1710313103 <![CDATA[News Entries]]> http://local.rosewoodservices.com/ en michaeld@rosewoodservices.com Copyright 2024 2024-03-12T20:43:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Rosewood AKTION Club Delivers Blankets to Area Organizations]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-delivers-blankets-nr3-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-delivers-blankets-nr3-24#When:20:43:00Z {image_1}

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club completed its annual community blanket drive this spring by donating to two organizations, which are headquartered in Great Bend. Club representatives donated blankets to Barton County Health Department, and Family Crisis Center. The blanket drive was conducted from January through February this year.

“We appreciate the community stepping up once again to help provide blankets to two deserving organizations in our community,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Our AKTION Club members understand the importance of providing blankets to area children, so much so that it’s been their choice to keep this community fund drive going for the past 11 years. Over that time, we’ve provided a lot of blankets, but we know every year, there are always more needed.” 

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The blankets were a welcomed donation to Family Crisis Center, 1924 Broadway Ave., as blankets are given to every child within the organization that serves an 11-county area. Family Crisis Center has also recently started providing blankets with bags to area hospitals to give to patients involved in the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program. 

“I’m completely grateful to Rosewood AKTION Club for conducting this drive,” said Kylee Graves, executive director of Family Crisis Center.  “We have an amazing community with lots of organizations and people willing to help each other. I hope we can continue being able to give back what we can. Likewise, I hope that other organizations can continue to bless us with their giving, as well. We appreciate the support.”

The Barton County Health Department, 1300 Kansas Ave. STE B, follows Barton County mothers through their pregnancies and present parents with a blanket for their newborns. Because of their demand for blankets as gifts, they are always in need of more blankets.

“We take the blankets to our Healthy Start home visits and give them to the infants that just got home from the hospital,” explained Savannah Bochy, Healthy Start Home Visitor for the department. “The large blankets, we give to the adults during home and clinic visits. We rely heavily on blanket donations; we use all of them. They go to the infants and newborns and to mothers and parents who don’t have the financial ability to have enough blankets, otherwise.”

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Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood members to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices


For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-796-2242.

March 12, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-03-12T20:43:00+00:00
<![CDATA[Rosewood AKTION Club Hosts Easter Basket Workshop on March 23]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-easter-basket-workshop3-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-easter-basket-workshop3-24#When:17:56:00Z First 70 Children To Receive Special Prize

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Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is hosting the 8th Annual “Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop” on March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rosewood Activity Center, 1607 Main Street, Great Bend, adjacent to Rosewood Gallery.

During the workshop, children can create their own Easter baskets, decorate Easter eggs, and participate in other fun activities, like coloring Easter pages. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance, and children can take photos with him. Families have the option of taking free cell phone photos, or pay $3 to receive a printed photo with the Easter Bunny.

The first 70 children who attend will receive a special prize for their Easter baskets. Children can also enter prize drawings. Following the workshop, drawing winners will be notified.

There is a donation request of $5 per basket for participants, which helps cover the cost of materials for the workshop. Any other proceeds raised from the workshop go toward Rosewood AKTION Club efforts in organizing future community projects.

“It’s hard to believe we have been bringing this event to children in our community for the past eight years,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “It’s easily one of the favorite activities of our Rosewood AKTION Club members because of the joy they are able to bring to all the children and their families. Of course, it’s always an exciting time for children to be able to meet the Easter Bunny. We’re looking forward to a great turnout.”

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

-RW-


For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-796-2242.

March 8, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-03-08T17:56:00+00:00
<![CDATA[Organizations and Vendors Can Still Sign Up for ‘Earth Day Celebration’]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/gb-earth-day-celeb-nr3-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/gb-earth-day-celeb-nr3-24#When:16:44:00Z April 20th Event Growing at Great Bend Zoo

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Great Bend Earth Day Celebration looks to be growing in its third year with more vendor participation expected this year. The event is scheduled form 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 20 at Great Bend Zoo. Already, there are 10 vendors signed up to participate in the local event, organized to commemorate the worldwide Earth Day effort that raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources.

The Great Bend Zoo, Rosewood ECycle and Great Bend Dairy Queen are sponsoring, and invite other organizations and businesses to participate in the celebration. There is no charge for booth set-up. Any group promoting conservation, or providing children’s entertainment and education is encouraged to join.

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Several organizations that participated the previous two years have committed to the local come-and-go celebration, which occurs two days ahead of the official 54th anniversary of Earth Day. In addition to involvement by the three sponsors, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Heartland Farm, Great Bend Zoological Society, Women For Kansas, along with ‘Read With Me’ program members Luna and Glenn, are participating again. Smoky Hills PBS is also returning, and plans to bring a special PBS Character once again. An appearance by Curious George two years ago brought a record 1,600 participants to Great Bend Earth Day Celebration.

Barton Community College STEM Club, with an expected appearance by Bart The Cougar, is a new addition to this year’s event. Also participating for the first time is Sunflower Recycling Center, and Face Painting will be available at this year’s event.

“We’re really glad to have our returning vendors back, but also excited to add new vendors this year, which provides more diverse activities for the children,” explained Burdick. “With the expected participation of Bart The Cougar and the return of Smoky Hills PBS with one of its characters, this year stands to be a memorable event for children and families. I’m pleased with how Great Bend Earth Day Celebration has grown so much in only a few years.”

As the third annual event draws closer, Burdick encourages other businesses, organizations and food vendors to sign up prior to the April 1 deadline. Those wanting to participate can contact Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at zoocurator@greatbendks.net.

In case of inclement weather, the Zoo will also offer indoor or covered vendor space.

-EDC-

Click on link for Great Bend Earth Day Celebration flier, http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/Earth-Day-flier1-24.pdf


For more information, contact Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo Curator, zoocurator@greatbendks.net, 620-793-4226

March 7, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-03-07T16:44:00+00:00
<![CDATA[Rosewood’s Tammy Hammond Publishes Books About Santa Claus]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/th-published-santas-books-nr2-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/th-published-santas-books-nr2-24#When:21:41:00Z {image_1}

Tammy Hammond, Rosewood Services founder and executive director, is now a published author. Last month, she published two books on Santa Claus that she wrote over a two-year span, and she has plans to complete and publish two more books in the coming year.

Hammond completed her first book more than a year ago, titled The History of Santa Claus: The Traditions and Origins of Santa as Practiced Around the World. She completed her second book late last year, titled Santas Around the World: Experience America’s Most Unique Santa Collection. Both books were recently published and are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble as hardcover and paperback editions, as well as on Kindle. Additionally, The History of Santa will shortly be available as an audiobook. All proceeds from book sales will go to the Roots & Wings Foundation to maintain the Santas Around The World exhibit.  

“I’ve always found the story of Santa Claus magical and enchanting,” explained Hammond. “I became even more fascinated when we were gifted the Santas Around The World exhibit more than a decade ago. Since that time, I’ve become an avid reader and researcher of all things Santa Claus. These books are the result of my desire to learn more about his legend as well as my desire to tell people about our wonderful Santas exhibit.”

Santas Around the World is a multicultural collection of 25 life-sized international Santas crafted by local artist and sculptor Loretta Miller. The exhibit was donated to the Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation by the Santa Committee in 2011, after being moved to various locations around Great Bend. Since that time, the exhibit has been showcased at its current location, 1223 Main Street, downtown Great Bend.

Hammond’s first book, The History of Santa Claus, chronicles how Santa Claus evolved from mythology and real people into the contemporary jolly old elf we know today. More specifically, she traces the evolution of Santa from Bishop Nicholas of Myra to his later incarnations in America and Europe: Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Samichlaus, Father Christmas, Grandfather Frost, Santa Claus, and many others.

In her second book, Santas Around the World, Hammond provides the history of the 25 Santas (country by country and with beautiful color renderings) that are featured in the Great Bend exhibit. The book explains the differences and similarities of these “cultural Santas,” and details how and why the garb, names, and traditions of Santa evolved differently, while retaining the basic elements of the figure commonly called Saint Nick.

Santas Around the World also pays tribute to artist Loretta Miller’s creative inspiration, making each Christmas holiday a special time of the year for Rosewood and the Great Bend community.

“The Santas in our exhibit are exquisite pieces created by a wonderfully gifted artist,” Hammond said. “I want as many people as possible to know what an amazing exhibit we have in our town. I hope that my books will create a ripple effect among readers so that they can share both the history and traditions of Santa, as well as the unique story behind the creation of our Winter Wonderland exhibit.”

-SANTAS-

Find more about Santas Around The World online, SantasAroundTheWorld.com

Follow us at facebook.com/SantasAroundTheWorld


For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Rosewood director of public relations, michaeld@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536

February 8, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, Rosewood PR Director, 620-792-2536
MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-02-08T21:41:00+00:00
<![CDATA[Rosewood AKTION Club Blanket Drive In Final Month]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-blanket-drive-last-weeks2-5-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-blanket-drive-last-weeks2-5-24#When:20:52:00Z {image_1}

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is entering its last few weeks of conducting its blanket drive that goes to helping area children in need. AKTION Club members would like to remind the community that there is still time to make a difference in the lives of area children, but that time is ending soon. The annual blanket drive, which began last month, ends on Feb. 29.

Until that time, Rosewood Miracle Workers are accepting new blankets, quilts, and homemade blankets. They are also accepting monetary donations, which are being used to purchase additional blankets.

All donated blankets and monetary donations can be delivered during regular business hours to one of two locations in downtown Great Bend: Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main; or Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main.

Once the drive is completed, Rosewood AKTION Club members will deliver donations to two area agencies: Family Crisis Center and the Barton County Health Department.

“We shortened the duration of our drive this year in order to be able to donate the blankets during the winter season,” explained Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “We still believe that we can provide a lot of blankets in that amount of time, but we are counting on the awesome community involvement that we have received in the past. The support we receive benefits so many area children who need the blankets for warmth and comfort. This drive also provides a wonderful opportunity to our Club members to lead a worthwhile community cause. We appreciate any donations that people can provide during our last few weeks of this blanket drive.”  

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood members to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, RosewoodServices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

-RW-


For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-796-2242.

February 5, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-02-05T20:52:00+00:00
<![CDATA[‘Earth Day Celebration’ Back at Great Bend Zoo on April 20]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/gb-earth-day-celebration-nr1-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/gb-earth-day-celebration-nr1-24#When:23:14:00Z Businesses and Organizations Encouraged to Sign Up

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Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is back for its third consecutive year. Three Great Bend businesses, located on north Main Street, are joining efforts once again to host Great Bend Earth Day Celebration this spring at Great Bend Zoo. The Zoo, Rosewood ECycle, and Great Bend Dairy Queen have scheduled the event for April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Last year’s event was well attended with more than 400 participants, but it was far from the record 1,600 people who participated in the inaugural event held two years ago. That year, Great Bend Earth Day Celebration benefited by Smoky Hills PBS providing an appearance by Curious George, who met and mingled with children.

“It will be difficult to ever match our first-year attendance because a lot of variables fell into place, which benefited our event,” explained Great Bend Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick. “Last year, the weather was chilly and we didn’t have a PBS character. But we still had a good turn-out with more than 400 children learning about conservation and recycling, so it was a good day. We’re excited about the future of our Earth Day event as more businesses and organizations show an interest in participating.”

Besides the three sponsors, five other businesses and organizations participated in the celebration last year. They were Heartland Farm, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Luna the Therapy Dog, Great Bend Zoological Society, and Wheatland Electric. Burdick said most of last year’s vendors have shown an interest in returning. She has also received a confirmation that Barton Community College’s STEM Club will participate, and there will be an appearance from Bart The Cougar. Sunflower Recycling will participate this year, as well. There are also exciting developments with PBS planning to return.

Burdick encourages other businesses, organizations and food vendors to sign up. There is no charge to participate as a vendor. Great Bend Zoo can supply tables for vendor booths. In case of inclement weather, the staff will also offer indoor vendor space.

“Our primary education mission at the Zoo is to teach conservation and conserving the wild spaces for animals,” said Burdick. “The biggest issue affecting wildlife habitat is pollution. We can all make a difference in their world by focusing on ways to recycle and do the things at home and in our daily lives that, collectively, will make an impact. Earth Day Celebration helps us bring our conservation message to the community. We are thankful for everyone who joins us in this effort.”

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is geared toward children, but all family members are welcome to participate. Great Bend Dairy Queen will once again issue a coupon for a free kid’s cone to all youth participants that day.

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, which occurs a few days ahead of the official 54th anniversary of Earth Day, is a come-and-go event that is free to the public. Businesses and organizations that want to participate in the celebration can contact Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at zoocurator@greatbendks.net. The deadline for booth sign-up is April 1.

-EDC-

Click on link for Great Bend Earth Day Celebration flier, http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/Earth-Day-flier1-24.pdf


For more information, contact Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo Curator, zoocurator@greatbendks.net, 620-793-4226

January 18, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-01-18T23:14:00+00:00
<![CDATA[14 Rosewood Employees Awarded for Combined 155 Years of Service]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/rw-service-awards1-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/rw-service-awards1-24#When:21:18:00Z Two Original Employees Celebrate Silver

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Rosewood Services celebrated its silver anniversary in 2023, and simultaneously, two of its employees also celebrated their 25-year work anniversaries. Vicki Schmitt, senior director of services, and Patty Halseth, financial coordinator, joined Rosewood Services mere days after the agency opened its doors in May 1998. The two original employees were recognized for their years of service during Rosewood’s employee Christmas party, held Dec. 8, at Rosewood Activity Center.

“Vicki and Patty remember opening our doors in a house with used, donated furniture and setting up offices in bedrooms with matted white shag carpet,” said Rosewood Services Executive Director Tammy Hammond. “I admire the great determination and untiring dedication they have given and continue to give to our cause, which is a daily pursuit of wanting to create the same opportunities for people with disabilities that you and I enjoy.”

{image_2}Those original employees joined 12 others, who were recognized for milestone work anniversaries last month, as well. The group collectively totals 155 years of service and experience at Rosewood.

Besides Schmitt and Halseth, celebrating 15-year anniversaries in Administration Department were Tess Bradley, and Anna Hammond, along with Bryan Freeman in Residential. Celebrating 10 years were Residential employees Krystal Halseth and Constance Winkler, along with Rosewood Winery Manager Alex Hammond. Five-year service awards went to Residential employees Karen Andrulis, Dawn Chizek, and Rachel Kelley, along with Day Service employee Rachel Baird. They were joined by 5-year service award recipients Lindsey Ferguson and Christina Tammen, representing Rosewood Wine Cellar. 

“Employees are our greatest resource and the greatest difference-maker to optimally serving people with developmental disabilities,” said Tammy Hammond. “I commend each one of our award-winning employees for consistently showing commitment, dedication and loyalty in providing daily care to the people we serve. Our dedicated employees are the reason our agency continues to set the bar and lead the state in carrying forward innovative programs for people with disabilities.”

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices


For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Rosewood director of public relations, michaeld@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536

January 12, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, Rosewood PR Director, 620-792-2536
MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-01-12T21:18:00+00:00
<![CDATA[Rosewood AKTION Club Conducting Blanket Drive Through Feb. 29]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-blanket-drive-advance1-2-24 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/ac-blanket-drive-advance1-2-24#When:15:01:00Z {image_1}

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is conducting a blanket drive as a way to help children in need. Now through Feb. 29, Rosewood Miracle Workers are accepting new blankets, quilts, and homemade blankets. They are also accepting monetary donations, which will be used to purchase additional blankets.

Once the drive is completed, Rosewood AKTION Club members will deliver donations to two area agencies: Family Crisis Center and Barton County Health Department.

All donated blankets and monetary donations can be delivered during regular business hours to one of two locations in downtown Great Bend: Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main; or Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main.

“This annual drive is so important to our AKTION Club members because they see first-hand how important the blankets are to the organizations that we donate to,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Blankets provide comfort to children, especially in their most vulnerable times. Family Crisis Center and Barton County Health Department serve a lot of children across our region. Once again, we are hoping for tremendous involvement from our community to support this worthy cause.”

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood members to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

-RW-

Access Rosewood AKTION Club Blanket Drive Flier at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/RW-AC-Blanket-Drive-Flier1-24.pdf


For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-796-2242.

January 2, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2024-01-03T15:01:00+00:00
<![CDATA[Santa Suits Worn by Randy and Sandy Smith Showcased in Great Bend’s Holiday Exhibit]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/santa-suit-donaton-SATW-Feature12-14-23 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/santa-suit-donaton-SATW-Feature12-14-23#When:20:56:00Z Together Forever

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The magic of Christmas visited Santa Claus this year. It came from the wizardry talent of Great Bend artist Loretta Miller. She infused new life into the 20-year-old Santa Claus sculpture that appeared in the ‘Santas Around The World’ exhibit, located in downtown Great Bend.  Santa now greets visitors with a brand new face and a fresh new look.

Miller’s inspiration derived from the Santa Claus suit that was donated by the community’s longtime Santa Claus, Randy Smith. After five decades of playing jolly old Saint Nick, Randy hung up his uniform for the final time last season. Then he handed the complete outfit – from hat to boots - to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation, which operates ‘Santas Around The World’ at 1223 Main Street.

‘Santas Around the World’ comprises twenty-five life-sized Santas, representing countries and regions from around the world. It is currently open to the public through Dec. 22. The exhibit’s regular hours are 4-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. People can schedule appointments outside of those hours by contacting Rosewood at (620) 792-2536, info@rosewoodservices.com.

“I knew when I donated Sandy’s Mrs. Claus suit for the exhibit last year that my suit would soon follow, once I completed my role as Santa Claus. Just like Sandy and me, our suits belong together.” 

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In the fall of 2022, Randy donated his late wife Sandy’s Mrs. Claus outfit to be used for the new addition to the exhibit. Miller’s completed work of Mrs. Claus was her first to the exhibit in 17 years, and the new sculpture was introduced to the public last Christmas season. Then last February, Miller went back to work sculpting a new look for Santa Claus and completed that sculpture last March.  

“I thought they both came out very well, but I admit that Mrs. Claus is my favorite,” said Miller. “She’s a happy woman. Sandy always had a smile and a twinkle in her eye, so I think Mrs. Claus captures that element of Sandy very well. I think having their suits in the exhibit is remarkable. I’m glad that the two of them will always be together forever in their suits, in Great Bend, Kansas, and we will always be reminded of them every holiday season.”

Randy morphed into Santa Claus for the first time in 1968. In those early days, Sandy helped him every step of the way with his appearances throughout the community. About a decade later, she joined him as Mrs. Claus. Through four decades of serving as the Claus couple, they never charged for their appearances, but instead, accepted donations and gave the money to an organization, charity or a family in need.

At the start of their alias appearances, the Smiths purchased quality suits and then accessorized them as the years went by. Their original suits and all their accessories are now showcased in the ‘Santas Around The World’ exhibit.

“There’s so much more to it than putting on a suit and asking someone what they want for Christmas,” explained Randy. “Now that more than three years have passed; losing David (the couple’s son) and then losing Sandy two months later … material things are material things. It’s the cherished memories that are the most important. …

So many memories. David went with us every time in the early years. It was so amazing. I get flashbacks of every year. I can remember coming into town on the combine for the Christmas parade; I can remember falling off the combine. I remember riding on the back of the firetruck for the parade. I remember (oldest granddaughter) Kenda’s first year being in the parade. She sat up on the back of the firetruck and said, ‘Grandpa, you look just like Santa.’ We got involved with Great Bend Rec, serving as Santa and Mrs. Claus for many years. We were involved with Rosewood clients all those years, and we visited so many homes every year. I think most of Great Bend has sat on my lap.”

The donation of Randy’s and Sandy’s suits come full circle as the multicultural Santas display is operated by Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation. Sandy was an original employee of Rosewood Services in 1998, and she served as the first Rosewood Gallery manager for 15 years, before retiring in 2013. Even in retirement, she continued to stay involved with the clients and Rosewood, until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Randy also helped the agency gain its footing, especially in the early years.

Having both Sandy’s and Randy’s outfits included with the exhibit makes the new additions extra special for Rosewood, said Tammy Hammond, Rosewood founder and executive director.

"Randy and Sandy are so special to all of us at Rosewood, for so many reasons, but also for playing Santa and Mrs. Claus to our clients for nearly two decades,” said Hammond. “They will forever be a part of Rosewood in all of our hearts. It’s symbolic that their Santa suits will forever be connected with us, as well.  We are thankful and blessed to have had them in our lives for so many years.

Thank you to Loretta for so elegantly capturing their spirit in her artistry while building Santa and Mrs. Claus for the exhibit. Seeing both figures together, it’s such an amazing rendition of the couple that uniquely exists here in Great Bend.”  

There is no charge to visit the exhibit, but a freewill donation is suggested to provide funds to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation that go toward helping to maintain the ‘Santas Around the World’ exhibit. Also, a portion of the funds are donated to Great Bend’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program for helping to man the booth through the season.

Adding to the ‘Santas’ experience, the City of Great Bend provides a free opportunity for Santa Claus to visit with children at that location during the same regular hours that the Santas exhibit is open to the public.

People can find out more about the exhibit by visiting the website, SantasAroundTheWorld.com.      

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Find more about Santas Around The World online, https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com

Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/santasaroundtheworld


For more information, contact Michael Dawes, PR & Marketing, 620-792-2536

Dec. 14, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, Director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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2023-12-14T20:56:00+00:00
<![CDATA[Forever Young Crowned Great Bend Cookie Champion Again]]> http://rosewoodservices.com/site/forever-young-cookie-champ12-7-23 http://rosewoodservices.com/site/forever-young-cookie-champ12-7-23#When:20:31:00Z Record $1,485 Raised for Food Bank of Barton County

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This year is twice as nice for Great Bend business owner Betty Hazlett. After winning the Great Bend Cookie Contest for the first time last year, she successfully defended the crown this year. Hazlett’s store, Forever Young (Kids Resale), located at 1101 Main, was named Great Bend Cookie Contest Champion for the second consecutive year. The 15th Annual Great Bend Cookie Contest was held in downtown Great Bend on Nov. 25 during a snowy day on Small Business Saturday.

“Last year was more of a surprise to us that we won,” explained Hazlett. “This year, we had a better idea of how to win. You have to know what you are doing when baking so many cookies. You can’t bake a cookie that will be too crisp the next day. And there’s no way you can do this on your own. You need a good team to bake all the cookies correctly.”

Competing in her fourth consecutive Great Bend Cookie Contest, Hazlett’s baking team included daughters Rachelle Hapes, and Tara Hazlett, along with Elizabeth Ibarra; the same team that took last year’s cookie prize. This year, Forever Young chose to bake a snickerdoodle with cream chees frosting. Hazlett said she prefers this year’s cookie over last year’s winner, a mini cheesecake with berries cookie.

The weekend before this year’s contest, the team tried out three different cookie recipes. Once the snickerdoodle was chosen, they made and froze the dough balls, ready for their long baking day on Friday before the contest.

“We baked, and we baked, and we baked” explained Hazlett. “It was eight cookies a sheet, 10 minutes a cookie sheet in the oven for a total of 5 1/2 hours of steady baking.”

Forever Young won the contest with 42 votes, followed by A440 Music with 28 votes (warm salted caramel chocolate chip), and Great Bend Coffee took third with 17 votes (pumpkin snickerdoodle with frosting).

In what has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition, more than 130 cookie judges donated at least $10 for a cookie bracelet, which allowed them to visit 11 Great Bend businesses and taste cookies before voting on their favorite one. For the first time in four years, cookie bracelets did not sell out, but record proceeds still went to the Community Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond. This year’s contest resulted in $1,485 that has been donated to the Food Bank. That’s $105 more than last year’s previous record.

Businesses participating in this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest, besides Forever Young, were Rosewood Furniture Gallery (Cookie Headquarters); Kustom Floor Designs; Buckle; Great Bend Coffee; Bling; Rosewood Bargain Barn; A440 Musical Instruments; Heart of Kansas/Ms. Pretty Pickles; The Wright Place; and Rosewood Wine Cellar.

According to Great Bend Cookie Contest organizers, bragging rights for the contest is a fun part of the event, the true significance of the contest are the proceeds generated by the contest to help those within the community, who are in need.

“While winning the cookie contest is important, and we congratulate Forever Young for defending its cookie title, we are so thankful to all the stores and cookie judges for participating,” said Anna Hammond, business development director for Rosewood Services. “With the inclement weather, it would have been easy for people not to participate this year, but because of everyone who did, we were able to donate a record amount from our contest to the Food Bank of Barton County.”

As part of activities wrapped into Small Business Saturday, cookie contest businesses also donated prizes, which were awarded to cookie contest participants during a drawing the following Monday. 

By winning two consecutive years, Forever Young is chasing the greatness of A440 Musical Instruments, which was crowned Great Bend Cookie Champion five of the previous six years before last year. And Hazlett seems to be up for the challenge to defend her title next year.

“My kids are excited about the contest,” explained Hazlett. “I’ve already started receiving recipe ideas for next year from them. Yes, we’re planning to do the contest again next year. The pressure mounts, it’s hard to keep winning; it’s also a lot of work, but we have a lot of fun doing it.”

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, RosewoodServices.com
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For more information, contact Anna Hammond, Rosewood Services, 620-793-5888

December 7, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, PR Director, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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