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This month's news from Alison...
actually from
Alison's hubby
Mr. Bob
Alison Arngrim Home Page
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Nellie Newsletter
6/11/24
May. Now, there was a month! Woof! We started the month very calmly, playing parlor games with Martha Wade at the Game Night of Stars. It was actually a lot of fun! And for a good cause, too. Raising money for A Quarter Blue, an organization that assists victims of crime and childhood abuse. Check out their website: A Quarter Blue Hope they do it again next year!
And then things got nuts. I stayed in LA, going to work as usual, while dealing with doctors, dentists, and chiropractors. But Alison said, “I’m outta here!”. And she went to Chicago, and New York City, and Louisville, and Nashville, and Knoxville, and finally went to Kansas. Just got back from that one.
Oh, and yesterday she was a tour guide for the Bus Tour of Big Sky Ranch in Simi Valley. (Welcome new readers from the tour!!) She had two tours, and she had a great time! There will be another one next Saturday, 6/15. Check it out here: Bus Tour Big Sky Ranch From what I can see on their page, there are a few tickets left at this point, but they are going fast. (They may even be sold out before you get a chance to read this!) Oh, and Alison won’t be there for those tours, because we’ll be somewhere else. (See below)
So, let’s get that rundown of Alison’s activities out of the way:
1. Daily Book Readings – The daily readings are currently on hiatus for an indefinite period.
2. Bonnets, Etc. - Bonnets, tin cups, books, photos, Alison sells them at her online store, 'Not Your Mothers Mercantile'. Everything autographed. Here's the link to the store: Mercantile New items have been added. (To see the complete selection, click on the “Shop Now” button.) Be sure to specify how you want them signed. Also, check her schedule. She’ll be out for the next couple of weeks, anyway, so hold off for a bit.
3. Cameo - You can have your favorite cast member record a personal video greeting - Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Get Well Soon, you name it! Check it out: Cameo Website Or... cut to the chase: Nellie Cameo
4. Radio Show / Podcast - The Alison Arngrim Show is on every Tuesday at 5:00 pm Pacific Time. The best way to catch the show live is to go to the UBN Radio page on FaceBook: UBN FaceBook. Alison’s next guest will be Dean Butler (Author: "Prairie Man"). If you have any ideas of who you would like to see interviewed by Alison, pass them along, and we’ll see what we can do! If you miss a show, or want to catch any of the past episodes, go to her FaceBook page for the show: Alison Arngrim Show Keep in mind, this is the year of the 50th anniversary, so expect a lot of reruns.
5. Who's Going To Do The Cooking? - Alison will be appearing on her FaceBook page, cooking something with instructions, whenever she can find the time. And she has not found the time for a quite a while now, but she’ll be back! She has made many incredible dishes. You can find all of these on her YouTube Channel: Who's Going To Do The Cooking?
Say, who’s up for a little schedule?
First up, on June 14th we will be arriving in Monaco for the 63rd Festival De Television De Monte Carlo for a MAJOR Little House reunion. The gathering will feature Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, Alison, Matt Labyorteaux, Wendi Lou Lee, and Leslie Landon. (Phew!!) If you ask me, this line-up is outstanding!! The festival is open to the public, and many of the events are free. However, if you want to buy a ticket, prices range from €49.00 to €7,750.00, depending on what you sign up for. (Oh, that’s in Euros, by the way.) Check out the website for more information: TV Festival Website (Sorry, it’s in French!) Well, the Festival is (sort of) in France, after all! You can bet Sock Monkey and I are going to this one! Oh, and here’s an article about the Festival in English: Hello Monaco Sock Monkey is threatening to crash a party at the Palace with Prince Albert, but I’ll try to keep him under control! (“Good luck with that!”, muttered Sock Monkey)
BRAND NEW: OK, you probably already know that Dean Butler has written a book, “Prairie Man: My Little House Life And Beyond”. His book will be published on June 25, 2024. He will be having a Book Launch/Book Signing Event on Thursday, June 27 at 7:00 pm, at Barnes & Noble in The Grove. (Here’s the FaceBook ad: Prairie Man FaceBook ) This will be presented in conversation with Alison Arngrim. Tickets for the event are $30.66 and include one copy of the book and admission to the discussion and signing. A limited number of tickets are available. You can find out more here: Book Signing Tickets I gotta tell ya’, I’ve been waiting for this one! Sock Monkey and I will be there, and if you want to come, get your tickets now! (Remember what happened last time I warned you that something would sell out and you didn’t listen?) Hurray for Dean!!!
Next up, Alison returns to P-Town! Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14, Alison will present Confessions of a Prairie Bitch at Redroom, 258 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA. Tickets are $35, or $45 for VIP tickets, and are available on their website: Redroom This should be good. Alison likes P-Town, and P-Town seems to like her. And it is usually just one big party! And, to top it off, this is Bear Week in P-Town! What could be better? Well, how about fresh oysters at a roadside stand after the show!?!
And then, July 19 – 21 , there is the Walnut Grove 50th Anniversary Celebration & TV Cast Reunion - Walnut Grove (See below for more info in the 50th Anniversary Report)
After that, Alison will be returning to Keystone South Dakota July 26th - 28th for Carrie Days Presents LHOTP 50th Anniversary – SD. Yep, Carrie Days, the celebration of all things Carrie Ingalls. (Robyn & Rachel love this one!) There will be the usual shenanigans, dinners, breakfast, panels, Meet n Greet, autographs, etc. All details, plus ticketing, are available here: Carrie Days Tickets Ticket prices range from $6 to $350, depending on which options you choose. I’m toying with the idea of going to this one. I’ve never been to South Dakota, and there are things to see there. You know, like, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, etc. Could be fun. (“I’m going, with or without you!”, mumbled Sock Monkey.)
Then, after South Dakota, Alison will head to Northern California to present Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch at Oasis, 298 Eleventh St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 795-3180, on Thursday, August 1st, at 7:00 pm. This is a new club for her, but not her first time in San Francisco. Here’s the website for the club: Oasis Tickets are $35 or $45 for VIP (includes post-show meet & greet and photo op) Purchase tickets here: Oasis Tickets And, according to the website, there’s going to be a Surprise Special Guest, to be announced!! (No, I don’t even know who it is!)
And then, August 30 – September 1, she’s going to be at The Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT - Hartford CT (See below for more info in the 50th Anniversary Report)
So, we’re staying about 3 months out with details. For the rest of the ones that I’m aware of, I’ll just put the event, dates, and link. More info as we get closer.
September 3 - Farm & Home Center, Lancaster, PA - Lancaster-1
September 4 – An additional show due to popular demand, at the Bright Side Opportunities Center in Lancaster, PA - Lancaster-2
September 14 & 15 – Johnny Cash’s Hideaway Farm in Lyles, TN - Hideaway Farm
September 26 – 28 – FanX Salt Lake City Comic & Pop Culture Convention - Fan-X
October – Entire month!! – France - Alison France
November 15 – 17 - Branson Convention Center in Branson, MO “A Prairie Christmas From Branson” - Branson
So, before you start sending me e-mails and lists, I’m only citing the events that Alison is going to be attending. There are others, but you’re on your own for those! And in terms of who will be appearing, all bets are off. This is a moving target and is always changing. We do the best we can!
All right, enough schedule for now. (Phew!!)
Rumour Control
1. What DOES it take to be the Queen of the Internet in 2024? Should Alison try to find out??
2. More recipes…what kind would you like??
3. What should Alison do to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first airing of “Country Girls”, September 18th, 1974?
Miscellaneous
Family Guy Little House – This one is fun. Yes, Peter and Lois Griffin as Charles and Caroline Ingalls. (Intro only) Enjoy: Family Guy
New Casper Cartoon Show Intro – Keeping going with intros, here’s the one for the New Casper The Friendly Ghost cartoon show. Alison’s mother, Norma Macmillan, did the voices for Casper. Again, enjoy: Casper
Pepin, Wisconsin – Here’s a TV interview with some of the cast during their visit in May to Pepin Wisconsin: Pepin Interviews
Throw Out The Anchor – Here you go, boys and girls, here is a 10-minute excerpt from Alison’s very first feature film, “Throw Out The Anchor”. This was pre-Little House but check out that voice! Enjoy: Anchor
Fifty for 50 Podcast – Still going strong. Hosted by Pamela Bob, featuring Alison and Dean Butler, they have a new podcast every week. The last few were: 5/23 – “Melissa Gilbert – Part 2” , 5/30 – “Nasty Nellie – Part 1”, and 6/6 – “Nasty Nellie – Part 2”. Not sure what the next one will be. Check it out here: Fifty For 50
Behind the Scenes Highlight – This is the section where we highlight the many people who help to keep this thing together. Last time we talked about Chip Duckett.
This month I would like to shine the spotlight on Danny Sanchez.
Danny Sanchez and Rachel Greenbush met on location at the Big Sky Ranch, when they were just kids. Rachel was on the show, (Yes, one half of the adorable “Baby Carrie”), and Danny was a native of Simi Valley. He used to ride his motorbike around the hills on the ranch, but not when they were filming, of course. Years later they reconnected, fell in love, and got married. They even had their wedding on the Ranch under the big tree near the Little House.
For as long as I’ve known him, and probably longer, Danny has been trying to get the City of Simi Valley to do something to acknowledge that LHOTP was filmed there. Have a parade, do a Wild West Days kind of thing, something. Always falling on deaf ears. And then he met Olan Paz, and they put their heads together. To make a long story short, after several years of planning meetings, discussions, arguments, and hour after hour of hard, hard work, and the involvement of cast members, plus a whole team of talented professionals, the 50th Anniversary LHOTP Cast Reunion was born. And 18,000 people will tell you that they did a really great job!
So, Mr. Sanchez, thank you for all that you do. We could not have done this without you and your beautiful wife! (And hey, next time, dinner’s on me!)
Maintaining our lives in the age of COVID-19 – By the first week of June, the FliRT variant designated KP.3 accounted for 25% of all infections. We should have an updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine ready by fall. Moderna reports that its combination COVID and Flu vaccine is performing well in late-stage trials and may be ready for flu season in 2025.
In other news, the Bird flu has infected some cattle herds, and 4 cases have been detected in humans thus far. And they have new recommendations for dairy workers in infected areas: wear face coverings. (Are we surprised?)
So, what do we do? Well, don’t panic, for starters. I’ll be getting the latest vaccine shot when I get back to town, and I suggest we all consider doing the same. And masks. You know, it really does not take much effort to wear a mask, and it really does help. I came down with a cough a couple of weeks ago, and I remember it was just a few days after I found myself in a public restroom, unmasked, and someone was in the corner coughing up a lung. Voila, I got infected. So, it’s the usual routine: wash, distance, mask.
And now for our Fauci moment: "I don't know how to explain to you that you should care for other people." But we must.
50th Anniversary Report
Our report from the “The Year of the Reunions “ headquarters:
Simi Valley – This was an epic event, to be sure. I maintain that this is a watershed event that will never be equaled and is fast becoming legend. It was overwhelming, and a lot to process for everyone who was there.
Walnut Grove – OK, Walnut Grove, now it’s your turn! They finally have a site that explains their event. Check this out: Walnut Grove Reunion It will be on July 19 – 21, 2024. Definitely go to their site and check it out. There are several events and rules for attending, getting things signed, etc. (For example, you can attend the bruncheon or the luncheon, you cannot get tickets to both.) They are having autograph sessions, a bruncheon, a luncheon, photo ops, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, and of course, there is the museum. Times for the various events will be announced sometime in June. Tickets for the bruncheon and luncheon are on sale now and are selling fast. They will be pre-sale only, not available day-of. The numbers to call for tickets are posted on their site above.
And this posting from Paul Valenti keeps up with all the Walnut Grove changes: Valenti Report
A new one has been added:
Gravel Road Productions, in conjunction with Susan McCray, is presenting “Little House On The Prairie: A 50th Anniversary Cast Celebration”, August 30-31 & September 1. The event has now been moved to Hartford, CT. Tickets prices range from $12.45 (child’s ticket) to over $600, depending on what you’re looking for. Proceeds will benefit a local not-for-profit: Kids Play Children’s Museum, located in downtown Torrington, CT. There will be many activities, and a long list of cast members in attendance. Check out the website for all the details: Hartford Tickets
As an extra added surprise Susan McCray will be unveiling her new perfume, “Susan McCray Eau de Parfum”. Check it out here: Perfume Additionally, during the CT event Susan (Little House casting director) and actor Matt Labyorteaux (Albert) are hosting a special remembrance dinner to pay tribute to close friend Mike Landon and Susan’s husband, Little House producer Kent McCray and Little House crew and cast we have lost. The event is to benefit Kids Play Children’s Museum.
Rumored additional events include Northeast Ohio, various other locations around the country, and maybe Europe as well. (I’m hoping for one in France!!) As time goes by, more people are realizing that this is the 50th anniversary, and it’s a big deal. I believe there will be many more events going forward. Hard to keep up! And I believe this will carry over into next year for all those who missed out on the first round.
So, as you can see, things are getting a little crazy over here. There are going to be events almost every weekend all summer long, and then some! A few suggestions:
- Cast lists are constantly changing, and even those listed the day before the event may have to cancel at the last minute. Be patient, be flexible, be prepared.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. California is usually sunny and hot, but not so much this year. Other areas are also having weather issues. Be prepared, plan ahead.
- Don’t count on lodging being available. Again, plan ahead, or you may be sleeping on the street! (Not advisable!)
- Parking will be a nightmare, no matter how you slice it. Plan ahead, arrive early, be patient.
- Recommend that you bring cash. Some people take credit cards, but many do not. And ATMs won’t always be available.
And above all, be patient. (Have I mentioned that before?) There are a lot of events going on, and everyone is doing the very best that they can. There are thousands of people from all over the world who want to come to these events, so there will be lines and waiting. And you will meet people waiting on-line. You will all have something in common, and stories to share. I know several people who met for the first time at the 40th reunion in Walnut Grove, who are great friends to this day! I predict that this will be the adventure of a lifetime and look forward to meeting all of you!
Prairie Tidbits
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) – Dean has become the newest Author on the Prairie. Yep, his book, “Prairie Man: My Little House Life And Beyond”, published by Citadel, is coming out on 6/25/24. (See details for book launch and signing above) From the Barnes & Noble website: “An illuminating, insider’s journey through the world of Little House on the Prairie and beyond, from Dean Butler, who starred as Almanzo Wilder, the man Laura “Half Pint” Ingalls married—on the iconic show still beloved by millions of fans as it reaches its 50th anniversary.” ( Barnes & Noble ) And this book is available absolutely everywhere. No, really, google it! I haven’t read it yet, but it’s next on my list, just as soon as Sock Monkey finishes it. (“Wait your turn!”, sniped Sock Monkey.) Dean, you ‘da man!
Shannen Doherty (Jenny Wilder) – It seems that Shannen thought very highly of Michael, calling him a mentor and an inspiration. Check out this interview in the Hollywood Reporter from May 27, 2024: Shannen Interview Good one, Shannen!
Elizabeth Rogers (Mrs. Miles) – Elizabeth played Mrs. Miles in one episode of LHOTP, “For The Love Of Nancy” (S8, E9), in 1981. She had roles on Star Trek, Bonanza, and Dr. Kildare, to name but a few. She also worked in feature films, with parts in The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, Grand Theft Auto, and An Officer And A Gentleman, again naming but a few. She retired from acting in 1986 and passed away in Tarzana in 2004 from multiple strokes and lung cancer.
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter) – Pam took some time off from the never-ending cast reunions to do some, well, acting! Yep, she had a guest starring role in an episode of a new TV series coming this fall. What was her role, you ask? Well . . can’t say. And the name of the series? Can’t say that either. (Sworn to secrecy, you know!) And the network? Can’t say that either, but it does begin the alphabet! Pam, you are a woman of many mysteries! Hope to see you soon!
The Saga of Sock Monkey (Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Two )
Sock Monkey was holding on for dear life! The wind was whipping him back and forth, and he could feel his grip beginning to slip. He called out again, “Alison, help!!” He could see her inside, calmly talking on the phone. (Probably discussing the merits of clotted cream vs whipped cream on her strawberries!) Her back was to him, and it’s a wonder she could hear anything at all over the sound of the wind. He struggled and managed to get his tail wrapped around the railing, giving him a little more stability. But not much! “Alison!! Help Me!!”, he cried in desperation. It’s no use, she was oblivious . . . “No, that’ll be fine. And make sure the eggs are not over done, and coffee for two. What was that? Oh, I can barely hear you. Hang on a minute. Now, where is that Monkey?” She looked around, hoping to get Sock Monkey to close the door to the balcony. “AAAH! SOCK MONKEY!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT THERE!?!” Sock Monkey was about to give up, when he felt these fingers close around his neck. Alison pulled him back into the room and closed the door. “Monkey, you’re going to be the death of me!” “Death of YOU?”, thought Sock Monkey, as he choked and gasped for air.
(To be continued . . . )
There you have it. The sixth Nellie Newsletter for 2024. Stay safe, mask up, wash up, get your booster shots, and be good to each other. And we’ll see you at the reunions!
As usual (Comme d’habitude), be good bonnet heads, and I’ll talk to you next month.
- Bob |
