Great Imaginings, Great Goals

Who is the space alien named Splunkunio Splunkey®, affectionately called Splunkey? It is his mission to bring friendship to earth and teach children and adults how to be a better person and a friend to others. These goals are obtained through the use of science fiction, imagination and just plain fun.

Splunkey is one of the colorful and delightful puppets utilized by Dr. Elana Ashley, whose seminars and family workshops incorporate puppetry, storytelling, song, poetry, science fiction, arts and crafts. She is a master ventriloquist, storyteller and singer. Her company is appropriately named, "Great Imaginings." Her other puppets are Ellie and Eli Elephant and two new puppets recently introduced, Sgt. Patrick O'Reilly and Wizzy the Wizard.

"The goal of Great Imaginings is to promote global friendship and world peace through the use of educational and entertaining multi-media," states Dr. Ashley. "We target the themes of building character and self-esteem, respecting differences, solving conflicts and teamwork through performances and workshops for children and families, through the efforts of Peacemaker and Spokespuppet Splunkunio Splunkey®, through his web site and international friendship club, through the use of original stories, and, in the future, through a television series and animated film."

While for quite some time she had wanted to build a web site, the events of September 11, 2001 motivated Dr. Ashley to move forward with Splunkey's web site and his mission of peace. The web site for Splunkey at www.splunkey.org is a treasure chest for science fiction lovers. You will learn about the beginnings of Splunkey and his mission through the sci-fi writings of Dr. Ashley. Colorful photos of the adorable alien will light up children's eyes. A free membership to "Splunkey's Friendship Club" [SFC] is available to everyone. Members can e-mail Splunkey directly with their thoughts, ideas, illustrations, poems and stories.

According to the web site: "Splunkey's Friendship Club is for children who would like to make new friends with people who live in every part of the world. It is for children who, along with their parents or guardians, want to establish strong, caring relationships without regard for the boundaries of tribes, nations, races, creeds, political systems or national leaders."

Dr. Ashley wants to link up a global membership of friends whose correspondence will help create a greater understanding of each other. It is an ultimate dream to bring her group together for a friendship convention, possibly here in Chicago, in the not too distant future.

Great Imaginings was started in 1985, with Dr. Ashley doing many of her special programs in the Chicago public schools. She moved to the North Shore area and has been working out of school and park districts. She is excited to bring her special talents to all areas, and is willing to work out of public schools, libraries, museums and park districts for any type of family events. She is willing to travel anywhere and any place within reason.

"There are too many dysfunctional families in our society," says Dr. Ashley. "We work too much at our jobs and have no time for our children. Children need to learn from their parents. Parents are needed to model their best behavior in actions and words so we don't hurt each other."

For information on Dr. Ashley's workshops, check out Great Imaginings' web site at www.greatimaginings.com. Through game playing, singing and artistic projects, she works to teach basic themes of respecting differences, getting along and working out problems together, and taking joy and pride in oneself.

In another workshop called "I Choose to be a Winner," she works with older children, ages 7 to 11. Through the use of stories and role playing, she helps children develop problem-solving techniques. Too often conflict and violence are used to solve problems on television and in movies. The children are encouraged to interact directly with puppets Ellie Elephant and Splunkey.

A new science fiction fantasy workshop was recently introduced at the Deerfield Park District for ages 5 to 9. A slide show featuring the adventures of Splunkey narrated by Dr. Ashley is first presented. Splunkey then comes out and answers questions related to his peace mission. The children then help create a fantasy story together. And best of all, each child creates his own space creature!

Dr. Ashley is currently working on writing space adventures for Splunkey. She hopes to have her work published. She sees the slide show and stories as a basis for an animated show or public television series. Learn about programming and other information firsthand at Great Imaginings' exhibit table as part of The Centre East Showcase Exhibit to take place in The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, September 12 and 13, 2002.

"What could be greater than having the good feelings we feel about ourselves be re-enforced by family members?" asks Dr. Ashley on her web site. "The basis of all positive relationships, professional, friend or family, is mutual respect, appreciation and support. Such an activity among family members helps to bond children and parents."

Dr. Ashley would like to leave you with this last thought: "A parent who is a family member of Splunkey's Friendship Club sent us this warmhearted note about the word 'family.' Do you know what the word "FAMILY" means?

FAMILY =
(F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Great Imaginings is a tax exempt, not-for-profit organization. Dr. Ashley is looking for organizations, foundations and individuals who share her view of world peace to help her in her efforts.

Contact Dr. Ashley at 847-480-8998 or e-mail: DrAshley@GreatImaginings.org.