Status Update

Hello Friends & Customers,

As many of you are aware, I have had several personal challenges over the past couple years that have led to some difficulty in my business transactions. Divorce, Illness, home foreclosure, and moving out of state to name a few. All of which have contributed to a slow progression to financial stability for my family. Things have gotten pretty rough financially for my family and to compound the difficulties, we live in a very small rural town which does not afford us the conveniences of public transportation or free computer access anywhere nearby. We've basically hit rock bottom and are working our way back to some stability.

I have read some disparaging remarks about myself and my business practices online. I am very sorry that my personal life has interfered with my ability to run things in a professional manner. I suppose I have to live with those remarks and negative word of mouth about me. However, I have no intentions of changing my business name to hide behind some other persona. I am working to get my family back on stable ground and I will make no pretence of the fact that it will take some time. I will continue to do business under the name Puppet Planet for as long as the desire to build puppets remains within me. I will build my reputation back to respectable status via means of facing the issues at hand and taking responsibility for them. Over time, positive word of mouth will replace the bad things that people have chosen to say and spread about me. I feel that’s the right thing to do rather than filing bankruptcy or other methods that some people choose to "start fresh". I certainly hope that those who took the time to label me as a "fraud", "thief", etc. will also take the time to update the status of their remarks when I have worked to make things right between us.

In an effort to start with a clean plate and resolve problems, I would like to offer refunds to everyone that currently has open transactions with me. I must admit up front that the refund process will be slow, and done in small partial payments due to my current financial situation. But I intend to make this right and this is probably the best way to proceed. I don't have a phone or easy access to email/computer. If you have an open transaction with me, please send details in writing with any available copies of payments you have made to the address provided below. In return, I will provide you with a signed letter in writing indicating my agreement that a refund is due and begin to send partial payments as soon as I can. A refund probably wont please everyone, but since I currently have very few options available to communicate and very few resources available to complete custom orders…. this is the resolution that I feel would suit everyone involved. I do have some completed puppets/figures belonging to people but with no computer I have not had any means to obtain contact information, send photos for your review, or contact you. The owners of these completed works may opt to receive the items or to receive the refund via payments as described above. I have no intention of forcing someone to choose one option over the other despite any completed orders that I have in my possession.

Due to my lack of supplies in stock and lack of resources to obtain special supplies, I will not be able to accept custom orders on a regular basis until things have improved financially enough to do so. When I can find a means, I will be attempting to use donated and remaining supplies to build and sell my work online. This will help me obtain funds to start making refund payments to everyone since I currently do not have any other means of income.

My website has been updated and should be back up and running, many supplies are temporarily unavailable and please keep in mind that my ability to complete custom orders is VERY limited. Some of the puppets on my catalog page are available in stock or supplies can easily be obtained to complete them.

I have completed puppets and figures available, however, I don't yet have means to post pictures but look for updates here on my blog or possibly listings on eBay once I can get that account back in good standing.

Regards,
Michele Acquin
Puppet Planet
PO Box 175
Creston, NC 28615

Puppet Planet Update Status

Greetings oh patient ones. I am posting to update everyone on my current order status. It is January 9th, and although several orders shipped since my last post in December, I am still a little behind.

My internet email problems turned out to require a major overhaul of the wiring system in the new home I am renting and this required quite a bit of my time while workers were here over the course of several days to get me up and running. As a result, it set my schedule back quite a bit.

Over the course of the past few weeks, I have received word of several people not hearing from me. I sent out a mass email on December 17th to everyone with pending orders on my schedule. I received responses from many, but not all on the list. And some of those people on the list said they never received that email.

If you have not heard from me either via email or phone in December, then please contact me immediately so that I can follow up with you. Please provide an alternate email address in the event that your host is blocking messages from my company for some reason. Links might be causing my messages to go into some spam filters as well, please check those.

I am hoping to have everyone caught up in less than a month, but due to the delay in my original schedule and the lack of response from some of my customers, there are some orders that may take longer than that. I've sent emails out to confirm details on some orders that did not have full descriptions as of yet because the customer needed more time to decide what they wanted.... I'm not getting responses from all of you on my questions about fabric and other supplies to order. I need this information to complete your puppet!

Also, if anyone knows Laverne Seibert please let him know that I am trying to reach him. He has sent emails to which I am responding but getting time out errors bounced back from his host. I attempted to return his phone calls using the number he provided, but it's a business that has never heard of him.

There are still emails in my inbox that I have not gotten too. I am trying to balance the time spent answering emails and time working on puppets. I don't have hired help, and can't afford to hire anyone yet. My lack of ability to respond was the reason why I sent out the mass mailing, but someone suggested that my internet provider (Charter) may have a limit on the number of recipients in a message which would explain why some people received my update and others did not. I work on the emails daily, but new incoming messages are being added as I try to work through my inbox and isn't allowing me to get to the older ones quickly.

Finally, I want to send my most heartfelt Thank You to those that have been so patient with me through the rough times that my family is having. Many of you have emailed just asking for updates how we are doing, what we did for the holidays, etc. One customer, Dr. Mazzola, whom I met at Kidabra made Christmas possible for my daughter's this year. I hope he's not upset at me for revealing him, but he was so kind to have sent gift cards so that I could buy gifts for my girls even though his order is behind like everyone else. New neighbors I just met also pitched in to help with gifts and groceries while I waited for the local state assistance to finalize paperwork to help us out with food.

I did go through a bout of depression , but I'm just working through it and know that eventually there will be light at the end of the tunnel! Things are looking up while I try to dig myself out of this mess. I am so grateful for everyone's understanding and I will continue to work daily so that all of your orders are fulfilled as soon as possible.

Thank You,
-Michele Acquin

Puppet Planet Has Moved!

I have always been a very private person and don’t like to share details about myself but I would not be doing my customers or the people who have helped me any justice if I didn’t provide an explanation for delays in responding or reveal the generosity shown by business and people in my previous Florida community that have helped my family when we were in need.

I have never really recovered financially from the long term illness I had earlier this year and my family and I have recently lost our home to foreclosure. We were so financially bottomed out, that we lost some necessary services required to run my business such as phone and internet and at times we would have lost electric, water, etc. if it weren’t for the help of people in my community that went out of their way to provide food, money, and opportunities for my family to earn funds to pay the bills that kept our lights on and water running.

I have tried for so long to keep things under cover, not even telling my own parents or closer relatives how bad things have been for us. I’m just not someone that talks about these things and prefer to make my own way by my own means without asking for help or handouts. Things just got to be too much for me to handle and I was forced to reach out to my community anonymously via Craig’s list, still too embarrassed to ask my family or friends for help…. especially since my parents are on limited income, disability, etc and much of my family aren’t doing much better than we are.

I want to take a moment to thank the following companies and people for all of the help and support that you have extended to my family. We are forever grateful and have been blessed by your generosity! Without these people we would have surely ended up in some kind of shelter and my business would have been lost :

First and foremost: Stephanie, Nada, & Crystal at My Pets Dream in Clearwater, FL. Such genuine down to earth loving (and LOTS of fun) people who provided me with a temporary job to earn funds for my utilities and moving expenses. Thank you so much!

Tyson at Medusa's World of Stone in Tampa, FL was the first person to respond to my Craig’s list post and extend a hand to help by writing my family a check to help with some much needed groceries. Refusing to accept a handout, I brought him some small handmade puppets and some kids clothes for his children in exchange.

Bob and his wife at Bargain Signs in Clearwater, FL. Brought me several bags of groceries. I practically had to force them to accept puppets for their two little ones sitting in the back seat. =)

Kirk and his wife at Phil's Hobby Shop in Pinellas Park, FL raided their own cupbards for lots of goodies to give us, and also provided a little bit of gas funds to help me out for the week.

There were also local individuals, whom were also struggling with their own finances in this economic crunch yet still lent out a helping hand:

A generation of teachers in Tampa, FL who let me barter some of my puppets and a box of boys clothes for food right from their cubbards, THANK YOU!

The nice couple from Clearwater, FL who not only brought me bags of groceries, but also took me shopping in trade for my lawn mower. THANK YOU!

The lady in Clearwater, FL who let me bathe & groom her dog for loads of canned goods from her cabinets... and the pumpkin off her front porch for my kids. =) THANK YOU!

The retired fireman in St. Petersburg, FL that brought us bags of chicken & hamburger and refusing to accept anything in return. THANK YOU!

The family in Tampa, FL that left me a check… (I left a few puppets on your porch in exchange). THANK YOU!


Our family has now relocated to North Carolina. The move took much longer than anticipated because one of our vehicles broke down in South Carolina. Lucky for me, I have a friend from High School that rescued us, providing a tow to her place 2 hours away and opened her home to us. Shelly & Jamey, you guys are the best!

I am just now starting to get settled in my new place, new workshop, and new small town living. The weather has been one of the obstacles along the way, as we have received record snow fall in many years for this area. We are loving it, especially the kids, but it has proven difficult to get services and the necessary errands completed so that I can get my business up and running again. The icy roads have been an adventure to say the least! =)

I do have internet, but there is some kind of issue with getting the email to work for my new account and setting up the server for my old account (Michele@puppet-planet.com) which will still be my contact email address once things are sorted out. Hopefully I will be up and running with that address by this evening (Monday the 8th), so I’m told by my internet provider. Once I am up and running, I will be sending individual emails to all of my customers currently waiting for their orders to be completed.

I do not yet have a Post Office Box set up for my business address, but my new phone number will be updated as follows: 828-406-6405 This is currently the only way to reach me (personal, or business) because I do not yet have home phone service.

To everyone that has been affected by my circumstances, I am so very sorry for the inconvenience that this has caused you. Please know that I am doing everything I can to get things in order and running smoothly again. All projects currently over due on my schedule will be completed by the end of the month.

Thank You,- Michele Acquin & Family

BURNNIE: Tails from the LIGHT Side

Burnnie was designed & constructed by Michele Acquin at Puppet Planet. He is a custom Ventriloquist figure with live hand operation made with a combination of shaggy fur and Muppet fleece.

Here is an example of a Puppet Planet character in action as described by Steve & Faith at http://www.riddles.org/

By Kandy Bauder - Living Stones News Writer

Steve and Faith Treague have a love for children. That is why both of them became teachers. Being teachers allowed the Treagues to develop a summer ministry of Reaching the Children or RTC. (See Living Stones News – Sept. 2006). In 1990 BURNNIE the Bunnie® made his debut.
Burnnie’s character was developed and born in 1990. Steve Treague said, “His personality grew as we presented him before live audiences and received feedback from children. They loved him. He’s a friendly kind of guy with a bit of an edge. He just says is like it is; or at least how he thinks it is.”

That is what gives Burnnie a life like and realistic personality. Burnnie teaches others as he learns from his own mistakes.

BURNNIE the Bunnie® has received two media awards. The Treagues were awarded a CINDY (Cinema in Industry) Award for “Burnnie Goes To The Hospital”, a video to help relieve a child’s fear of the hospital. For their radio program of BURNNIE the Bunnie®, they received the Covenant Award in 1997 which is a national award given for excellence in Christian media. Also winning the award that same year were James Dobson and VeggieTales.

Treague said, “After the first TV show in 1990, we went into radio. Many listeners thought the radio show would make a great TV series, but with teaching and live performance opportunities, we never even gave going back into television production another thought.”

When Steve left the teaching profession, the Treagues were left wondering what God had in store for them. It didn’t take long to realize that God had a plan for the Treagues. One that would require the Treagues to let God take the reigns and work out many of the details that seemed overwhelming. This road led Steve Treague into full-time ministry.

Treague said, “We felt God’s leading to produce what is now known as ‘BURNNIE: Tails from the LIGHT Side.’” After a year of discussion and raising financial support, we had the ingredients needed to begin the series. We now have the first program completed and are moving forward to being on the air in September. God is leading the project in a big way!”

You may wonder exactly what it takes to film a show and prepare it for television. The Treagues needed $50,000 to start production on the show. This money was used to purchase HD (high definition) cameras, sound, lighting and other necessary elements for producing a television show.

Each show is 30 minutes in length and is planned to be aired on a weekly basis as a series. There are many tentative options in development to air the show. However, the Treagues are awaiting the final editing of the pilot before it can be sent out for review. There needs to be 10 completed programs for a network to begin weekly broadcasts. Those should be finished by September 2008.

The Treagues are targeting children ages 5 years to fifth grade with each episode. Treague said that the purpose is to help these children to know the Savior and make Him known to others.
This is where Burnnie steps in and comes to life on the screen. Treague said, “Burnnie tries his best to live his life pleasing to the Lord. But he makes mistakes along the way. Each program focuses on a specific Christian character concept which children are encouraged to develop in their own lives.”

“In addition to each story’s plot, conflict and ultimate conclusion, we have another very unique component to reach children with God’s message,” said Treague. “The character of BURNNIE the Bunnie® works at the TREGGLLUSIONS Shop where interesting puzzles, games, toys and tricks are demonstrated and sold. Each of these colorful and visual object lessons is presented with a gospel message.”

Treague said, “Live actors are used with BURNNIE the Bunnie® being the only puppet character in the entire series. Having only one puppet, along with Burnnie’s mischievous personality, helps to create a presentation at a fifth grade level and beyond, still maintaining the interest of a younger child.”

Each live filming has a need for about 150 extras to fill the auditorium for the TREGGLLUSIONS Show. Treague said, “It is necessary to call ahead (605) 988-4140 to be an extra in the audience for this segment. Individuals, families and groups are welcome. Be prepared to show excitement, clap loud, laugh a lot and share in the purpose to help spread God’s Word to children locally and world wide through this television outreach.”

Treague spent months adapting his 36 radio scripts into a format for television. He has additional titles in development, too. Treague is set up to film two shows each month. “We’ll need actors, extras, boom microphone handlers, assistant directors for various locations, make-up assistants, set-up and take-down helpers, lighting assistants and more,” Treague said. “This is a large production project with four to six set locations.” He also adds that they are always looking for more people to get involved with this exciting project.

Treague said, “Each location involves set-up, filming, and take down. For example, we filmed a segment which will take up six minutes of the program. We began setup at 12:30 and were finished filming by 5:00. It took four and one half hours to film this six minute piece of the 30 minute show.” This doesn’t include the additional time needed to edit and prepare for the final product to be complete.

The Treagues have a financial need of $4,000 a month for the grand illusion each show contains. They also have general operating expenses and donations are always needed to help cover these costs. The Treagues have had a huge answer to prayer concerning financial needs.
Treague said, “The major funding for cameras, sound, lighting, editing equipment and set design have been met by a Sioux Falls donor who joins in agreement with the mission of Reaching the Children for God’s Kingdom.”

The Treagues also shared their future vision for Burnnie. Treague said, “As the program develops and an audience base becomes stable, ancillary sales of BURNNIE the Bunnie® items will assist in helping RTC Ministries become financially self-supporting.” Items for possible sale range from Burnnie hand puppets to books.

Prayer is one thing the Treagues continue to cherish and request from people who share their desire to reach children for God. Volunteers and finances remain constant prayer requests.
Treague said, “Health is needed to maintain the energy and abilities of all involved. Praise is needed to continually thank the Lord for the divine intervention which has and will continue to make this world-wide outreach possible.”

Steve and Faith Treague are excited as Faith is retiring this year from teaching. This will give her the opportunity to join Steve full time in this awesome, fun and challenging opportunity to serve God. We pray God will continue to bless the Treagues, RTC and their new television ministry.

Visit http://www.riddles.org/ to preview the shows opening theme or to contact the Treagues about getting involved in the production process. Volunteers are needed and can also reach the Treagues by calling (605) 988-4140 for more information.

Planet Kids Children's Ministry

The Planet Kids Mascots are Armstrong & GoGurt. Muppet style puppet figure versions were designed and constructed by Michele Acquin at Puppet Planet. (Puppet photos to come soon, Armstrong can be seen in the gallery at http://www.puppet-planet.com/)

Puppet Planet is honored to be a part of so many worthy projects worldwide where our puppets are used in a vareity of Noble works. Here is an example of some of our characters in action as described by Dean at the First United Methodist Church in Tarpon Springs Florida!

Planet Kids: Go everywhere in the world and tell the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15

Planet Kids is the children’s ministry at First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Our theme throughout is a space theme and our verse, Mark 16:15 is our reminder to be focused on reaching out to everyone on this planet with the love of Jesus.

Planet Kids is about training and equipping kids to do ministry. On Wednesday nights we have Space Camp for all ages. On Sunday’s we have Rock-It Worship (kid’s church) up in the Launch Pad during our 9:15 service and during our 11:00 service we have Blast-Off classes for all ages.

Mission Control is our Tech. Team that consists of 5th graders that are trained by adults to run our sound-lighting-and-power point. Planet Shakers is our kid’s ministry team that is made up of 3rd grade on up. The meet every Wednesday night during Space Camp and consist of kids who have chosen to go a little deeper in their walk with God. They are trained to do ministry with other kids and are our primary kid source for doing outreach and mission trips.

Planet Works is our Worship Arts ministry for all ages which consists of worship flags, puppets, special effects, sword of the spirit, worship sign language, tubular worship, drama, and much more.

Rocketeers are what we call our volunteers who serve in Planet Kids throughout the week.
Summer Trek is the name given to our summer season which consists of Planet Outreach (kid’s mission trips), kid’s camp, Kidz Quest, The 5th Grade Farewell Blast-Off, Operation Backpack and much more.