"I Love Lucy" Watches - $3!

There's always time to laugh and now there's always time for Lucy! For a limited time you can purchase an "I Love Lucy" wristwatch from The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop for only $3 plus shipping and handling! There are currently 5 styles available:

A. Candy Duo (#2581)
B. Gypsy Queen (#2582)
C. Latin Lucy (#2583)
D. Women From Mars (#2584)
E. Loving Lucy (#2585)

(Shown in order from left to right)

These watches are usually sold for $6.95 each and were advertised in Spring 2007 Merchandise Guide. You can purchase any or all of these terrific watches by calling toll-free 1-877-582-9326 or by visiting The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop Online. Sales prices are valid through June 15, 2007 according to the Spring 2007 Merchandise Guide. Your purchase supports The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Inc in Jamestown, NY.

Also available - "I Love Lucy" Digital Watches For $4.99!

Image courtesy of The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop.

Lucille Ball's Sister-In-Law Attending Lucy-Desi Days

The Lucy-Desi Center has announced that Lucille Ball's sister-in-law, Zo Ball, will be attending Lucy-Desi Days 2007.

Other interesting tidbits:
*Bob Carroll, Jr.'s daughter, Christina, will be donating a "very, very special prop" from one of Lucy's TV series to the Lucy-Desi Center.

*A collection of Lucille Ball's handwritten letters, Christmas cards, and other personal items will be added to a new exhibit at the Lucy-Desi Museum. There will also be a rare collections of photographs with Desi Arnaz and Pepito Perez.

Lucy-Desi Days 2007 takes places May 25-27 in Jamestown, New York.

The Lucy-Desi Center has provided this link for more information on Lucy-Desi Days 2007:

http://lucille-ball-desi-arnaz-center.stores.yahoo.net/feevti.html

Ogg and Stollery Attending Lucy-Desi Days

Actors Sammy Ogg and David Stollery will be attending Lucy-Desi Days 2007 stated The Lucy-Desi Center earlier today. Ogg and Stollery are best known for their roles as Jimmy and Timmy Hudson, the mischievous twins that Lucy Ricardo babysat in episode 14 ('The Amateur Hour') of "I Love Lucy." Remember when they wanted to burn poor Lucy at the stake?

Ogg and Stollery will be the special guests of honor at the “I Love Lucy” Legend Event taking place on Sunday, May 27. The Lucy-Desi Center also stated:

Ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet Sammy & David and get their picture professionally taken with them on the Ricardos’ New York apartment living room set at the Desilu Playhouse (the “I Love Lucy” museum)! After the photo shoot, enjoy a continental breakfast, special screening of “Jimmy” and “Timmy” in action (in the Tropicana Room), and an intimate question and answer session with them!

Admission will be limited to this event and those interested in attending should make plans to purchase tickets as soon as possible. The Lucy-Desi Center will begin selling tickets at wwww.lucy-desi.com for Lucy-Desi Days 2007 on Friday, March 30 at noon (Eastern).

Lucy-Desi Days Tickets On Sale Friday

The Lucy-Desi Center will begin selling tickets for Lucy-Desi Days 2007 on Friday, March 30 at noon (Eastern). The center stated that all the details about the 40+ events taking place at the festival will also be disclosed then. Lucy-Desi Days 2007 is being held from May 25-27 in Jamestown, New York.

Lucy-Desi Days Mystery Guest Revealed!

The Lucy-Desi Center has revealed that Vivian Vance's sister will be the very special guest for Vance's tribute during Lucy-Desi Days 2007. Here's the scoop:

Later, you can come aboard the Summerwind for a special Vivian Vance Treasure Chest Boat Cruise hosted by Vivian Vance’s sister—flying in direct from Albuquerque for the weekend! (Yes, Vivian Vance’s sister! This once-in-a lifetime opportunity makes the trip to Jamestown a “must” this year!)

A special Saturday morning tribute: “We Remember Viv!” will include live performance, a video tribute, candid conversation, and a family album slide show, too! Hosted by Tom Watson, president of the “We Love Lucy” Fan Club, this event is all about our favorite second banana!

3 of the 40 events taking place during the festival will be devoted to Vance and "Lucy Meets The President" will be shown. Festival tickets will be sold through the Lucy-Desi Center's official website (www.lucy-desi.com) later this week.

Related Blog Entries:
Lucy Desi Center Plans Vance Tribute
Ball and Vance Named "Ageless Beauties"

Lucy-Desi Center Plans Vance Tribute

The Lucy-Desi Center has announced plans to honor actress Vivian Vance (1909-1979) with a tribute at Lucy-Desi Days 2007. The center isn't releasing all the details yet, but they stated that there will be a "very special guest" for Vance's tribute on Saturday, May 26.

Vivian Vance is best known for her roles as Ethel Mertz on 'I Love Lucy' and 'The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour' and as Vivian Bagley on 'The Lucy Show.' Her last appearance with Lucille Ball was in the 1977 TV special, 'Lucy Calls The President.'

Lucy-Desi Days 2007 is a 40+ event festival being held from May 25-27 in Jamestown, New York (Lucille Ball's hometown).

Complete details for the festival will be posted as soon as possible. Accommodation information can be found at:
http://www.lucy-desi.com/festival/festival_accom.html

Related Links:
Vivian Vance's Filmography
Wikipedia: Vivian Vance
The Vivian Vance Tribute Page
Viv: A Vivian Vance Page

Photo courtesy of The Vivian Vance Tribute Page.

Second LOL Seminar Being Held In May

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center stated that the next Legacy of Laughter (LOL) Seminar will be held during Lucy-Desi Days 2007 (May 25-27) in Jamestown, New York. The center will be providing more details about this event and the festival soon.

View photos of Lucie Arnaz, Desi and Amy Arnaz, Sean Astin and guests at this month's LOL Seminar.

Related Links:
The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center

Lucy On Ice; LOL Successful

Nwitimes.com Columnist Philip Potempa named Lucille Ball, one of Colorado's, most famous visitors. Potempa stated:

Recent celeb visitors have included Goldie Hawn, singer John Oates of Hall & Oates fame and actress Natalie Portman. The springs' most-famous regular visitor for years was Lucille Ball, who loved to ski and had a condo in Snowmass, Colo., just outside Aspen.

The Lucy-Desi Center was pleased to announce that their Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Conference in Boulder City, Nevada was a success. The event hosted by Lucie Arnaz and featuring Desi Arnaz Jr. as one of the distinguished panelists was sold-out. In a press release The Lucy-Desi Center stated:

By listening, asking questions, and practicing Laughter Yoga exercises, the audience was informed, inspired and engaged throughout the evening.

Continuing to fulfill the Center’s 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 next Legacy of Laughter will be held during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 25-27, in Jamestown.

Related Links:
Lucie and Desi Jr. Participating in LOL Seminar In March
Two New Panelists Added To LOL Seminar

"Lucy At The Movies" Book Being Published In The Fall

Lucy At The Movies, a new book chronicling Lucille Ball's lengthy film career, will be published this fall. The hardcover book written by Cindy De La Hoz will be 386 pages long and contain hundreds of rare production stills, including some from Ball's personal collection. Lucy at the Movies will also contain information on Lucy's earliest big screen appearances, short subject films and movies that Lucy didn't make.

Of the book, Lucie Arnaz said:

"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, as you have in the biography section, and would deeply appreciate all of your hard work. This encyclopedia of information on, not only the film career of Lucille Ball, but the way films were made, is an invaluable history of the motion picture industry and those who first created it."

Amazon.com lists the book's release date as October 2007. If you would like to receive a personally autographed copy of "Lucy At The Movies,"you can pre-order the book from The Lucy-Desi Center's Gift Shop.

The Lucy-Desi Center's Gift Shop

(Lucie Arnaz quote and photo courtesy of The Lucy-Desi Center)

Two New Panelists Added To LOL Seminar

The Post-Journal reported that two more panelists have been added to the Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Seminar being held in March by the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center.

The two new panelists are Christina Carroll and Sebastien Gendry. Carroll is an artist and the daughter of legendary "I Love Lucy" writer, Bob Carroll Jr. Gendry is an author, educator, motivational speaker and yoga enthusiast.

Lucie Arnaz, president of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and host of the panel expressed her excitement about Carroll and Gendry participating in the event:

With Bob Carroll’s recent passing, Christina has a lot to share about how laughter helped those close to her father get through the past months.

I feel particularly drawn to the work of Laughter Yoga. I’m looking forward to Sebastien’s teaching me — as well as the audience — how to do some serious laughing.

Desi Arnaz Jr., Sean Astin and Jim Dunnigan are also members of the panel.

LOL will be held March 3 in Boulder City, Nevada. Seating is limited and all tickets are $20. For more information call the Historic Boulder Theatre at 702-293-1161 or visit lucy-desi.com.

Related Links:
Lucie and Desi Jr. Participating in LOL Seminar In March

Songwriter Ray Evans Dead At 92

(Teri) tracynicky writes:

Ray Evans wrote famiiar standards like "Silver Bells", "Mona Lisa", and "Que Sera Sera". He wrote the music to two films of Lucille Ball "Sorrowful Jones" and "Fancy Pants". He was a good friend to Lucy and has contributed money in the past for "The Lucy And Desi Museum" in Jamestown.

Here is the link to his obituary:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-02-17-ray-evans-obit_x.htm?csp=27

In December 2006, Evans donated $20,000 to The Lucy-Desi Museum to aid in the center's expansion plans. Read the blog entry about the donation and Evans' feelings about Lucille Ball.

Long Live Lucy sends its condolences to the family and friends of Ray Evans.

Related Links:
Ray Evans' Filmography

Valentine's Day Sale at The Lucy-Desi Center

The Lucy-Desi Center writes:

Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 14) is Valentine’s Day and do we have a treat for you!

At exactly* 10:30 AM (Eastern), we will be activating special clearance prices on many, many “I Love Lucy” gift shop items!

Just visit www.lucy-desi.com and click on “Gift Shop”. You’ll find this entire collection of items on the home page. Quantities are very limited, and we’ll be doing our best to keep the website updated as soon as items sell out.

Until tomorrow, here’s a sneak peek at the special savings in store for you while quantities last:

“I Love Lucy” Denim & Leather Jackets ($94.95, Clearance: Under $50!)………A selection of assorted t-shirt designs at more than 50% off! ……….“I Love Lucy” Sweaters (Originally: $79.95, Clearance: $39.99) ………The Lucy Show VHS box set (Originally: $49.95, Clearance: $14.99) ………And videos, books, stationery, charms & bracelets, sheet music, calendars, statues, canisters, purses, and more!

Here’s your “last chance” to add these special items to your collection before they’re gone for good! (And thanks in advance for helping us make room for an entire new line of Lucy-Desi merchandise coming soon!)

*barring any internet or web hosting issues out of our control

"Marion Strong" and Haley Arnaz Featured in Guide

Shirley Mitchell, the actress that made several appearances as Marion Strong on "I Love Lucy" is shown on the cover of The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop Winter 2007 Merchandise Guide. Mitchell models "I Love Lucy" Flannel Pajamas (item #2218).

Haley Arnaz, Lucy and Desi's granddaughter, models a Ricardo Vintage Fitted T(item #2391) inside the guide. Arnaz also appeared in the 2007 edition of the gift shop catalog which was released last November.



The winter guide focuses on new merchandise and retired Carlton Cards Ornaments.

Related Links:
Shirley Mitchell's Filmography
The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop

Lucie and Desi Jr. Participating in LOL Seminar In March

The Lucy-Desi Center reports:

Plans are underway for the Lucy-Desi Center’s next Legacy of Laughter seminar—this time, in Boulder City, Nevada! The event will take place on Saturday, March 3 at 7 pm in the Historic Boulder Theatre. Lucie Arnaz will moderate the panel that, to date, includes:

*
Desi Arnaz, Jr.: vice-president of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, musician and actor; with his wife Amy, currently operates the Boulder City Ballet Company and the historic Boulder Theatre

*
Sean Astin: actor (The Goonies, Rudy, Memphis Belle, Lord of the Rings), Academy Award nominated director (Kangaroo Court), and member of the Directors Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

*
Jim Dunnigan: drug and alcohol intervention counselor

Legacy of Laughter (LOL) events are panel discussions (with audience interaction) that explore and celebrate the inestimable value of laughter. The LOLs are moderated by Lucie Arnaz, and panelists include those who create or perform comedy, who use it in their work, or who have been healed by it.

Seating is limited for LOL: NV. All seats are $20. Call the Historic Boulder Theatre at (702)-293-1161 for tickets. For more information, visit click here.

Lucie Attending Songwriters' Event; Carlton Cards Issues New Lucy Ornament

The Lucy-Desi Center reported that Lucie Arnaz will be in attendance at the sold-out Great American Songbook show tonight at Lincoln Center. The event is being held to honor songwriters Alan and Marilyn Berman, whose works include "The Way We Were" and the TV theme song Maude.

The center also announced that Carlton Cards has issued its newest "I Love Lucy" ornament. The 2007 ornament is the ninth Carlton Cards has produced and features Lucy dressed in a tu-tu wrapped around a ballet bar. The ornament is expected to ship this summer, but it can be preordered from The Lucy-Desi Center's Gift Shop now.

View (and preorder) a photo of Carlton Cards' 2007 Ballet Ornament:
http://lucille-ball-desi-arnaz-center.stores.yahoo.net/20cabaor.html

After Christmas Deals; Lucy's Stamp Sales

Happy Boxing Day!

After Christmas Deals
You can receive FREE shipping today only on all in stock items at The Lucy-Desi Gift Shop by using the code: DEC26 - Deal ended December 27.

*
Amazon.com has the "Lucy Gets In Pictures Lucy Doll" on sale for $19.99. It's regularly $39.99. I don't know when the sale will end, but as I write this post they have the dolls in stock. - Deal ended December 31.

The Associated Press reported that Lucille Ball's U.S. postage stamp released in 2001 is one of the most popular stamps ever sold. 38.7 million Lucy stamps have been bought. The number one selling stamp is the Elvis Presley Stamp with 124.1 million stamps sold.

Lyricist Donates $20,000 to Lucy-Desi Center

The Celebrity Cafe reported that lyricist Ray Evans donated $20,000 to The Lucy-Desi Center in Jamestown, New York. The donation will be used towards the center's expansion plans.

Evans and his musical partner, the late Jay Livingston, penned many popular songs including "Silver Bells" and Doris Day's signature song, "Que Sera, Sera." They also wrote the TV theme songs for "Mister Ed" and "Bonanza."

Asked about his gift, from his home in Beverly Hills Mr. Evans responded: “I’m glad to be part of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York. I was born and grew up in Salamanca, right around the corner, and this is a real hometown kind of program. I knew Lucille Ball very well, and in addition to writing songs for several of the movies she did with Bob Hope, we talked about our common background. I get back to Salamanca once a year, and I’m planning to visit Jamestown on my next trip.”

Evans and Livingston wrote the music for Sorrowful Jones (1949) and Fancy Pants (1950).

Read more about Mr. Evans' Donation at The Celebrity Cafe.

Frawley's Frock Hops Home

The Lucy-Desi Center reports:

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.

"I Love Lucy" Varsity Jackets In Short Supply

The Lucy-Desi Center's Gift Shop will not be able to reorder "I Love Lucy" Varsity Jackets as previously planned. If you would like one of these super, cute pink and black jackets, you need to order asap.

Order a Lucy Varsity Jacket

Downtown Jamestown Loves Lucy Winners

The Lucy-Desi Center reports:

Lucy-Desi fans from Illinois to Ontario are among the winners of the 2006 “Downtown Jamestown Loves Lucy!” Scavenger Hunt.

Twenty-five downtown businesses participated in this year’s Scavenger Hunt by displaying vintage “I Love Lucy” photographs 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 images. 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 recently to the winners whose names were drawn from among those who submitted correct entries. Each winner received a 14” bear that is a replica of the bear Lucy Ricardo is seen holding in episode #136, “Nursery School.” This unique teddy bear is a limited edition of just 5000 worldwide and comes packaged in a special collector's edition gift box picturing Lucille Ball.

Winners were from Naperville, IL; Crown Point, IN; Bowie and Columbia, MD; Old Bridge, NJ; Hamilton and Tallmadge, OH; Bronx, Buchanan, Calverton, Jamestown, Kirkville, New Rochelle, Pittsford, and West Seneca, NY; Apollo, Derrick City, Erie, and Fryburg, PA; Jamestown, RI; Menasha, WI; and Ontario, Canada.

Downtown Jamestown’s participating businesses included The Basket Co., Benson’s, Bro Laines Bridal, Carlson Jewelry Smithing, Charm Salon, Craft World, Dave’s Pizza, Donut Connection, Dorian’s Plus, Esquire Cleaners, Frame & Glass Shoppe, Golden Griddle, Hitchcock Signs, Jake’s Uptown Grill, Jamestown Dance Supply, Kwik Kopy Printing, Lisciandro’s Restaurant, Mason Fine Art, Oriental Star Chinese Buffet, Paperback Exchange, The Pub, Suburban Blend, Taco Hut, Tim Hortons, and Timothy’s.