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.

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. The scholarship continued until Desilu Studios was sold to Gulf & Western in 1967.

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