Third Street throughout the weekend.

Friday morning at 11 am on City Hall’s Tracy Plaza, the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony under the direction of Bryan Eckenrode and the Junior Guilders of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, directed by Helen Merrill, will offer a musical tribute to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. At noon Mayor Sam Teresi will proclaim the official opening of the festival, with the assistance of “Lucy” (Diane Vincent) from Universal Studios-Hollywood and her sidekick, “Ethel Mertz” (Rhonda Medina)!

On-going throughout the weekend will be “Visions of Lucy,” artists’ original creations on display at Roberto’s Restaurant, 20 W. 3rd Street. The James Prendergast Library has a unique exhibit of First Couple of Comedy television and radio studio audience tickets from the private collection of Joel Tator.

Each afternoon will be the finalist competition for a different contest inspired by classic “I Love Lucy” episodes. Friday will feature a Snail Snacking Contest at 4 pm, Saturday will be the Brown Derby Dining Contest at 4 pm, and Sunday at 3:15 will be Aunt Martha’s Old Fashioned Salad Dressing Relay Race. Competition finals will be at Potters Terrace, on 3rd Street between Main and Potters Alley. Registration for participation is 9 am-2 pm each day at the Information Booth outside the Reg Lenna Civic Center at 116 E. 3rd Street.

For more information on these and other festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, with extended hours during the festival weekend.

AM BUFFALO TO BROADCAST FROM “I LOVE LUCY” SET:
Live Telecast Kicks Off Lucy-Desi Days 2008
Release Date Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Linda Pellegrino of WKBW-TV’s A.M. Buffalo can’t resist the urge to return to Jamestown, New York, for Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival. Why? For the opportunity to broadcast live from the “I Love Lucy” Beverly Palms Hotel suite soundstage from the Hollywood-based shows!

Named for the studio in Hollywood where the most popular show ever on television was filmed, the Desilu Playhouse is the “I Love Lucy” museum in Lucille Ball’s hometown. It is the permanent home of the “I Love Lucy” 50th Anniversary Tour that traveled the country in 2001-2003 and features exact reproductions of the stage sets of the show’s New York City apartment and Hollywood Hotel suite.

A.M. Buffalo will air live segments from 2 West Third Street in downtown Jamestown at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 23. Audience entry will begin at 9 am. Regular Desilu Playhouse admission will apply, and it will be “standing room only” for the audience. Those unable to attend the live broadcast can tune in to WKBW-TV, Channel 7, for this special event at 10 am on Friday morning or for the rebroadcast at 4 pm later that day.

With visitors so far coming from 19 states, two Canadian provinces and Tasmania, planning for the May 23-25 festival is in its final stages. Some of the 40+ festival opportunities are already available in downtown Jamestown. These include the Visions of Lucy art on display at Roberto’s Restaurant and the Lucy-Desi Studio Audience Ticket exhibit at the James Prendergast Library.

Folks are preparing their costumes for Sunday night’s Lucy-Desi Fans Talent Show & Costume Party hosted by Melody Thomas Scott. Audience members in costume will be invited to join the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center founding board member and star (“Nikki”) of The Young and The Restless on stage. Talent show participants will also be on stage; no previous “talent” is required – and several surprises are guaranteed!

Wilmer Valderrama, “Fez” of That ‘70s Show, is getting ready for his Saturday night Tribute to Desi Arnaz. The evening will feature clips of his and Desi’s work. Wilmer’s and Melody’s events will both be at 8 pm in the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown.

For details on these and all the 40+ Lucy-Desi Days 2008 happenings, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

SEEING JAMESTOWN LIKE LUCILLE BALL DID:
Two-Hour Guided Tours of Ball’s Hometown Part of May 23-25 Lucy-Desi Festival
Release Date Friday, May 16, 2008

Jamestown, NY -- Even most residents haven’t had a tour of Jamestown, New York, like the Lucytown Tours being offered during Lucy-Desi Days 2008!

This year’s festival, on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, will provide three opportunities each day -- at 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm -- for a two-hour guided tour of Lucille Ball’s hometown and the neighboring village of Celoron.

The tour begins by boarding an air conditioned motor coach outside the Lucy-Desi Museum on Pine Street in downtown Jamestown. Tour guide Lucy Studd, a Jamestown native, will point out and share stories about more than two dozen locations that were significant in the early life of The Queen of Comedy, ending with a visit to Lucille Ball’s grave site, where she has been reunited with her family. With her on each tour will be a different Lucy-Desi special mystery guest. Further enhancing the experience will be a historic video of the area, produced through a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, producer of the only officially licensed "I Love Lucy" chocolates, is providing samples for each of the nine Lucytown Tours throughout the weekend. Inspired by the famous “Job Switching” episode, Lucy and Ethel -- in their candy factory attire -- appear on the box lids and wrappers of this entire line of deluxe chocolates. One winner on each trip will receive a numbered edition figurine inspired by the famous candy factory episode.

There will also be opportunities to win prizes at several events during Lucy-Desi Days. Prizes for Sunday morning’s “I Love Lucy” Trivia Contest are from Vandor, the giftware company that has licensed hundreds of “I Love Lucy” products for more than a decade. All-U Activewear will provide door prizes for Sunday afternoon’s Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion & Picnic. Prizes for the Lucy-Desi Fans Talent Show & Costume Contest, hosted Sunday night by Melody Thomas Scott of The Young and The Restless, are courtesy of The Franklin Mint.

Sponsors for Lucy-Desi Days 2008 are Advertising Advantage, Bank of America, ADKO, B & B Catering, Community Bank, N.A., Iconography, Donut Connection, Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, Eric Cohler Design, Falconer Printing & Design, Fenton Photography, Garden of Eden, Habiterra Architects & Landscape Architects, Hanson Sign Companies, Jamestown Mattress Co., John S. Trussalo CPA, Josie Caprino’s Chocolate Fountains & Desserts, Lake County Chrysler, Dodge & Kia, Lakeview Computer, Ludwig Auction & Realty Co., Management Strategies, Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency, Roberto’s Restaurant, Shults Auto Group, Summer Wind, Taco Hut, Wegmans, and Welch’s.

LIBRARY EXHIBIT & SCAVENGER HUNT ARE LUCY-DESI OPPORTUNITIES IN DOWNTOWN JAMESTOWN
Release Date Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Local residents and visitors alike can enjoy two special opportunities in Lucille Ball’s hometown: a unique exhibit at the James Prendergast Library and the Downtown Jamestown Loves Lucy Scavenger Hunt!

During the month of May, Jamestown, New York’s Prendergast Library has a special exhibit of studio audience radio and TV show tickets related to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The display is from the private collection of Joel Tator. It includes a ticket from 1951 to attend Desi’s radio show, Your Tropical Trip, 1954 and 1955 tickets to attend filmings of “I Love Lucy”, and a 1977 ticket that would have gained you admittance to Circus of the Stars, featuring the world’s favorite redhead! Tator has spent over 50 years amassing more than 40,000 tickets, only some of which are related to the First Couple of Comedy.

Other tickets on exhibit document Lucille Ball’s later series: The Lucy Show, Here’s Lucy, and Life With Lucy. Several Bob Hope television specials and a ticket to the short-lived 1978 series, The Mary Tyler Moore Comedy Hour (with special guest Lucille Ball), can also be seen. Whenever possible, photographs from these particular TV installments accompany the tickets on exhibit.

Probably of greatest interest to Lucy historians will be a small orange ticket dated October 19, 1951. This particular ticket provided admittance to a memorable first season episode of “I Love Lucy” that found Lucy Ricardo so preoccupied with horoscopes and numerology that she hosts a séance—with Ethel Mertz playing the part of Madame Mertzola.

The James Prendergast Library is located at 509 Cherry Street. Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 am-8:30 pm; Wednesdays, 10 am-5 pm; and Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public through May 31.

Another opportunity is the challenge to find pictures of 25 “I Love Lucy” comic books that have been hidden in downtown shops and restaurants. Businesses participating in the Downtown Loves Lucy Scavenger Hunt include The Bag Babe, Benson’s Ladies Apparel, Bro Laines Bridal, Carlson’s Jewelry Smithing/Weeping Willow Gifts, Charm Salon, Craft World, Dave’s Pizza, Donut Connection, Dorian’s Plus, Esquire Cleaners, Frame & Glass Shoppe, Geer-Dunn Office Furniture and Supplies, Golden Griddle, Jake’s Uptown Grille, Jamestown Dance Supply, Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, Kwik Solutions, Lisciandro’s Restaurant, Oriental Star Chinese Buffet, The Pub, Roberto’s Restaurant, Suburban Blend, Subzone, Taco Hut, and Tim Horton’s.

The public is invited to pick up a Scavenger Hunt entry form at the Lucy-Desi Museum (212 Pine Street), Lucy-Desi Gift Shop (300 N. Main Street), or Desilu Playhouse (2 W.3rd Street) and match the 25 photos shown with the businesses where they have been hidden. The contest ends October 31 when winners will be drawn from all of the correct entries. Over $500 in “I Love Lucy” merchandise will be awarded as prizes, courtesy of the San Francisco Music Box Company. Winners will be announced on the Lucy-Desi Center website (www.lucy-desi.com) no later than November 15, 2008.

Hours for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center attractions are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. For information about Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 23-25, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com.

KOMEDY KOLLEGE WORKSHOPS PART OF JAMESTOWN, NY’S LUCY-DESI DAYS:
Six Courses Scheduled May 23-25
Release Date Monday, May 12, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to entertain your children, grandchildren, students, or neighborhood kids by juggling, clowning or balloon tying? Now you can learn these skills at the Komedy Kollege workshops during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 23-25 in Lucille Ball’s hometown!

The Queen of Comedy is renowned for her clowning and physical comedy, having performed with numerous famous clowns, including Red Skelton and Harpo Marx. Teaching these skills supports the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center’s mission “to enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter.” Hour-long classes will be held each day at 11 am and 3 pm in downtown Jamestown, New York.

On Friday (May 23), professional juggler Dave Fultz of Kenmore, NY, will teach Juggling 101. All necessary props will be provided, including balls, cigar boxes, flower sticks, spinning plates, and more. A juggler for more than 30 years, he has participated in juggling conventions and workshops including the annual “Spring Juggle-In” at Rochester Institute of Technology and Buffalo’s International Juggling Convention. His many professional appearances include those with or for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Buffalo Bisons, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Public Schools.

On Saturday (May 24), multiple award-winning Squeeze, the Clown (aka Sue Marranconi of Meadville, PA) will lead two sessions of Clowning 101. These classes will cover the different types of clowns, their origins, costuming and behaviors as well as discussion of comedy movement and what creates laughter.

One of the top ten clowns in the Clowns of America International competition, Squeeze has won silver and bronze medals at the World Clown Association and placed first for three consecutive years at the Mid Atlantic Clown Association.

Sunday (May 25) will find Squeeze instructing Ballooning 101. Of this class, she notes that it “will cover everything you need to start twisting your way to some fabulous creations. You'll get a ‘BANG out of it for sure; after all it's ‘POP’ art!”

A limited number of tickets are available for these workshops. For a Festival booklet or to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

WILMER VALDERRAMA TO PAY TRIBUTE TO DESI ARNAZ
Release Date Saturday, May 10, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Wilmer Valderrama, star of That ‘70s Show and Fast Food Nation and creator and host of MTV’s Yo Momma, will be in Jamestown, New York, on Saturday, May 24, to celebrate Desi Arnaz’s contributions to the world of entertainment.

“Fez” from That ‘70s Show will take the stage of the Reg Lenna Civic Center at 8 pm for “A Tribute to Desi Arnaz: An Evening With Wilmer Valderrama.” He will share how Desi personally inspired his career and salute the man that paved the way for other Hispanic actors in America. With a collection of rarely seen film clips of Desi’s career, this will be a night not to miss! The audience will also enjoy a question and answer session. The event is being sponsored by Advertising Advantage and Bank of America.

Immediately following the stage event, guests will have the opportunity to meet Wilmer at a limited admission gala reception sponsored by Taco Hut/B&B Catering.

While Wilmer was born in Miami, his family moved to Venezuela, his father’s native country, when he was three years old. When he was 13, they moved to Los Angeles. He learned English with the help of television shows like “I Love Lucy”.

Wilmer began taking drama classes in high school and was soon appearing professionally. From 1998-2006, he played Fez on That ‘70s Show; he was a junior in high school when the pilot episode was filmed. Since 2006, he has produced and hosted the MTV series Yo Momma. He recently launched his own men’s fashion label, Calavena.

Wilmer voiced Rodrigo in Clifford’s Really Big Movie, and voices the main character, Manny, in the Disney Channel’s Handy Manny series for preschoolers. His other film credits include Summer Catch, Party Monster, Beauty Shop, The Darwin Awards, Unaccompanied Minors, El Muerto, The Condor, Save the Date, and ChiPS that will be released in 2009. Other big screen film projects Wilmer is currently starring in include Days of Wrath and Columbus Day, both of which are slated for release later this year.

Wilmer’s appearance in Jamestown headlines more than 40 events during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 23-25.

For a Festival booklet and to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

“I LOVE LUCY” LEGEND EVENT TO FEATURE ORIGINAL CAST MEMBER:
Steven Kay Plans Return to Lucy’s Hometown
Release Date Thursday, May 8, 2008

Jamestown, NY – There will be more than 40 events during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 23-25, but at only one will participants have their pictures taken on the “I Love Lucy” set with a cast member from an original episode!

This rare opportunity will be during the “I Love Lucy” Legend Event on Sunday morning, May 25, in the Desilu Playhouse, the “I Love Lucy” museum in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, New York. Ticket holders will have a professional photograph taken of themselves on the New York City apartment set with Steven Kay, the child actor who played Little Ricky’s best pal, Stevie Appleby, in the classic “I Love Lucy” episode that featured Superman.

Following the photo shoot, participants will move upstairs to the Tropicana Room, a re-creation of Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana Nightclub. In this lovely setting they will enjoy a continental breakfast provided by Roberto’s Restaurant and a screening of “Lucy and Superman.”

In this 1957 episode, when Lucy Ricardo plans Little Ricky’s fifth birthday party, she learns that his a classmate is having his party on the same day. To entice the children to come to Little Ricky’s party, Lucy promises that Superman will make an appearance. Failing to get “the real thing,” Lucy dresses up as Superman herself. At the last minute, television’s real Superman, George Reeves, appears in costume and saves her. He addresses Ricky (Desi Arnaz) with the classic line: “You mean to say that you’ve been married to her for fifteen years? And they call me Superman!”

After the screening, Kay will participate in a question and answer seminar, sharing his memories of working on the set with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. An autographed photo featuring Steven and Lucille Ball will be provided to each attendee.

This is Steven Kay’s second visit to The Queen of Comedy’s hometown. Four years ago, on the stage of the Reg Lenna Civic Center, he was reunited for the first time with his television mother, Doris Singleton, who played Carolyn Appleby in “Lucy and Superman.”

A limited number of tickets are available for this event. For a Festival booklet or to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

JAMESTOWN’S LUCY-DESI DAYS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLECTORS:
Original “I Love Lucy” Script Among Treasures!
Release Date Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Jamestown, NY – For collectors of Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and “I Love Lucy” memorabilia, Jamestown, New York is the place to be on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25! With both a Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction and an extensive Collectors’ Show, Lucy-Desi Days 2008 in The Queen of Comedy’s hometown offers rare treasures for seasoned collectors as well as affordable starter items for the beginner.

With a preview for ticket holders at 12:45 pm on Saturday, May 24, the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction will offer more than 100 vintage items grouped by themes: advertisements, retired collectibles, comic books, dolls, postage stamps, and more. Of special interest will be a collection of color candid snapshots from a party held in the backyard of Lucille Ball’s Beverly Hills home in the mid 1970’s. Party guests seen in the photos include Farrah Fawcett, Lee Majors, Mel Brooks, Mary Wickes, Dom DeLuise, Lucie Arnaz, Eva Gabor, Allen Ludden, Dick Van Patten, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Gary Morton, Chuck Wollery, and others. A cleverly designed one-of-a-kind “Lucy”-themed storage trunk will also be offered as will an original “I Love Lucy” script from 1953. And there will be an opportunity to bid on three Mattel Ethel Mertz limited edition (only 999 made) Santa dolls.

The auction is sponsored by Ludwig Auction & Realty Co. and will be held at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 E. Third Street in downtown Jamestown.

Another weekend-long opportunity for both collectors and just the curious is the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Collectors’ Show at 217 N. Main Street. The Show’s hours are 10 am-4 pm on Friday and Sunday (May 23 and 25), and 9 am-5 pm on Saturday (May 24). Among the offerings will be Lucy-Desi collector plates, dolls, movie posters, magazines, and more. The show is limited to vintage and out-of-production collectibles. Admission to the Collectors’ Show is free.

Also at the Collectors’ Show site will be a professional photo opportunity on Friday 1-3 pm, Saturday 11 am-3 pm, and Sunday 12-4 pm. Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Lucy”, Diane Vincent, and her sidekick “Ethel,” actress Rhonda Medina, will stop by to pose with visitors from 2-3 pm each day.

Another terrific shopping opportunity will be during the Lucy-Desi Museum Members Only Party from 8-9:30 on Saturday morning, May 26. In addition to a special screening and refreshments provided by The Donut Connection, the Lucy-Desi Museum will feature some amazing sales and a unique opportunity to win an Ethel Mertz limited edition Santa doll. Memberships are available at the door.

For more information call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown -- are open 10 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Saturday and 1-5 pm Sundays.

“I LOVE LUCY” FILM EDITOR IN JAMESTOWN TO CELEBRATE
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DESILU PLAYHOUSE TV SERIES:
Many Screening Opportunities During the May 23-25 Festival!
Release Date Monday, May 5, 2008

Jamestown, NY – It was 50 years ago that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz created The Desilu Playhouse, an anthology series broadcast on CBS Television between 1958-60. Two of its episodes spawned The Twilight Zone and The Untouchables, among the most memorable – and widely syndicated in reruns -- television shows of the 1960s.

The Desilu Playhouse anniversary will be celebrated on Friday evening, May 23, during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, New York. Western New York stand-up comedienne Linda Oh! will open the evening that will be hosted by We Love Lucy Fan Club President Tom Watson. Sponsored by Garden of Eden, the 7:30 pm event will be presented in the Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 East Third Street in downtown Jamestown.

Sharing firsthand accounts from 50 years ago will be “I Love Lucy” and Desilu Playhouse film editor, Dann Cahn. The event will feature rarely seen footage of The First Couple of Comedy.

Desi Arnaz was responsible for technological innovations in “I Love Lucy” that became standard in television production. With Desilu Playhouse, Desi again changed the industry by persuading CBS to buy the series before a sponsor had agreed to pay for production costs. Shortly after CBS’s decision in early 1958, Westinghouse agreed to a record $12 million commitment, with the result that the series is also known as the Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse.

The Desilu Playhouse was also the name of the studio where “I Love Lucy” was filmed for television broadcast during the 1950s. It is now the name of Jamestown’s “I Love Lucy” museum, where visitors can enjoy an exhibit where Cahn describes the creation of this first television series ever filmed with three cameras in front of a live audience.

Two Desilu Playhouse productions will be among the Lucy-Desi Days, May 23-25, festival screenings. “K.O. Kitty” finds Lucille Ball as the trainer and manager for a washed-up boxer, and “So Tender, So Profane” is where Desi Arnaz made his dramatic television debut. These will be shown at 4:30 in the Reg Lenna Civic Center, on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Other weekend screenings include The Long, Long Trailer, Lucy and Desi’s most popular feature film, at 1:30 on Friday in The Reg. “Lucy Under The Stars” outdoor movies will be shown Friday and Saturday nights at 9:45 pm on Third & Pine Streets in downtown Jamestown. “Lucy’s Mystery Theatre” is a free opportunity at the Reg Studio Theatre, 108 E. Third Street on Friday, noon-7 pm; Saturday, 10 am-7 pm; and Sunday, 10 am-6 pm.

For a Festival booklet and to order tickets for Lucy-Desi Days events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

DESILU PRODUCTIONS RESIDENT COUNSEL TO HOST JAMESTOWN EVENT:
Accompanied by Lucille Ball’s Personal Secretary, Wanda Clark
Release Date Thursday, May 1, 2008

Jamestown, NY – “Colorful” is just the beginning of the description of Howard Rayfiel, a featured guest during Jamestown, New York’s Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival!

On Saturday morning, May 24, the former Resident Counsel to Desilu Productions and Vice President of Lucille Ball Productions will entertain festival goers with stories of his many years working with the Jamestown native. He will also share a rare slide show of never-before-seen photos of Lucille Ball along with video highlights and a question and answer session.

Rayfiel began his professional career practicing political and theatrical law in New York City, where he also co-owned a night club and ran a small independent film company. In addition to his work in Hollywood with Desilu Productions and Lucille Ball Productions, he was the Production Executive of Here's Lucy, Lucille Ball’s third weekly television series, as well as a member of the Writers Guild of America and of the Board of Directors of the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

With Rayfiel will be special guest Wanda Clark, Lucille Ball’s personal secretary for more than 25 years. Ms. Clark will share her unique perspective from having worked so closely with The Queen of Comedy for so many years.

“I Remember Lucy” is sponsored by Jamestown Mattress Company. It begins at 10 am in the Robert H. Jackson Center at 305 E. 4th Street in downtown Jamestown. This building, that was once a theatre where a young Lucille Ball performed, now commemorates the U.S. Supreme Court Justice who was America’s Chief Prosecutor at the post-World War II war crimes trials in Nuremberg, Germany.

Following the event, Rayfiel will meet attendees during a book signing of his new 424-page memoir, Where the Hell is Desilu?: How to Fail in Hollywood Without Really Trying.

For a Festival booklet and to order tickets for this and all Lucy-Desi Days events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

LUCY-DESI CENTER REESTABLISHES
JAMESTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Release Date Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Jamestown, NY – The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York, has reestablished a scholarship at Jamestown Community College in the name of Jamestown native Lucille Ball.

The language establishing the new scholarship states:

In commemoration of Lucille Ball’s commitment to Jamestown Community College by initially establishing the Lucille Ball Scholarship in 1956, and

In recognition of the determination and hard work that – despite her being sent home from New York City’s John Murray Anderson-Robert Milton School of Drama with a message to her mother that she had no talent – led to her being accepted internationally as The Queen of Comedy, and

In acknowledgement of her business acumen as the first woman to head a major Hollywood studio, Desilu Productions – the largest production studio at the time – and personally championing the creation of Star Trek and Mission Impossible,

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in her hometown, Jamestown, New York, establishes the Lucille Ball Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship is designated “to assist a Jamestown Community College student pursuing an Associates Degree in performing arts (theatre, music) or business with no less than a 2.0 G.P.A. Special consideration will be given to students who show exceptional drive and determination and/or who have overcome unusual challenges. Exceptional talent, alone, is not a determining qualification. Student must demonstrate financial need.”

Ten initial funders from across the country each provided $1,000 to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to launch the new endowment. They are Ford and Jane Blaney (PA), Chris and Tricia Olsen (CA), William Peck (in memory of Barbara "Bonnie" Johnson) (NJ), Melody Thomas Scott (CA), Todd and Alexis Singleton (NY), Ken Souza (CA), Wanda Clark Stamatovich (OK), William and Barbara Stubbs (in memory of Marion Strong Stubbs VanVlack) (VA), Darrell Vail (Washington, D.C.), and Lou Weiss (NY). William Peck made an additional contribution so that the first Lucille Ball scholarship could be awarded this spring.

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz originally announced their creation of a scholarship at Jamestown Community College when they visited Jamestown in 1956 for the world premiere of their MGM film, Forever, Darling. Initial funder Chris Olsen’s mother, Janice, was their homecoming queen, and a picture of Desi crowning Janice graced the front page of the local newspapers. The scholarship continued until Lucy and Desi’s Hollywood production studio, Desilu Studios, was sold to Gulf & Western in 1967.

Randy Sweeney, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, stated, “Lucille Ball made a longstanding mark on the business and entertainment world with her many accomplishments. The Community Foundation is excited to be able to administer this scholarship which may provide the necessary assistance to a person pursuing a similar career through Jamestown Community College.”

Additional individuals can be designated “inaugural contributors” by making a donation to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) earmarked for the Lucille Ball Scholarship Fund by June 15, 2008. Online gifts to the fund can be made through CRCF’s website at www.crcfonline.org

Scholarship application forms are available through the Jamestown Community College Financial Aid Office.

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop, 300 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street, and the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

LUCY HISTORIAN TO BE HONORED AT JAMESTOWN’S LUCY-DESI FAN REUNION
Release Date Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Jamestown, NY – When fans of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz gather over Memorial Day weekend this year in Jamestown, New York, they will pay special tribute to long time We Love Lucy Fan Club President Tom Watson.

The Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion & Picnic will be Sunday, May 25, from 1-2:30 pm at the Tsintzinia Society Club, 113 Jackson Ave., in Celoron, New York. In this beautiful setting in the quiet lakeside village where a young Lucille Ball spent so many happy years, folks from across the continent will honor an individual who is unique in Lucy’s history.

Tom Watson first met The Queen of Comedy in New York City in 1971, but he didn’t work for her until after he moved to Los Angeles 15 years later. His responsibilities for Lucy ranged from coordinating publicity when Life With Lucy was in production to managing certain business affairs and screening scripts. He has been president of the We Love Lucy/The International Lucille Ball Fan Club since its founding in the summer of 1977. Between 1996 and 2001, Watson produced and hosted six “Loving Lucy” conventions that were held in Burbank, California.

Watson has four books related to Lucille Ball to his credit: Color Me Lucy with artist Len Epstein, “I Love Lucy”: The Classic Moments, The Quotable “I Love Lucy” Book that he edited, and Loving Lucy. Of the latter, his first, Watson noted, “This book will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, Lucy liked it! When it was first published back in 1980, Lucy purchased nearly 100 copies, signed them, and sold them for charity.”

Over $500 in door prizes will be provided for the Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion & Picnic courtesy of All-U Activewear, manufacturer of custom screen printed and embroidered apparel.

“I LOVE LUCY” COSTUME PARTY TO CAP FESTIVAL WEEKEND
Founding Lucy-Desi Center Board Member Melody Thomas Scott To Host
Release Date Monday, April 21, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Fans of Lucille Ball and “I Love Lucy” love to dress up like characters from their favorite episodes. And what better time to “get in the act” than during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival in the hometown of The Queen of Comedy!

You can be sure there will be countless grape stompers, wicked city women, conga players, and Vitameatavegamin girls on stage during the Lucy-Desi Fans Talent Show & Costume Contest, at 8 pm on Sunday, May 25, at the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown, New York.

Melody Thomas Scott, who stars as “Nikki Newman” in The Young and The Restless, will host the evening that will feature a costume contest, prizes, talent and surprises! The founding Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center board member will welcome folks from across the continent to take the stage to prove their “unexpected” talents and showcase their original costumes inspired by classic moments from their all-time favorite comedy show. Would-be performers should know that there is no need for rehearsal for this unique talent show! Costume contest winners will receive prizes courtesy of The Franklin Mint.

Following the Talent Show & Costume Contest, the Grand Finale Wrap Party will be held on the stage of the theatre. There guests will mix and mingle with Melody and other festival VIPs, while enjoying live music, wine tasting courtesy of Johnson Estate Winery, and a wonderful dessert buffet.

For a Festival booklet or to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

LUCILLE BALL’S FAMILY TO HOST BOAT CRUISE ON CHAUTAUQUA LAKE
Release Date Friday, April 16, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Lucille Ball’s sister-in-law, Zo Ball, will be a special guest during Lucy-Desi Days 2008 over Memorial Day Weekend in the hometown of The Queen of Comedy.

The widow of Lucille’s brother Fred, Mrs. Ball will welcome festival participants aboard The Summer Wind for a cruise on Lake Chautauqua, the lake that “Lucy Ricardo” talked about on television’s most beloved sitcom, “I Love Lucy”. Traveling from her home in Arizona, Mrs. Ball will be joined by her three children and grandchildren.

The Summer Wind will depart at 2 pm on Friday, May 23, from Lucille Ball Memorial Park in the village of Celoron, where Lucille and Fred Ball lived during much of their childhood.

While the Ball children and grandchildren are first-time visitors to Chautauqua County, Mrs. Ball has participated in past festivals in 2005 and 2007.

“This will be an opportunity for the Ball family to experience firsthand the lake that was so important to Lucille and Fred during their childhood and youth,” observed Ric Wyman, Executive Director of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center that sponsors Lucy-Desi Days weekend-long celebration. “It will also be an opportunity for festival visitors to hear stories and ask questions of some of the people who were closest to Lucy during her life.”

Admission is limited for this event, one of more than 40 planned for the weekend. For tickets and more information, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd in downtown Jamestown are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

“LUCY” & “ETHEL” TO HOST DINNER PARTIES & TRIVIA CONTEST
Release Date Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Jamestown, NY -- Direct from Universal Studios Hollywood, “Lucy Ricardo” impressionist Diane Vincent and her sidekick “Ethel Mertz,” actress Rhonda Medina, will welcome guests from across the country to celebrate their all-time favorite television show during Lucy-Desi Days 2008, a 40+ events festival in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, New York!

The “Tropicana Dinner Party with Lucy and Ethel,” a new event for this year’s celebration, will be featured each day during the festival, May 23, 24 and 25. The evening will come to life at 5:30 pm in the Tropicana Room above the Desilu Playhouse, Jamestown’s “I Love Lucy” museum.

In this beautiful recreation of Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana nightclub, Vincent and Medina will reenact scenes from “I Love Lucy” episode 33, “Lucy’s Schedule.” Fans familiar with the story – where Ricky Ricardo puts Lucy on a schedule while serving dinner to his boss – will be delighted with the antics and live performances that are planned! Desserts will be provided courtesy of Josie Caprino’s Chocolate Fountains and Desserts.

“Lucy” and “Ethel” will also add to the fun during the “I Love Lucy” Trivia Contest at 10:30 on Sunday morning, May 25, in Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Civic Center. Author and We Love Lucy Fan Club President Tom Watson will join host John Schillner to invite randomly selected audience members to step on stage and prove their Lucy-Desi knowledge. Vandor, a leading “I Love Lucy” giftware manufacturer, is providing prizes worth more than $500 for contest winners.

“Lucy” and “Ethel” will also be part of the festival’s opening ceremonies at Jamestown’s City Hall Plaza on Friday, May 23. The comic duo will be available for professional photos at the Photo Op at the Lucy-Desi Collectors’ Show, 217 N. Main Street, from 2-3 pm on each day.

For more information on these and all the 40+ events during Lucy-Desi Days, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

LUCY-DESI & ARTS COUNCIL COLLABORATE ON LATE NIGHT LAUGHS!
Release Date Friday, April 11, 2008

Jamestown, NY – There will be even more laughs during Lucy-Desi Days this year thanks to a collaboration between festival presenters and the Arts Council for Chautauqua County!

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and the Arts Council are joining forces to present Late Night Laughs at three different venues during the May 23-25 celebration in Lucille Ball’s hometown.

Named the funniest person in Buffalo in 2005 and 2007, Matt Rohr will entertain at the Reg Studio Theatre, 108 East Third Street in downtown Jamestown, New York, at 10 pm on Friday, May 23. With him will be fellow stand-ups Dan Fisher and Mark Walton, and headliner Greg Bauch.

Later that night, Jamestown’s own comedy improv troupe, The Unexpected Guests, will guarantee a good time to everyone who comes to their 11 pm performance in the Tropicana Room above the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street. Presenting comedy reminiscent of the popular television hit Whose Line Is It Anyway?, the troupe includes Len Barry, Jane Fischer, Gary Peters, Jr., and Tim Smeal.

Opening for The Unexpected Guests will be John Schillner, a popular host at Lucy-Desi festival events. While The Guests will offer improv in zany “Lucy” ways, John will offer his unique style of humor.

Jamestown’s Late Night Laughs continue on Saturday, May 24, at 10 pm at Mojo’s, 104 East Second Street, with musical comedian Jeff Kornberg and his stand-up friend Brandon Gulya. Hailing from Edison, New Jersey, Jeff writes and performs original acoustic comedy songs.

In addition, Buffalo stand-up comedian Linda Oh! will kick things off and open for Friday evening’s 7:30 Desilu Playhouse 50th Anniversary Event in the Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 East Third Street.

Admission is limited at all venues except the Reg Lenna. Tickets for the Reg Studio Theatre and Mojo’s will be sold at the door. For a Festival booklet or to order tickets for The Unexpected Guests and the Desilu Playhouse 50th Anniversary Event, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

MELODY THOMAS SCOTT PLANS JAMESTOWN VISIT
Release Date Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Founding Lucy-Desi Center Board Member To Take Part In May Celebration
Jamestown, NY – Melody Thomas Scott, who stars as “Nikki Newman” in The Young and The Restless, will be spending her Memorial Day Weekend holiday in the hometown of her idol, Lucille Ball!

The founding board member of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York, will be highlighting the weekend-long festivities by starring in three very special events on Sunday, May 25.

That morning Melody will welcome guests to a brunch in the beautiful Tropicana Room, a recreation of Ricky Ricardo’s nightclub from the most famous sitcom in TV history, “I Love Lucy”. Melody will share stories and answer questions about her own career and how she came to love The Queen of Comedy. Each guest will receive a personally autographed picture of Melody. This limited admission event is sponsored by Roberto’s Restaurant.

Sunday night Melody will host the Lucy-Desi Fans Talent Show & Costume Contest. She will welcome the audience to the beautifully restored theatre where a young Lucille Ball watched vaudeville and movies – and was inspired to go into show business. Fans gathered from across the land will take the stage to prove their “unexpected” talents and showcase their original costumes inspired by classic moments from their – and Melody’s! – all-time favorite comedy show. Costume contest winners will receive prizes courtesy of The Franklin Mint.

Following the Talent Show & Costume Contest, the Grand Finale Wrap Party will be on the stage of the theatre, where fans will mix and mingle with Melody and the other festival VIPs, while enjoying live music, wine tasting courtesy of Johnson Estate Winery, and a wonderful dessert buffet.

LUCY-DESI CENTER RECEIVES SPECIAL SHIPMENT
Release Date Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Lucie Arnaz Sends More Memorabilia to Jamestown
Jamestown, NY--Jamestown’s Lucy-Desi Center received a special delivery last week.

Cartons containing memorabilia that were once part of Lucille Ball’s Beverly Hills home arrived in Jamestown courtesy of Lucie Arnaz. The items had previously been showcased at Universal Studios: Hollywood where a special tribute to Lucille Ball was created in the early 1990’s and has since been seen by millions of visitors from throughout the world.

"It feels like Christmas," said Ric Wyman, executive director of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. "While we have an itemized list of everything that has been shipped to us, there will be a lot of unwrapping and excitement in the next few days," Wyman explained.

Items that arrived include Lucille Ball’s TV console, one of Lucy’s backgammon tables, and a swag lamp that comes with a very special story.

"The story goes that Lucy didn’t like how the light from the lamp shone in her eyes while it hung above her backgammon table," Wyman explained, "so Lucy asked a member of the house staff to fix it. Earl, the handyman, solved Lucy’s concerns by painting an empty coffee can with a metallic gold paint and sticking the can inside the lamp to shelter the direct light from Lucy’s eyes. Earl’s solution didn’t bother the Queen of Comedy at all," Wyman said.

The painted coffee can hung in Lucy’s home in Beverly Hills for the rest of her life.

This lamp and other items on loan from Lucie Arnaz will be featured in future exhibits at the Lucy-Desi Museum.

WILMER VALDERRAMA HEADLINES LUCY-DESI DAYS 2008 THIS MAY
Release Date Monday, March 31, 2008

TV’s “Fez” Plans Tribute to Desi Arnaz
Jamestown, NY – Wilmer Valderrama, star of That ‘70s Show and Fast Food Nation and creator and host of MTV’s Yo Momma, is heading to Jamestown, New York, on Saturday, May 24, to celebrate Desi Arnaz’s contributions to the world of entertainment.

Wilmer will take the stage to share how Desi personally inspired his career and to salute the man that paved the way for other Hispanic actors in America. With a collection of rarely seen film clips of Desi’s career -- and some added surprises -- this will be a night not to miss! Wilmer fans will also be encouraged to take part in a special question and answer session that will feature highlights of Wilmer’s career to date. A gala reception with limited admission will follow.

With more than 40 events in the line-up for Lucy-Desi Days, Jamestown, New York will be the place to be on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2008!

On Friday morning, host Linda Pellegrino will kick off the weekend festivities with a broadcast of WKBW’s AM Buffalo from the Desilu Playhouse, Jamestown’s “I Love Lucy” museum. Ms. Pellegrino will interview Lucy-Desi VIPs live on the Ricardos’ New York City living room set. Weekend Guest Passes admit festival goers to the Desilu Playhouse and the Lucy-Desi Museum for this event and throughout the weekend.

Friday afternoon, Zo Ball, Lucille Ball’s sister-in-law, and her children will welcome guests on board the Summer Wind for a cruise on Lake Chautauqua. Passengers will feel like a part of Lucy’s extended family!

Melody Thomas Scott, “Nikki” of The Young & The Restless, will share stories during Sunday brunch in the beautiful recreation of Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana nightclub. That evening Melody will host the Lucy-Desi Fans Talent Show & Costume Contest, with prizes courtesy of The Franklin Mint. She’ll join other festival VIPs on stage afterward for a Grand Finale Wrap Party, with live music, wine and a wonderful dessert buffet!

Universal Studios’ “Lucy” (Diane Vincent) and her sidekick “Ethel” (Rhonda Medina) will host special “I Love Lucy” reenactment dinners each evening in the Tropicana Room.

Howard Rayfiel, Resident Counsel to Desilu Productions and Vice President of Lucille Ball Productions, will be joined by Wanda Clark, Lucy’s long-time personal secretary, in presenting a special slide show featuring never-before-seen photos of Lucille Ball along with storytelling, video highlights, and a question and answer session.

Tribute will be paid to We Love Lucy Fan Club President Tom Watson at the Fan Reunion and Picnic in Celoron. Steven Kay, the actor who played Little Ricky’s best pal, Stevie Appleby, in the classic episode that featured Superman, will make a special “I Love Lucy” Legend appearance.

Three events will celebrate this year’s 50th anniversary of the beginning of the television anthology series Desilu Playhouse, sponsored by Westinghouse: “I Love Lucy” film editor Dann Cahn will introduce rarely seen footage of the series plus there will be separate screenings of two episodes, Lucille Ball in “K. O. Kitty” and Desi Arnaz in “So Tender, So Profane.”

Among the free events will be outdoor movies, a Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation-sponsored “Jamestown Loves Lucy” street festival, the Prendergast Library’s exhibit of studio audience Lucille Ball TV show tickets, original “Visions of Lucy” artwork on exhibit at Roberto’s Restaurant, and Lucy’s Mystery Theatre.

Fans will have the opportunity to qualify as finalists in three Lucy street competitions that will determine the festival’s best snail snackers, spaghetti eaters and salad dressing pushers! Komedy Kollege classes will teach ballooning, juggling, and clowning.

Collectors will have great opportunities all weekend long at the Collectors Show and the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Auction. Film fests, Lucytown Tours, Lucy-Desi photo ops, great Lucy-Desi shopping, merchandise giveaways, and more will round out the festivities!

Many Festival events are free and several ticketed events have limited admission. For a Festival booklet or to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd – all in downtown Jamestown – are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

LUCY-DESI QUADRUPLES ITS EFFORTS IN FULFILLING OUTREACH MISSION
Release Date Thursday, March 13, 2008

Jamestown, NY – At its annual meeting late yesterday afternoon (March 12), the board of directors of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center took major steps in moving forward with fulfilling the Center’s mission through expanding its outreach and education programs.

In announcing the Lucy-Desi Center’s plans, President Charles Edward Fagan noted that, “Fulfilling our mission to enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter is the best kind of expression of Lucille Ball’s and Desi Arnaz’s characters, their contributions, and their memory. While recognizing the Center’s fine efforts in the past in education and outreach, the board’s direction is changing in subtle but important ways to engage in specific projects related to the healing power of laughter.”

The board made a commitment to quadruple the Center’s outreach efforts by approving the addition of two new positions, Outreach Associate and Development Coordinator. Both these positions will work with the Center’s Education/Outreach Coordinator to expand and fund programming in health care facilities, hospitals and nursing homes, as well as other areas.

In Norman Cousins’s 1979 book Anatomy of an Illness he described the healing he experienced from laughing. Fagan, quoting Cousins, said, “Laughter is a form of internal jogging. It moves your internal organs around. It enhances respiration. It is an igniter of great expectations.”

In cooperation with medical facilities and professional medical and health consultants and with the assistance of trained volunteers, pilot projects will be established in local and regional health care facilities, projects that can be expanded to the national stage. These will focus on quality of life issues in the later stages of life. Special concentration will be on a pilot project to reach out into health care facilities with the healing power of laughter, to lessen depression that sometimes comes with old age or even with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

America’s fastest growing age group, the so-called “baby boomers,” has different expectations of life span and quality of live. Anticipating those needs, projects for this aging generation and those older will involve cooperative efforts with local and regional health care providers to develop programs to serve people now and in their later years, the generation that saw “I Love Lucy” when it originally aired on television in the 1950’s.

Plans are also underway for a Klown Kollege, greater cooperation with the Arts Council for Chautauqua County, continuing work with students and teachers, Scouts, the Hispanic community, and re-establishing the Lucille Ball Scholarship at Jamestown Community College through an endowment at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

“These represent major steps for the Center and indicate an increasing focus on the healing power of laughter,” Fagan observed.

CLOWNS CELEBRATE GLOBAL BELLY LAUGH DAY IN LUCY’S HOMETOWN
Jamestown’s Lucy-Desi Center Promotes Wellness Through Laughter
Release Date Thursday, January 24, 2008

Jamestown, NY – Lucille Ball’s hometown joined communities around the world on Thursday, January 24, 2008, to celebrate Global Belly Laugh Day.

As people traveled through Jamestown’s principal downtown intersection at Third and Main Streets, they saw clowns carrying signs saying “Humor Heals,” “Have Fun & Be Funny,” “Live! Love! Laugh!” and “We ♥ Lucy-Desi Center”! The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Gift Shop and the Desilu Playhouse, the “I Love Lucy” museum, are both on this corner, with the Lucy-Desi Museum just a short block away.

The Lucy-Desi Center encouraged folks to participate in Global Belly Laugh Day. At 1:24 p.m. (local time) on January 24 people around the world were invited to smile, throw their arms in the air and laugh out loud – and be part of The Belly Laugh Bounce 'Round the World. Clowns paraded in front of the Center from noon to 3:00.

“We wanted to do something special so folks would have their attention drawn to this unique day,” said Lucy-Desi Center Executive Director Ric Wyman. “Lucille Ball was a tremendous clown, and clowns encourage laughter. Welcoming these professional clowns to the downtown is another way of furthering the Lucy-Desi Center’s mission to enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter,” he noted. Wyman added that, “Laughter can boost the immune system, reduce stress, fuel positive energy and creativity, increase tolerance of pain, and improve brain functioning – to name just a few of its positive effects.”

Reports of celebrations in 2007 came from across the United States and Canada as well as places as widespread as Australia, Denmark and Tanzania.

LUCY-DESI CENTER BOARD LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
Release Date Thursday, January 10, 2008

Jamestown, NY – At a meeting late Tuesday afternoon (January 8), the new board of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center reviewed the Center’s progress in fulfilling its mission and made plans for future endeavors.

President Charles Edward Fagan announced that the board is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. “We recognize that we have a tremendous responsibility not only to the Jamestown community but to the people around the world who love and admire these two icons of early American television,” Fagan said. “We are also enthusiastic about what the Lucy-Desi Center can contribute in fulfilling its mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter. The Center has made a good start, but only the surface has been scratched in terms of its potential.”

In reviewing some of the Center’s accomplishments to date, board members noted that its current activities, and the attention given by the earlier Board of Directors leave the Center now in good financial shape, that it has presented Legacy of Laughter (LOL) events, been an active participant in the Jamestown community, made significant strides in preservation of its collection, and developed programs including classroom initiatives, work with Girl Scouts and seniors, and Hispanic outreach.

In 2007, the Lucy-Desi Center received a $100,000 New York State Main Street grant as well as a commitment from Senator Cathy Young for another $100,000 grant for future development. In addition, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation made a grant of $5,000 that was earmarked to purchase archival supplies for the preservation of the Center’s artifacts. The required matching funds were provided by founding Lucy-Desi Center board member Holly Sullivan and her husband Peter, Jamestown businessman John Anderson, and Lucy and Desi’s granddaughter, Haley Arnaz.

The Board will commit and allocate current resources now to future plans including collaborating with the Arts Council for Chautauqua County and others on the creation of a Festival of New Comedy, developing a summer comedy school for children and adolescents, working with local performance venues to create unique outlets for comedy, bringing established comedy stars to Center-sponsored events and establishing the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Award for Outstanding Contribution to Enriching the World through the Healing Powers of Love and Laughter.

The board would also like to re-establish the Lucille Ball Scholarship at Jamestown Community College through an endowment at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

“This is just the beginning of the possibilities that lie ahead,” Fagan concluded. “There are really no limits to the Center’s potential.”

LUCY-DESI CENTER ADDS NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Release Date Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Jamestown, NY – At a meeting of the board of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center earlier this week additional directors were elected. Added to the Center’s board were Chautauqua County Director of Planning & Economic Development and Industrial Development Agency CEO William Daly, Jamestown attorney C. Edward Fagan, Ludwig Auction & Realty Co. owner Charles L. Ludwig, and Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation Deputy Director and former Jamestown mayor Carolyn Seymour. These new members fill vacancies left by Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz, Jr., Wanda Clark and Mary Rapaport.

In announcing the additions to the board, Executive Director Ric Wyman said, “We have made significant strides since the Center was established nearly six years ago. With two buildings on the corner of Third and Main welcoming thousands of visitors to downtown Jamestown each year and plans to open a significantly expanded Lucy-Desi Museum in 2008, it’s been a time of great growth.

“None of this could have happened without the generosity of Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr., who not only served as our founding president and vice-president but who also provided countless valuable objects from their parents, created the Center’s Legacy of Laughter seminar series, and offered support in many other ways.”

Wyman noted that the Center is experiencing its strongest year to date, with new records set for numbers of admissions, on-line traffic, and Lucy-Desi Center Acquisitions Society memberships. The two Center-sponsored annual festivals this year attracted visitors from 37 states, plus Australia, Canada, Croatia, England, Germany, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the Lucy-Desi Center has developed Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz/“I Love Lucy”- related school curriculum that meet New York State Education Department standards, offered workshops in Laughter Yoga, and partnered with local Girl Scouts, senior facilities, and the Hispanic community. Last summer, the weekly magazine American Profile shared a major story with its three million readers entitled “Jamestown Loves Lucy.”

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call (716) 484-0800 or visit www.lucy-desi.com.

JAMESTOWN’S 4TH LUCY-DESI MURAL COMPLETED!
Release Date Thursday, November 15, 2007

Jamestown, NY – Visitors to Lucille Ball’s hometown now have another “must see”: a new mural of The First Couple of Comedy!

Assisted by his father and fellow artist, Gary Peters, Jr., has completed his fourth Lucy-Desi mural in downtown Jamestown.

This newest attraction, on the side of a parking ramp on the corner of Spring and 4th Streets, is ~14’ wide and 18’ high. It is much closer to the ground than Jamestown’s Vitameatavegamin, Candy Factory, or postage stamp murals, making a great photo opportunity for visitors from around the world!

The mural was truly a community project. Funding was provided by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, with matching funds from the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce. The City of Jamestown contributed by making the wall available.

This newest image is a publicity photo of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz that appeared on the cover of the January 25-31, 1952, issue of TV Guide. Gary Peters Jr. noted that, “We really felt like we were coming back around again,” as this mural includes Desi, as did the original postage stamp mural. “I like both Lucy and Desi, but I’m a big Desi fan, so I was thrilled to have him ‘back again’.” Since Peters is also a performer – appearing regularly with Jamestown’s own comedy improv troupe, The Unexpected Guests – he has a special appreciation of Desi Arnaz. “Desi’s a huge talent,” he noted. “He was a great straight man, but still funny in his own right.”

Both this newest and the Vitameatavegamin mural – whose top is 60’ from the pavement, with a 7’ tall bottle of the famous tonic – are painted on a corrugated poured cement form surface. These posed the additional challenges of getting the paint to look correct and having to deal with unusual shadows at various times of day.

Peters is frequently asked how he is able to get the sketch onto such a large area. He responds that it’s “fairly simple” – and explains that he follows a technique similar to what Michelangelo used. He puts a grid over a sketch that represents roughly one inch on the paper for one foot on the wall, then makes the full size sketch on brown butcher paper. Using a big nail, he pokes small holes in the paper, puts it against the wall, and sprays paint through it, which creates the initial outline to work from.

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit www.lucy-desi.com.

LUCY-DESI CENTER SCAVENGER HUNT WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Release Date Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Jamestown, NY -- Lucy-Desi fans from Texas to Ontario are among the winners of the 2007 “Downtown Jamestown Loves Lucy!” Scavenger Hunt in Lucille Ball’s hometown.

Twenty-five downtown businesses participated in this year’s Scavenger Hunt by displaying foreign magazine covers featuring The Queen of Comedy in their businesses. People entered the contest by picking up forms at the Lucy-Desi Museum, the Desilu Playhouse, or the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop and noting the location of each of the listed magazines. The contest began before Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival in May and entries had to be received by October 31.

Letters went out last week to the winners whose names were drawn from among all those who submitted correct entries. Over $500 in “I Love Lucy” merchandise was awarded as prizes, courtesy of Rabbit Tanaka, the makers of "I Love Lucy" rotating lamps and giftware. Each winner received an “I Love Lucy” light-up box featuring a memorable scene from this classic sitcom.

Winners were from Pikesville and Hagerstown, MD; Jamestown, NY; Willoughby, OH; Beaver, PA; Mesquite, TX; Milwaukee, WI, and Ancaster, Ontario.

Downtown Jamestown’s participating businesses included The Bag Babe, Basket Company, Benson’s Ladies Apparel, Bro Laines Bridal, Carlson’s Jewelry Smithing/Weeping Willow Gifts, Charm Salon, Craft World, Dave’s Pizza, Donut Connection, Dorian’s Plus, Esquire Cleaners, Frame & Glass Shoppe, Golden Griddle, Jake’s Uptown Grille, Jamestown Dance Supply, Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, Kwik Kopy, Lisciandro’s Restaurant, Mason Fine Arts, Oriental Star Chinese Buffet, The Pub, Roberto’s Restaurant, Subzone, Taco Hut, and Tim Horton’s.

CAROL BURNETT DONATES SPECIAL TV EPISODES TO LUCILLE BALL’S HOMETOWN MUSEUM
Release Date Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Jamestown, NY – One is the Queen of comedy. The other, the Princess. They appeared in each other’s television series. They were friends for years.

When Carol Burnett awoke on her 56th birthday in 1989, she learned on the morning news that Lucille Ball had died. Later that afternoon, the flowers she received every year arrived at her home with the note “Happy Birthday, Kid. Love, Lucy.”

Recently, Carol Burnett called the executive director of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Ball’s hometown to ask, “How can I help?” Executive director Ric Wyman reported, “Naturally, my first response was to invite her to Jamestown, New York. While Ms. Burnett agreed that she hopes to be able to visit here some day, she was more immediately able to provide us with something we’ve wanted for a long time.”

As a result, her hometown museum now holds in its archives a copy of every installment of The Carol Burnett Show in which Lucille Ball appeared.

“Because these episodes of The Carol Burnett Show are not available on home video or in syndication, we believe they’ve not been seen since their original air dates,” Wyman said. Ms. Burnett has generously given the Lucy-Desi Center permission to incorporate this footage into future exhibits at the Lucy-Desi Museum.

“From an archival perspective, these programs have also been invaluable in helping us document the wardrobe that Lucy wore on these shows. Until Ms. Burnett’s offer to help, we had no images of Lucy from these TV appearances—no footage, no photographs,” Wyman said. “We have many costumes and personal attire in our archives for which our collections manager continues to research the provenance. These programs helped document several costumes for us,” Wyman noted.

What inspired Carol Burnett to call? Wyman explained, “Ret Turner, a five-time Emmy award winning costume designer—who designed several gowns for Lucy—is also a close friend of Ms. Burnett’s. Ret has been a staunch supporter of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center for several years and was with us in Jamestown this summer. Earlier this year, Ret shared his experiences of the Lucy-Desi Center with Ms. Burnett. This lead to Ms. Burnett’s call to us,” Wyman said.

With the strong connection between these two iconic comediennes, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center’s collection is greatly enhanced by the addition of these offerings.

SALE OF LUCILLE BALL’S JEWELRY TO BENEFIT LUCY-DESI CENTER
Release Date Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Jamestown, NY – When the renowned Christie’s auction house has their Magnificent Jewels sale next month, some of the offerings will be from the estate of Lucille Ball.

Ten lots of jewelry that belonged to The Queen of Comedy will be included in the October 16 event at New York’s Rockefeller Center. Featured pieces will be a tiger’s eye and gold wristwatch, an onyx, emerald and diamond pendant necklace, a 46.92 carats cabochon star sapphire and diamond ring, a diamond and gold evening bag that Lucy used on her White House visit in 1986, a Cartier diamond and gold “tonneau” wristwatch, and a sodalite, diamond and gold pendant necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels.

A portion of the sales will benefit the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Lucy’s hometown, Jamestown, New York.

With sales in 2006 of $4.67 billion, Christie’s offers over 600 sales annually in more than 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, wine and more. Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale on October 16 will present more than 300 lots of extraordinary jewels expected to realize in the region of $25 million.

Images and descriptions of the lots offered in this sale are presented in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels catalog which is available online at www.christies.com. A link to the online catalog is also available on the Lucy-Desi Center’s home page at www.lucy-desi.com. A free public exhibition of the sale will take place at Christie's famed Rockefeller Center galleries October 11-15.

LUCY’S BIRTHDAY CAKE BAKE-OFF WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Release Date Friday, August 10, 2007

Jamestown, NY – Lucille Ball’s personal secretary and her long-time chauffeur made the announcement of the winners of Lucy’s Birthday Cake Bake-Off during last weekend’s Lucy’s Birthday Celebration in the hometown of the Queen of Comedy.

The judging took place on Jamestown, New York’s City Hall plaza following opening ceremonies for the annual festival. The crowd enjoyed cake and Welch’s juices after Wanda Clark and Frank Gorey announced that the 2007 Lucy’s Birthday Cake Bake-Off winners were:

Elegant Edibles Catering & Cakes: Best Birthday Candle Cake
Farm Fresh Foods: Best Lucy’s Favorite Flower Cake
Quality Markets: Best Lilac Purple Cake
Tops Market - Jamestown: Best Lucy-Desi Stick Figure Cake
Tops Market – Lewiston, NY: Best Publicity Photo Cake
Wegmans: Best Confetti Celebration Cake

The Suzuki Strings & Friends, under the direction of Nina Karbacka, began the celebration with a musical tribute. After Lucy-Desi Center executive director Ric Wyman thanked the many volunteers who make the festival possible and introduced some of the weekend’s special celebrity guests, Mayor Sam Teresi proclaimed the official opening of Lucy’s Birthday Celebration.

Senator Cathy Young announced that New York State is awarding $100,000 to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center for its future development. Wyman followed up with the news that the Center will use this grant to purchase the building adjacent to the Desilu Playhouse (the “I Love Lucy” museum) for the expansion of the Lucy-Desi Museum.

Visitors from 31 states, Canada and Germany were in Jamestown for the festival weekend.

SENATOR CATHY YOUNG MAKES MAJOR LUCY-DESI ANNOUNCEMENT
Release Date Friday, August 3, 2007

Jamestown, NY – The crowd was gathered on the plaza of Jamestown, New York’s City Hall for music, birthday cake, and an exciting announcement -- and New York State Senator Cathy Young delivered the news!

During the opening ceremonies for Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration, Senator Young announced that New York State is awarding $100,000 to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center for its future development. Executive Director Ric Wyman followed up with the news that the Center will be using this grant to purchase a property in downtown Jamestown that will be the expanded and relocated home of the Lucy-Desi Museum.

“When visitors come to Jamestown next year,” Wyman said, “they will enjoy a brand-new experience in the hometown of the Queen of Comedy!”

Wyman revealed that the location of the new Lucy-Desi Museum will be 10 W. 3 Street, in a building adjacent to the Desilu Playhouse, the “I Love Lucy” museum. He noted that the original museum on Pine Street, while a wonderful presentation, does not have the capacity to comfortably accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

A major new attraction for visitors will be the exhibit of Lucy’s 1972 gold Mercedes-Benz. The expanded offerings will also feature never-before-displayed items from Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s wardrobe, costumes, and personal memorabilia.

NEW LUCILLE BALL BOOK TO DEBUT AT JAMESTOWN, NY, FESTIVAL
Release Date Monday, July 16, 2007

Jamestown, NY – Lucy’s Birthday Celebration in Jamestown, New York, will feature the world debut of the newest book about Lucille Ball.

While Lucy at the Movies’ official publication date isn’t until later this fall, the Lucy-Desi Center has made special arrangements to have copies of it available for visitors to the August 3-5 festival!

Author Cindy De La Hoz will be coming from her home in Philadelphia to Lucy’s hometown to autograph and talk about her first book.

At 8 pm Friday evening, August 3, Ms. De La Hoz will host “Lucy at the Movies: A Tribute to Lucille Ball’s Film Career” at the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown. Sponsored by Garden of Eden, this event will salute the Queen of Comedy through a collection of film clips that span more than 40 years. A Lucille Ball fan since the age of nine, Ms. De La Hoz will share fun trivia and behind-the-scenes facts between classic film clips of the Queen of Comedy’s big screen work. A book signing will follow the event.

Known primarily for her television work, Lucille Ball was also in 79 movies over the course of her extensive career. Most of these films were known as “B movies” in the 1930s and 1940s. The 368-page hardcover Lucy at the Movies features hundreds of photos of The Queen of the B’s”.

Lucie Arnaz acknowledged Ms. De La Hoz’s accomplishment with the observation, “This was an enormous undertaking. But it’s clear that it was also a labor of love. I know my mother would be very impressed and flattered by your dedication to her film work and chronicling her career in general.”

Cindy De La Hoz will speak with visitors and autograph her book throughout the weekend in the gift shop of the Desilu Playhouse, the museum that celebrates the “I Love Lucy” television show at 2 West Third Street in downtown Jamestown.

For tickets to and information about the more than 30 festival events, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com.

LUCILLE BALL’S COSTUME DESIGNER, RET TURNER, PLANS VISIT TO HER HOMETOWN
Release Date Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Jamestown, NY – Direct from Hollywood, four-time Emmy Award-winning costume designer Ret Turner will be part of two exciting events during Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration in Jamestown, New York, in early August!

On Friday, August 3, Turner will be the special guest at the Tropicana Luncheon sponsored by Roberto’s Restaurant in the Rapaport Center’s Tropicana Room in the Queen of Comedy’s hometown. Video clips, a mini-fashion show (with some of Lucy’s Ret Turner originals), and a question and answer session are all part of the fun at this limited admission event.

At 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, August 5, Turner will host the Lucille Ball Fashion Show in the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Sponsored by Jamestown Mattress, this parade of Lucy’s costumes and personal wardrobe will include special video segments, with $500 in door prizes courtesy of Aliz International, manufacturers of first quality hand bags, purses, luggage, and more featuring the “I Love Lucy” brand.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ret Turner has designed for a virtual list of Hollywood Who’s Who. In addition to his often Emmy-nominated contributions to such shows and specials as Mama’s Family, The Carol Burnett Show: A Reunion, Dolly, Jennifer Slept Here, Donny & Marie, and The Sonny & Cher Show, his work was also a part of the ground-breaking pilot for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. In the 1990’s Turner created for the Kennedy Center’s 25th Anniversary, 50 years of Ebony Magazine, and the 51st Emmy Awards in 1999. In 2002 the Costume Designer Guild made a special award to him for Career Achievement in Television.

Lucille Ball asked Turner to style her dress for her appearance with Bob Hope at the 1989 Academy Awards, where they introduced a salute to young performers. From six sketches he presented, Lucy selected a high-necked, long-sleeved black dress covered with bugle beads, gold sequins and imitation diamonds. Turner was present at the Oscars that evening and, just before going on stage, Lucille handed him her purse. Lucy walked on stage to a standing ovation so heartfelt and prolonged that she was stunned and teary. This was to be her last public appearance; she passed away a few weeks later. The gown she wore that evening will be featured at the Lucille Ball Fashion Show.

Two costumes designed by Ret Turner are currently on display in the Lucy-Desi Museum: a cowgirl outfit that Lucy wore in a 1976 appearance on Donny & Marie and a hot pink boa and black chiffon and silver striped blouse that she sang and danced in for the same episode.

For tickets and more information on these and the other 30+ Lucy’s Birthday Celebration events, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or on-line.

ADVERTISING ADVANTAGE DONATES BILLBOARD TO LUCY-DESI CENTER
Release Date Monday, July 2, 2007

Jamestown, NY – Advertising Advantage, the only local Jamestown billboard company, has donated space on one of its bulletins in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Jamestown’s Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center.

According to Bill Prieto, Vice President of Business Development, “It’s important to Advertising Advantage to support The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. The Center has made such a fantastic impact on Jamestown. We are proud to support the Lucy-Desi Center’s efforts in showcasing Jamestown’s most famous redhead and helping the local economy at the same time. We feel Advertising Advantage can help by making the Lucy-Desi Center known on a regional basis.”

The board that went up in late March is a “tri-vision” that rotates to display three different images. It is located on 26 Street, across from Tops. Prieto said studies have shown that people remember these messages significantly better than they do a standard billboard. Advertising Advantage’s commitment to have this on display for six months brings the value of their donation to more than $10,000.

In expressing his appreciation for this generosity, Lucy-Desi Center executive director Ric Wyman noted, “Advertising Advantage’s support really helps us to bring folks from outside the area to downtown Jamestown. When visitors sign our Guest Register and answer the question ‘How did you find out about us?’, it’s great to read the answer, ‘Erie billboard’!”

Advertising Advantage is located in downtown Jamestown at 24 E. Third Street, between the Lucy-Desi Museum and the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop and Desilu Playhouse.

LUCILLE BALL’S GRANDDAUGHTER INSPIRES CHILDREN’S BOOK
Release Date Friday, June 29, 2007

Jamestown, NY – When children’s dance studio owner and teacher Amy Arnaz was looking for inspiration for a book to teach values, she had to look no further than to her daughter, Haley. The result is The Magic Tutu, a gorgeously illustrated children's book about a young dancer who discovers the true meaning of kindness.

The wife of Desi Arnaz, Jr., Amy Arnaz tells the story of Haley, a young ballet dancer who grapples with jealousy, forgiveness and the gift of a magical tutu.

As Ms. Arnaz notes at the book’s web site, “The Magic Tutu was originally a ballet I wrote for the youngest members of our non-profit Boulder City Ballet Company (BCBC) in 2003. The little girls who danced in the ballet were ages 3-8 and they received ‘Bravos!’ from the audience after all three, sold-out performances.

“Magic Tutu fever spead thru our little town of Boulder City, Nevada. Everyone loved the story of the little blonde ballerina with brown eyes who had to wait until she was seven years old to open a present Grandma gave her when she was born. The ballet included enchanting children’s songs. Many families asked me to turn The Magic Tutu into a book so their children could experience the story again.....so I did!” Ms. Arnaz has also produced CDs of the music plus Magic Tutu dolls and t-shirts.

As one reviewer noted, “Children will adore the cheerful photos and the warm-hearted story, and parents will cherish the very special messages about honesty and strength of character. A story as classic as The Nutcracker, this book is sure to be a cherished edition to any home or school library.”

Amy Arnaz danced with the San Diego Ballet Company and the Nevada Dance Theater. She had her own dance studio in Boulder City, Nevada, for 27 years. The founder of the Boulder City Ballet Company for children, she is the recipient of many awards, including Outstanding Contribution to Culture and to the Youth of Boulder City award and the Spirit of Nevada Award. She lives in Boulder City, Nevada with her husband, Desi Arnaz, Jr., four cats and a dog.

All profits from The Magic Tutu book and merchandise sales go directly to the non-profit Boulder City Ballet Company, founded by Amy and Desi Arnaz in 1998 to provide a loving and magical environment where little girls could discover the enchanting world of ballet.

For more information, visit themagictutu.com.

RAPAPORTS ADD ANOTHER TREASURE TO LUCY-DESI ARCHIVES
Release Date Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Jamestown, NY – In March of 1951, Pepito Perez rode the world’s smallest bicycle in the pilot of what was to become the most widely viewed series ever on television. As “Pepito the Spanish Clown”, he again rode this tiny two-wheeler in episode 52 of “I Love Lucy”, “Lucy’s Showbiz Swan Song”, that first aired on December 22, 1952.

Thanks to the continuing generosity of Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center benefactors Bill and Mary Rapaport of East Amherst, New York, this historic prop is now one of the artifacts in the Lucy-Desi Museum’s collection. A special case has been constructed to exhibit it, and visitors to the Desilu Playhouse can now see it in all its tiny glory! The Desilu Playhouse is the “I Love Lucy” museum in the Rapaport Center in Jamestown, New York, Lucille Ball’s hometown,

A long-time friend of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Perez was responsible for helping develop Lucy and Desi’s 1950 vaudeville act that toured the country to prove to CBS Television that the American public would accept the redhead and the band leader as a comedy team.

This bicycle is the most recent gem from the estate of Pepito Perez that the Rapaports have contributed to the Lucy-Desi Center. Others are two costumes that Pepito wore in “I Love Lucy” -- a 13-piece clown outfit and a lion tamer ensemble complete with safari hat and bullwhip -- and the frog costume William Frawley wore in “Little Ricky’s School Pageant”, episode 163, that aired for the first time on December 17, 1956. The Rapaports also donated Lucille Ball’s first Hollywood contract to the Center.

In expressing the Lucy-Desi Center’s appreciation, Executive Director Ric Wyman noted, “We were overwhelmed with Bill and Mary’s generosity in initially making the Desilu Playhouse possible. Their continuing support means that the thousands of fans who’ve already visited Jamestown’s two museums will be able to enjoy wonderful new treasures when they return. The Rapaports have more than earned the enormous gratitude of all of us at the Center and fans everywhere.”

LUCY-DESI CENTER ACQUIRES DESI ARNAZ’S OFFICE CHAIR
Release Date Tuesday, June 5, 2007

A 1950s photo of the chair recently donated to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center by the family of Jess Oppenheimer shows Bob Carroll, Jr., lounging on the chair with his fellow “I Love Lucy” writers (from left) Jess Oppenheimer, Bob Weiskopf, Madelyn Pugh (Davis), and Bob Schiller.

Jamestown, NY –A chair that once sat in Desi Arnaz’s office at Desilu Cahuenga Studios has found its way to the Lucy-Desi Museum in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, New York.

Donated by the family of Jess Oppenheimer, the show’s creator, this green Barcalounger was one of a pair that decorated the Desilu Productions’

president’s office in the early 1950s. Vintage photographs of Desi’s office in Hollywood have been found that picture the chair with the writers of “I Love Lucy”.

Ric Wyman, executive director of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, oversaw the pick up and crating of the chair during a recent trip to Los Angeles. He met with Mrs. Estelle Oppenheimer and her son, Gregg Oppenheimer, at the Oppenheimer home in Brentwood where the recliner had been since Desi gave it to Jess in 1956.

Of his family’s gift to the Lucy-Desi Center, Gregg Oppenheimer noted, “I’m pleased that Desi’s chair will finally end up where it belongs, at the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center.”

Ship Smart, Inc., a highly respected small move company based in Aptos, California, was selected for the job of transporting Desi’s chair from Los Angeles to Jamestown, New York. “We’re honored to have been the firm chosen by the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center to transfer Desi’s chair from Los Angeles to the Lucy-Desi Museum in her hometown,” said Tim Kessler, Vice President of Ship Smart. “Lucy and Desi have left an amazing legacy and I’m personally happy to know that Ship Smart has played a role in delivering a significant artifact to their museum for their thousands of fans to enjoy.”

The chair is being incorporated into the Lucy-Desi Museum’s new exhibit titled “From The Collection Of…” which highlights unique Lucy-Desi items from other people’s collections. In addition to the chair (from the collection of the Jess Oppenheimer Family), currently on display are a dress Lucille Ball wore in the 1963 film Critic’s Choice (from the collection of Jane Withers), a cowgirl costume Lucy wore on The Donny & Marie Show in 1978 (from the collection of the costume’s designer, Ret Turner), and a ceramic dessert and coffee set Lucy owned (from the collection of Amy and Desi Arnaz, Jr.).

These treasures can be seen in the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street in Jamestown, New York. The Museum’s hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday and 1-5 pm on Sundays.

LUCY-DESI CENTER ACQUIRES HISTORIC "I LOVE LUCY" COSTUME
Release Date Friday, December 15, 2006

Jamestown, NY – Fifty years ago this Sunday, on December 17, 1956, “Little Ricky’s School Pageant”, episode 163 of “I Love Lucy”, aired for the first time.

The script called for the four main characters to take on roles in Little Ricky’s kindergarten play, “The Enchanted Forest”. Desi Arnaz, in the role of Ricky Ricardo, played a talking tree, while Lucille Ball, as Lucy Ricardo, swung above the stage as the wicked old witch of the forest. Little Ricky’s godparents were also part of the ensemble: Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance) played the fairy princess while Fred (William Frawley) took on the role of the friendly frog, Hippity-Hoppity.

Bill and Mary Rapaport of East Amherst, New York, recently donated the frog costume William Frawley wore in this classic episode to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York. It includes an oversized frog “head”, “hands” and “feet”. The costume had been part of the Estate of Pepito Perez and was offered at a Hollywood memorabilia auction in Beverly Hills in December, 2005. While the costume was missing the union suit that Bill Frawley wore, it fetched $17,000. The Rapaports subsequently purchased it from the auction’s high bidder and have made it available to be enjoyed by visitors to Lucy’s hometown.

This amazing costume is now on exhibit in the Desilu Playhouse, a museum devoted to the “I Love Lucy” television series. It was unveiled yesterday (Thursday, December 14) to members of the Lucy-Desi Center’s Acquisitions Society, a group that was created in the summer of 2005 to acquire and care for historically significant items related to the First Couple of Comedy. Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. are among the Society’s founding members.

Following the unveiling, a special luncheon was held in the Tropicana Room on the second floor of the Rapaport Center. The Desilu Playhouse occupies the ground floor of the Rapaport Center at 2 W. Third Street in downtown Jamestown and was made possible primarily through private funding from the Rapaports.

LUCY-DESI CENTER RECEIVES HISTORIC IMAGES
Release Date Monday, September 18, 2006

Jamestown, NY – In February of 1956, Jamestown, New York welcomed its own Lucille Ball and her husband and co-star Desi Arnaz for the world premiere of their third film together, Forever, Darling.

Not only did the whole city celebrate during those rainy winter days -- the public schools were even closed for the occasion – but Look magazine sent a photographer to document the visit. More than 1000 images of that historic weekend were recently donated to Jamestown’s Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center.

Janice Swanson was the young woman selected by a community-wide vote to be Lucy and Desi’s escort for their homecoming. Now Janice Present and living on the west coast, she visited Jamestown during last May’s Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, with her son, daughter, and granddaughter. At that time, her son, Chris Olsen, presented these photographs to Lucy-Desi Center executive director, Ric Wyman.

“This is a treasure trove of history,” Wyman noted. “The myriad of images show Lucy and Desi’s arrival by helicopter on the Jamestown High School football field, on the stage of the Palace Theatre, visiting WCA Hospital, in Lucy’s good friend Marion VanVlack’s home, staying at the Hotel Jamestown, at the reunion with her schoolmates at Little Theatre, and so much more.

“We are extremely grateful to Chris Olsen for donating these images to the Lucy-Desi Center,” Wyman concluded. “They are a wonderful addition to our collection, and we look forward to sharing them with our visitors as well as the local community in the future.”

LUCY-DESI CENTER RECEIVES OPPENHEIMER DONATIONS
Release Date Monday, June 19, 2006

Jamestown, NY – The family of Jess Oppenheimer, “I Love Lucy” creator, producer and head writer of 153 episodes, recently made two significant donations to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, New York.

When a movie projector was needed as a prop for “Home Movies”, episode 86 that first aired on March 1, 1954, Jess Oppenheimer came to the rescue by bringing his personal projector from home. “I Love Lucy” fans can’t help but smile when they recall Ricky’s anger at Lucy and the Mertzes for their bored response when he shows his home movies of the baby -- and all the hilarious repercussions that follow!

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center is honored that Estelle Oppenheimer, Jess’s widow, has given this historic Bell & Howell film projector to the Center to be part of its permanent collection. It was presented by their son Gregg at “A Tribute to Jess Oppenheimer”, a special event during the recent Lucy-Desi Days 2006 Memorial Day Weekend Festival.

It was a bittersweet farewell when Oppenheimer bid adieu to the show in the spring of 1956. Lucy and Desi opened their Beverly Hills home for a gala party in his honor, complete with a musical comedy review performed by the show’s four stars. For his contribution, Oppenheimer created special “Oppy Awards” that he presented to the cast and staff. In Laughs, Luck…and Lucy: How I Came to Create the Most Popular Sitcom of All Time, he described the bronze statuette as looking “a little bit like an Oscar but more like me – a little man with glasses, very little hair, and his hands discreetly positioned in front of his crotch.”

Gregg Oppenheimer, who completed Laughs, Luck…and Lucy after his father’s death, recently donated an original Oppy to the Lucy-Desi Center. It is on display in Jamestown’s new Desilu Playhouse, complete with a picture of Jess Oppenheimer presenting his Oppy to The Queen of Comedy.

Laughs, Luck…and Lucy details Oppenheimer’s invaluable contributions to “I Love Lucy”; Gregg has provided free copies that are given to all new and renewing Lucy-Desi Museum members. For more information, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop, 300 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com.

“I Love Lucy” Costumes Are Rapaports’ Latest Donation to Lucy-Desi Center
Release Date Monday, March 13, 2006

Jamestown, NY---Two costumes worn in the classic “I Love Lucy” television series have been donated to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, NY.

Both costumes, a 13-piece clown outfit and a lion tamer ensemble complete with safari hat and bullwhip, were worn by Pepito Perez, a long-time friend of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Perez was responsible for helping develop Lucy and Desi’s 1950 vaudeville act which toured the country to prove to CBS Television that the American public would accept the redhead and the band leader as a comedy team. The following year, Pepito appeared in the pilot for “I Love Lucy” where he can be seen wearing his famous clown costume.

Later, Perez wore both costumes in “Lucy’s Show Biz Swan Song” known as Episode 52 to “I Love Lucy” aficionados worldwide. The storyline finds Pepito, the Spanish Clown auditioning for Ricky at the Tropicana Nightclub. In the scene, Pepito performs his world-famous baby crying act, does a lion tamer routine, and rides the world’s tiniest bicycle. The episode was filmed October 17, 1952 and aired later that year.

These original costumes were recently purchased by William and Mary Rapaport of East Amherst, New York. After the passing of Pepito’s widow, many of the personal effects from the Perez Estate appeared on the Hollywood auction block. The Rapaports, staunch supporters of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, participated in the auction and immediately donated the costumes to the organization in Lucille Ball’s hometown.

“We were happy to secure these rare costumes so that they can be shared with the thousands of folks who not only love Lucy, but who make the pilgrimage to her hometown each year,” Bill Rapaport said. “We're glad that Jamestown celebrates the First Couple of Comedy in a first-class way and are happy to lend our support.”

Mary Rapaport added, “One of the things that is especially touching to me is to see how the ‘I Love Lucy’ show continues to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. It’s evident every time I visit the Lucy-Desi Museum and Desilu Playhouse in Jamestown. I hope these costumes will not only be enjoyed by all visitors, but will especially light up the faces of Lucy and Desi’s younger fans.”

Last year, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center opened the Desilu Playhouse, a showplace devoted to the “I Love Lucy” television series. Jamestown’s newest attraction was made possible primarily through private funding from the Rapaports. The Desilu Playhouse occupies the ground floor of the Rapaport Center at 2 W. Third Street in downtown Jamestown.

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop, 300 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or online at www.lucy-desi.com. Hours for the Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd Street, and the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

LUCY-DESI CENTER WELCOMES “UNEXPECTED GUESTS”

Jamestown, NY - The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center is pleased to announce a newly expanded partnership with The Unexpected Guests, Jamestown’s improv comedy troupe. All regular performances of The Unexpected Guests will be held at The Tropicana Room in the Rapaport Center at 2 West Third Street in Jamestown. Performances will be the second Saturday of each month, beginning on February 11, and will include a 7:30 PG-rated show and an R-rated show at 10 pm.

“We are extremely pleased that The Unexpected Guests have found a new home at Lucy-Desi for their expanding audience,” Center executive director Ric Wyman said. “Since their inception, The Guests have been part of each of our two annual festivals and this is a great next step in our continuing collaboration.”

The Unexpected Guests was founded in 2002 and had been rehearsing and performing at the Bunbury Theater in Jamestown. Since that time, they have sold out many of their shows and have been asked to perform at a number of private and community events, as well.

“The space at Bunbury allowed a lot of creative growth , and we owe a great deal of thanks to Matt Hamilton-Kraft for that,” said The Unexpected Guests founding member Len Barry. “The good news is that both our group and Bunbury are growing too big to share space and time in the theater. That’s something huge for the arts community in Jamestown.”

The new performance and rehearsal agreement between the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and The Unexpected Guests is a perfect example of collaboration amongst Jamestown-area organizations. “We think this is going to be a great extended partnership. We’ve had such a good time and great attendance with our shows at the two yearly festivals and other Lucy-Desi events. Our groups work really well together, and we each support what the other is doing,” said founding member Jane Fischer.

The performance space is a cabaret setting in a room replicating the Tropicana Nightclub made famous by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in “I Love Lucy”. In the coming year, refreshments or other surprises may be added to the shows.

Admission remains $5 per show, and seating is general admission. Tickets are sold at the door, with the entrance through the Desilu Playhouse. For more information on The Unexpected Guests, visit www.theunexpectedguests.com.

LUCY-DESI CENTER ACQUIRES FAMOUS CELLO

Jamestown, NY – The possibility of acquiring a significant artifact in the history of the creation of “I Love Lucy” inspired supporters of The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center to step forward as founding members of the Center’s Acquisition Society.

The cello credited with helping to found the most popular show ever on television was offered this summer as part of a Hollywood memorabilia auction in Beverly Hills. In response to the cello’s availability, friends of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center joined forces to launch an Acquisitions Society so that key artifacts could be secured for the Center.

Jamestown area residents who are founding members of the Acquisitions Society are the Bud and Deanna Black Family, Chuck and Pat Brininger, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Mary Hunt, Mike Latone, Lucy-Desi Center board treasurer John Lloyd, and Ric Wyman. Other founding members include Joel Ashley, Bill Rapaport, and board members Desi Arnaz, Jr., Lucie Arnaz, Wanda Clark, Eric Cohler, Mary Rapaport, and Melody Thomas Scott.

In 1950, when Lucille Ball was asked to move her successful radio series to television, she agreed on one condition: her husband, Desi Arnaz, would be cast in the role of her TV husband.

CBS executives balked, believing the American public wouldn’t accept an all-American redhead being married to a Latin bandleader. To prove the network wrong, Lucy and Desi launched a successful vaudeville tour. Their friend Jose Perez, known on the vaudeville circuit as Pepito, The Spanish Clown, developed several skits for the couple to take on the road. The most famous of these cast Lucy as “The Professor” who breaks into Desi’s performance and insists on auditioning for the band. The skit was so successful, Lucy and Desi worked it into the pilot episode of “I Love Lucy” and again in episode 6 of the show’s first season.

After the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Perez, their estate was left to Biola University in California. When University staff familiarized themselves with the contents of the Perez home, they made an amazing discovery: Pepito’s cello—complete with the plunger. Inside the cello Pepito had safely stored a 1950 Western Union telegram from Lucy and Desi, thanking him for his help. Providing ultimate authenticity, the telegram reads“…Prop cello the hit of my offering. We love you very much and appreciate you even more. Lucy & Desi.” Lucy-Desi Center staff are making plans to unveil the cello early next year at the Center’s new Desilu Playhouse.

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center ♥ 300 N. Main St., Jamestown, NY 14701 ♥ 716-484-0800 ♥ Fax:716-484-1018 ♥ Email:info@lucy-desi.com
All original materials © 2008 The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Inc. Images of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are used with permission of Desilu, too, LLC. "I Love Lucy" is copyrighted by and a registered trademark of CBS Worldwide, Inc. Licensing by Unforgettable Licensing, Northbrook, Illinois.