Let your voice be heard to determine downtown Great Bend’s “Best Christmas Window!”

Now through Dec. 3, people can tour the decorated Christmas Windows in downtown Great Bend and vote for their favorite. In its fourth season, the Christmas Window Decorating Contest is offering $500 for the “People’s Choice Award.”

Ballots and a voting box are available in front of Rosewood Foundation Office, 1213 Main Street, Great Bend, adjacent to Rosewood Bargain Barn. Voters must sign a confidential ballot, allowing one vote per person. The request by organizers is to “Keep it Fun and Fair!”

Boundaries for the window-decorating contest cover 10th to 18th Streets, and from Williams to Kansas Streets in Great Bend. There are 20 windows to vote on this season, all of them marked by a “Christmas Window Decorating Contest” sign in the window. The window locations are also listed on the backs of the voting ballots.

As with the past three holiday seasons, an anonymous donor is providing $3,000 in prize money to promote the Christmas Window Decorating Contest in downtown Great Bend. The first two categories of “Best Window Awards” will be selected by a panel of decorating professionals. “Judges 1st Place” will receive $1,500, and “Judges 2nd Place” will receive $1,000. The third prize of $500 is the “People’s Choice” award, which allows the public to choose their ‘Best Christmas Window’ by popular vote.

Christmas Window Decorating Contest winners will be announced on Dec. 5.

The ‘Christmas Window Decorating Contest’ is organized by the Rosewood Roots & Wings Santa Committee that also is associated with ‘Santas Around The World,’ the multicultural holiday exhibit, which opens Saturday evening for the Christmas season in downtown Great Bend.

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

Follow us at facebook.com/santasaroundtheworld

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Holiday traditions abound across the world, but one that is unique to the local area is participation in the Great Bend Cookie Contest. For the past 14 years, hundreds of shoppers have launched into the Christmas season by way of sampling and judging sweet treats served at Great Bend retail stores during Small Business Saturday.

The 15th annual Great Bend Cookie Contest is scheduled for Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in conjunction with the Home for the Holidays Festival. As in previous years, all collected proceeds go to the Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

The cookie contest allows people to sample cookies from participating businesses and vote for the best cookie in town. A maximum 250 shoppers have participated in the event each of the past three years. Cookie contest organizers are anticipating large participation numbers again this year and encourage shoppers to get their voting bracelets by noon, otherwise, they may already be gone.

This year, there are a few changes to the contest rules. 1. The donation amount to enter has increased to $10 per participant. 2. Each judge can purchase up to three bracelets for the contest. There was no limit on bracelet purchases in previous years.

To vote for your favorite cookie, stop by Cookie Headquarters on Saturday (Nov. 25) at Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 16th and Main in downtown Great Bend, to pick up a cookie box and voting bracelet. All votes to be counted must be returned to Cookie Headquarters by 4 p.m. on Nov. 25.

Besides getting to sample amazing cookies and having a say in which business bakes the best cookie, cookie contest judges have a chance to win prizes during drawings that will take place at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 25, following the “Home For The Holidays Parade” in downtown Great Bend. Drawing winners must be present at the band shell of Jack Kilby Square in order to win prizes. Following prize drawings, the winner of the Great Bend Cookie Contest will be announced.

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

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Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com
Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

For more information, contact Anna Hammond, Rosewood Services, 620-793-5888

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

For the fourth consecutive year, the public has the opportunity to take in the fun and merriment of the holiday season in Great Bend, while riding aboard the Dolly Trolley. Dolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tours are free to the public, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individual sponsors. And for the second consecutive year, there is a convenient online option to sign up for Dolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tours.

People can sign up for tours by going to SantasAroundTheWorld.com/dolly-trolley, or search for the sign-up location at Eventbrite.com. Seating is limited to eight people per ticket order. People can also schedule their trolley rides during regular business hours by going to Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main, Great Bend.

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Hourlong rides depart in front of Perks Coffee Shop, 1216 Main Street, downtown Great Bend. They return to the same location. Perks is offering hot beverages and cookies for sale to Dolly Trolley riders before heading out on their excursion.  Once on board the trolley for the tour, riders will have a spectacular window view as they experience the dazzling Trail of Lights and splendor of the Holiday Season in Great Bend this season.

The Holiday Lights Tour schedule begins at 6 p.m. on Nov. 28 and runs through 8 p.m. on Dec. 30. The Trolley does not run on Sundays or Mondays through that period.

Once ordered, those needing to cancel their tickets are asked to do so using the Eventbrite app, send an e-mail to info@rosewoodservices.com with contact information, or stop into Rosewood Bargain Barn to provide contact details for cancelation. Canceling online will automatically provide seat availability for others to tour.

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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, Rosewood Services Director of Public Relations, michaeld@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536.

November 6, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Organizers of the annual “Christmas Window Decorating Contest” are hoping to brighten downtown Great Bend in holiday ambiance this year. Now in its fourth season, the anonymous donor, who is putting up $3,000 in prize money, is issuing a challenge: Let’s light up all downtown stores, not just the contest windows.

“Contest windows have been spectacular the previous three years; they have certainly helped bring attention to Great Bend as a Christmas city,” said the anonymous donor. “But we’d like to see even more window-decorating participation to light up all of downtown Great Bend this season. Even if you can’t do fully decorated windows, you don’t have to go all out; put some lights up. Let’s give people a truly memorable downtown Great Bend holiday experience.”

Window contest winners will be announced on Dec. 5 through local media channels. Window displays must be family friendly, creative and festive. They will be judged on Originality, Workmanship, General Presentation, and of course, Lights.

The first two categories of “Best Window Awards” will be selected by a panel of decorating professionals. “Judges 1st Place” will receive $1,500, and “Judges 2nd Place” will receive $1,000. The third prize of $500 is a “People’s Choice” award, which allows the public to choose their ‘Best Christmas Window’ by popular vote.

For “People’s Choice” voting, ballots and a voting box will be available outside of Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street, Great Bend. Details of the voting process will be provided as the holiday season draws closer.

Boundaries for the window-decorating contest cover 10th to 18th Streets, and from Williams to Kansas Streets in Great Bend.

There are no fees to enter, but participants are responsible for the cost of their decorations. Downtown business owners are encouraged to enter the contest, as well as those individuals who would like to become window decorators.

Participants who do not have a store window to decorate will be assigned a vacant window in downtown Great Bend, based on availability. Independent decorators also have the option to coordinate with a business owner for window decorating.

Participants must submit their application by 5 p.m. on Nov. 10 to be included in the judging.  They must complete decorating by noon on Nov. 20, and judging for the window decorations will run from Nov. 21 – Dec. 3.

The ‘Christmas Window Decorating Contest’ is organized by the Rosewood Roots & Wings Santa Committee that also is associated with ‘Santas Around The World,’ the multicultural holiday exhibit, which opens each Christmas season in downtown Great Bend.

Those interested in participating in the Christmas Window Decorating Contest may access rules and an application form at SantasAroundTheWorld.com, or contact Anna at 620-793-5888 to receive an application form.

For those store owners who are not participating in the contest this year, it still benefits them to decorate, adding to the festive appearance of downtown Great Bend.

“A lot of times, folks stroll downtown after hours, and they may see something in your window that they come back for during business hours,” explained the anonymous donor. “It seems to me that we have gotten wider coverage and exposure each year that we have conducted the contest. Bringing that traffic and providing that exposure is an opportunity for every downtown business to make a positive impression on those potential shoppers.”

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

Follow us at facebook.com/santasaroundtheworld

For more information, contact Anna Hammond, Rosewood Services Business Development Director, annah@rosewoodservices.com, 620-793-5888.

October 25, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Entering its 19th year, the Rosewood Rodeo understandably featured a lot of seasoned horse riders. But the day also featured several novice riders, who were experiencing their first Rodeo. That gamut of experiences made for a fun and interesting day for the riders and audience alike, during the event held at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena on Oct. 7.

Thirty equine therapy riders displayed their horsemanship skills at this year’s Rodeo; skills they developed throughout the year by participating in equine therapy at Rosewood Ranch. Located five miles north of Pawnee Rock, Rosewood Ranch exists to help people with developmental disabilities. The Rodeo is the grand day annually that equine therapy participants get to showcase their abilities to family, friends and community members.

“We’ve seen a lot of cowboys and cowgirls come through our program over the years,” said Rosewood Ranch Manager Eric Hammond. “Josh, Mary, Robin and Shaun have been riding every year; others have ridden for a lot of years. But we had a lot of new riders enter the Rodeo this year and that will probably inspire other new riders next year.”

Eric pointed to John Reynolds as a positive example of someone who has attended Rosewood for many years, but only started participating in equine therapy this year.

“You never know when someone is going to take an interest in riding horses,” said Eric. “It was surprising when John decided he wanted to ride, but he is doing really well with it, and he’s advancing quickly.”

Reynolds joined Jim West, Caitlyn Stinger, Kaleb Nixon, and Cole Morin as first-year Rodeo riders. Kanye Cross participated in the Youth Division previously, but this was his first year participating as an adult rider.

On the other end of the spectrum, competing in their 17th Rodeos, were Robin Bethel, Shaun Ledesma, Mary Minear, and Josh Trimmer. The seasoned and novice riders were joined by fellow participants Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Darren Brown, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jonathan Folkerts, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, Johnathan Howe, DJ Johnson, Tyler Michaelis, Tori Rose, Andy Schultz, Dawn Specht, Abbey Stanley, Debbie Wasinger, and Jim Wonsetler.

In addition to the adult riders, Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Horse Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event at the beginning of the Rodeo. At the end of each of their rides, the youth riders received a ribbon for their participation and they were photographed with their award. Youth riders participating in this year’s Rodeo were Faith Schneweis, Ely Kocher, Parker Laviolette, Collin Duncan and Landon Titsworth. 

Therapy horses participating in this year’s Rodeo were veteran Rodeo horses Jordan and Harriet, along with Colonel and MR. Red, making just their second Rodeo appearance. Rosewood’s beautiful Percheron wagon team of Dixie and Dolly made an appearance during the grand entry. The Honorable Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles provided the invocation during the Rodeo grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events.

Other events throughout the day added to the Rodeo experience. They included two performances by the award winning all-female “The American Dream” horse-riding drill team. The Residential Team won a staff competition against the Day Services and Administrative Teams. A silent auction of items donated by local businesses was held to raise money, with proceeds from the auction going to Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop also provided items for sale, selling items made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio. Games and activities entertained children throughout the day. A pulled pork lunch, along with a variety of concession items, was available for purchase during the Rodeo.

Immediately following the rodeo, awards were presented. Cole Morin earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” John Reynolds was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Jim West won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award.

Ribbons were presented to participants for Trails, along with Barrel and Horsemanship events. The clients competed in three levels, depending on their riding ability: rider with lead and side-walker, rider with lead, and independent rider.

During the awards ceremony, high point and reserve awards were presented to Horse Show participants. The adult therapy riders were recognized in front of their peers and spectators for earning the most points in their respective categories during Horse Show Days at Rosewood Ranch throughout this year. Sashes were awarded to winners, representing three divisions in the categories of trail and horsemanship. Awards were also presented for showmanship.

Winners in each respective category were: High Point Trail – Jim West, Cole Morin, Mary Minear; Reserve Trail – Tori Rose, Debbie Wasinger, Crystal Alkire; High Point Horsemanship – Johnathan Howe, Cole Morin, Shwan Ledesma; Reserve Horsemanship – Rita Mestas, Keith Boyer, Chris Devine; High Point Showmanship – Mary Minear; and Reserve Showmanship – Crystal Alkire.

“It was a great Rodeo this year,” said Eric. “We had a good crowd all the way through, which really helped keep our riders focused. They gave extra effort and I think it showed the whole day through. You could see the pride they had in the saddle when they were moving across the arena on horseback and hearing their name called and the announcer sharing some of their story with the audience. They do have fun with it; they enjoy it. You can see it in their faces; their faces tell it all.”

This year’s rodeo was sponsored by 19 businesses. Sponsors were: Heartland Homecare Services; Great Bend Appliance, Furniture & Sleep Source; Kustom Floor Designs; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; Rosencrantz-Bemis Enterprises; Adams Brown Strategic Allies

and CPAs; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; Marmie Auto Group; Office Products Inc.; Miller Lawns; MPIRE Improvements; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; Mark’s Custom Signs; and Doan’s Outdoor Store.

Nearly 50 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by rodeo chairman Anna Hammond.

“It was a beautiful day for a rodeo and we had a great group of volunteers this year,” said Rosewood Executive Director Tammy Hammond. “From the horse handlers on the back side of the arena to the front with tack shop, concessions, silent auction, and children’s games, volunteers made this event successful. We’re indebted to them, as well as to our sponsors, donors and everyone who came out to support our clients during their special day. Our riders are already looking forward to next year when we celebrate our 20th Rodeo.”

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Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com

Follow us: facebook.com/RosewoodServices/

For more information, contact Eric Hammond, EricH@RosewoodServices.com, 620-786-1693

October 16, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@RosewoodServices.com

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If you are interested in a fun opportunity to purchase quality items at under-market-value prices, then come by Rosewood Rodeo Oct. 7. The 19th Annual Rodeo will be held at Great Bend Expo Complex – Barton County Fair Expo III Indoor Arena, two miles west on 10th and Patton Road.

In conjunction with Rosewood Rodeo’s Grand Entry, the Rosewood Silent Auction will begin at 10 a.m. Then bids will be accepted throughout the day until the Auction closes at 3 p.m. Winning bidders will be contacted following the silent auction, so they don’t have to be present to win.

During the auction, there are approximately 70 items to bid on, ranging in retail value from $10 to more than $250. These items are all new products and most likely will sell for under their retail value.

The items were donated by community businesses and individuals as a fundraiser to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation. Auction items include a wide variety of merchandise like an acoustic guitar with accessories, tools, artist pieces, a Green Mountain Grills Pizza Oven, a Halo Elite1B Countertop Griddle, multiple gift baskets, and many wonderful gift cards, certificates and passes. For a preview, bidders can access photos of the auction items at https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720311551194

Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation provides unmet medical and therapeutic needs, legal assistance, along with educational opportunities to people in need who have developmental disabilities.

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Find more about Rosewood Services online, RosewoodServices.com

Follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/RosewoodServices/

For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, EmploymentSpecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-796-2242

September 29, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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As Rosewood Services is celebrating its silver anniversary, the agency is also proudly hosting its 19th Annual Rosewood Rodeo. The annual equine-therapy rodeo will take place Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Great Bend Expo Complex – Barton County Fair Expo III Indoor Arena, two miles west on 10th and Patton Road.

Throughout the Rosewood Rodeo, the public is invited to come out and experience family-friendly fall fun. There is no admission charge.

The annual rodeo is one of the most important days of the year for equine-therapy riders from Rosewood Services, who practice their riding skills at Rosewood Ranch on a weekly basis throughout the year. Rosewood Ranch is a full-working horse ranch near Pawnee Rock, where people with developmental disabilities learn to ride and care for approximately 75 horses.

“We started our Rosewood Equine Therapy Program only a few years after we opened our agency, because we recognized the vital role it could play in the development of dozens of our clients,” said Tammy Hammond, Executive Director of Rosewood Services. “Our annual rodeo soon followed and it’s become a date that many of us circle on our calendars every year; we won’t ever miss this special day. We invite everyone to come out and experience the fun, and see why this event is so special for so many connected with the program.”

Rodeo-day fun includes children’s activities and games, and face painting. It’s a come-and-go event for spectators, so people can choose the times they wish to attend. Reasonably priced Chuck Wagon Concessions are also available, which includes a pulled pork lunch.

In between the day’s rodeo events are two performances by the all-female “The American Dream” horse riding drill team. “The American Dream” will perform at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m., featuring two different programs during each performance (All performance times are approximate.)

The 19th Annual Rosewood Rodeo’s grand entry and flag ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Then, throughout the day, therapeutic rodeo events will be held for Rosewood Services riders, including an event for children riders, followed by the award ceremony at approximately 3:30 p.m.

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During the rodeo, the public can participate in a silent auction, where they  can expect to find excellent deals on merchandise, with all bids closing at 3 p.m.  Proceeds from the auction go to Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation. The foundation provides therapeutic, medical, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need, who have developmental disabilities.

Plan to attend any or all of the day’s events while browsing tack-shop merchandise, which will be available throughout the day.

Below is a listing of events slated for this year’s Rosewood Rodeo:
Family Fun! Free Admittance!
● Kids’ Games and Activities, including Face Painting
● “The American Dream” Drill Team Performances
● Tack Shop with Novelties and Rosewood Client-Made Items
● Silent Auction
● Chuck Wagon Concessions
● Three Rodeo Events by Rosewood Services Adult Riders
● One Rodeo Event by Rosewood Services Children Riders
● Staff Races
● Award Ceremony for Rodeo Participants

Sponsors of this year's Rosewood Rodeo are: Great Bend Appliance, Furniture & Sleep Source; Kustom Floor Designs; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; Rosencrantz-Bemis Enterprises; Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAs; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; Marmie Auto Group; Office Products Inc.; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; Heartland Homecare Services; and Mark’s Custom Signs.

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Find more about Rosewood Services online, RosewoodServices.com

Follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RosewoodServices/

For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Director of PR, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536

September 19, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club’s “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive” is entering its 9th year in operation, and club members are just as excited today to conduct the community drive, as they were when it first began. That’s because the annual drive has typically achieved record amounts of giving each year to children across Barton County and beyond.

Rosewood AKTION Club is conducting its drive from now through Nov. 30, with the hope of matching last year’s success when the club gathered 1,719 coloring books and 1,719 crayons. Upon completion of the drive, club members will distribute the donated items to Saint Francis Community Services, Great Bend; and Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. The goal is to deliver the items to the local organizations during the Christmas season.

“With so much community and organizational involvement last year, it’s going to be difficult to top last year’s drive, but we’re hoping that we can come close to those numbers again,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Our AKTION Club members know that these area agencies are counting on us again to bring smiles to children’s faces, so they are eager to get this drive started again.” 

People can drop off coloring book and crayon donations, along with monetary donations for the purchase of coloring books and crayons to two locations in downtown Great Bend. Those locations are Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street; and Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street.

For the fifth consecutive year, Rosewood AKTION Club is in a friendly competition with Rosewood Services employees to see which group can raise the most items. Last year, Rosewood AKTION Club, with the help of community donated items counting toward its numbers, unseated Day Services as champion. Rosewood AKTION Club accounted for 1,019 coloring books and 1,224 boxes of crayons for last year’s drive.

“Our AKTION Club members are always enthusiastic about this fun drive, because they get to deliver and see the impact they are making on children in our community,” explained Pelster. “They loved finally winning last year, don’t get me wrong, but they love getting to put smiles on children’s faces even more. That’s the achievement that motivates them every year about this drive, and why it’s just as important to them today, as it was when we started in nine years ago.”

For questions about Rosewood AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, contact Pelster at 620-603-6502; employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com.

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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 clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

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Download Coloring Book and Crayon Drive flier, http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/AC-Color-Book-Drive-Flier9-23.pdf.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com
Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-603-6502

September 5, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Seventeen members of Rosewood Services, along with four sponsors traveled to Wichita last weekend and participated in the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference. It was the largest contingent of members Rosewood has ever brought to the annual conference. This year’s theme for the SACK Conference was “Taking Care of Business.”

Attending the conference for Kansans with disabilities were Rosewood’s Charles Bortz, Darren Brown, Stacy Buchwald, Kurtis Coleman, David Edwardson, Rae Griffin, Shae Griffin, DJ Johnson, Shaun Ledesma, Michael Manka, Cole Morin, Samantha Purcell, Ivan Smith, Abbey Stanley, Destiny Thomas, Josh Trimmer, and James West. Also attending this year’s conference were Rosewood sponsors Frankie Pelster, Tonya Burton, Tahcoa Strachan, and Dylan Yott.

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The SACK Conference, held June 30 – July 2 at Drury Plaza Hotel, Broadview, provided an opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to meet, share and learn from each other, as well as learn from experts in the field. Participants of this year’s annual conference had opportunity to choose from 16 workshops during four learning sessions that were held last Saturday.

Most of Rosewood’s SACK Conference attendees are members of Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club. Serving as the Club’s sponsor, Pelster said the impact of SACK Conference has a long-lasting positive impact on the AKTION Club.

“What’s nice is that our members want to take on more leadership roles in AKTION Club, following their training at SACK Conference,” she explained. “They start recognizing opportunities where they can lead and make a difference in their organization and community roles. SACK Conference isn’t associated with AKTION Club, but attending certainly has a positive effect on our Club throughout the year.”

Another development from the conference was that Pelster was nominated and received the “Barbara Bishop Support Staff of the Year Award.”

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“Winning that award was awesome,” said Pelster. “I couldn’t have won without so many of our Rosewood folks voting for me. I told them that I truly support them, but they, in turn, truly support me. It means more than anything that they rallied for me in that way.”   

Among the sessions offered, Pelster said that “Legislative Advocacy” was an important one for several Rosewood clients. Kurtis Coleman already completed the first session of advocacy leadership training in Topeka, and organizers are encouraging him to advance further at the state level. Members Cole Morin and James West have voiced their interest in completing the first session of training, too.

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West wrote a poem in the “Take Charge and Lead” session, titled “Advocating.” Presenters of the session liked his poem so much that they had West read his poem at the closing ceremony on Sunday.

“Advocating”
Those that are working to take care of themselves,
Work with open minds and open hearts,
Work to be true advocates for themselves and others.
They are true advocates in life without strike.
The advocates are spiritually and mentally strong in many hearts.
Life is not lost nor truly challenging,
Because they are strong.
James West 7/1/2023 SACK Conference.

Pelster said it was a new experience having the conference in Wichita, instead of Topeka. She said hotel staff went through special training to better-serve the members, and the effort showed in their hospitality. Beyond the break-out sessions, members participated in fun activities like a patio party, dance, bingo, swimming, photo booth, paddle boats, and an evening boat ride. However, it was the time after the busy activities that proved to be valuable to them, explained Pelster.

“At 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, they had a fire-pit where people could go have fellowship and make S’mores together,” she said. “They got to meet other self-advocates in a fun and relaxing environment, other than just interacting with them at the break-out sessions. This fellowship opportunity was a really special time for them.”

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Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com
Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, AKTION Club Sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-603-6502.

July 7, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-639-0407, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

It was Rosewood celebration time at Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo for several hours on Friday, May 12. That’s because the west lawn of the zoo was filled with multitudes of blue-shirt-wearing people, all representing Rosewood Services. The agency that started with only a dozen clients and an innovative vision for people with disabilities to “Celebrate Life,” celebrated its silver anniversary in business during the noontime picnic with nearly 500 people – comprising clients, their families, employees and Rosewood supporters – in attendance.

The day featured a picnic lunch with grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and sides. Attendees participated in the fun atmosphere at the zoo, which included yard games, a photo booth, scavenger hunt, animal encounters, coordinated by zoo staff, and raffle give-aways. Rosewood Services Founder and Executive Director Tammy Hammond provided remarks to those gathered for the silver anniversary celebration.

What began as a dream in May 1998, with Hammond as the agency’s only employee, has now grown to become one of the state’s greatest advocates and supporters of people with disabilities. Over the years, Rosewood has also become one of the area’s largest employers, employing more than 200 people, who daily serve nearly 200 people with disabilities.

Hammond recounted “the Rosewood story” by walking the audience through the history, reminiscing about the early challenges, reflecting on the agency’s growth and diversity, marking today’s successes, and ending with promising encouragement for Rosewood’s future.

“While our past impact is important, it truly is what each one of us does today, and what we will do tomorrow that continues to impact lives and the community around us,” said Hammond. “You are important. What you do makes a difference. We continue to write this story, the Rosewood story, together.”

Kansas Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Dan Biles, a long-time advocate of Rosewood and people with disabilities, also provided words of encouragement to those in attendance.

“This is an incredible, incredible accomplishment that all of you have achieved in this community and in the state,” Biles told the crowd. “I’m a constitutional officer, so I think I can say thank you on behalf of the state of Kansas. The relationship that I have with this program has meant as much to me as anything in my life. … Have a good day and reflect on what all of you have accomplished in your work here.”

Rosewood has created a vast world of opportunities for people with disabilities: From a therapeutic equestrian program, to a hardwood furniture manufacturing store, to a greenhouse and garden that grows tomatoes, to a studio and kitchen where jellies and other products are made and sold at retail locations. Work opportunities even include the nation’s only winery designed for the employment of people with developmental disabilities. These innovative programs have earned dozens of awards, from world championships won by riders in the equestrian program, to state honors in wine contests, to Rosewood being featured on nationally televised programs.

During the celebration, Hammond took time to recognize many long-time employees, as well as people who have played a fundamental role in supporting Rosewood Services throughout its 25-year history. Early supporters like Roland and Jane Smith, Randy and Sandy Smith, Leon and Carol Fishburn, Jeannie Girton and Phyllis Vogt provided Hammond encouragement to start Rosewood Services. Original employees Vicki Schmitt, LaDonna Dirks, Patty Halseth, Grace Johnson, Virginia Jacobs and Jennie Chism were instrumental in the start-up. Over the years, Hammond said she received expert guidance from Biles, as well as the late Bob Bethell, who served as a Kansas Representative. Local civic leaders Joel Jackson, Sheryl Cheely and Howard Partington have also played vital roles in Rosewood’s success, she noted.

Hammond talked about the sacrifices made by her family, especially during the early years. Her husband, Eric, along with all four children – Andy, Amanda, Anna and Alex – perform key roles in the operation of Rosewood Services today. Eric is Ranch Manager and a PATH-certified equine instructor. Amanda and Anna are both administrators in agency services. Alex is the Winery manager, and Andy was instrumental in marketing Rosewood Wine to liquor stores across the state.

“I would like to say they chose to be a part of Rosewood, but I’m afraid, if you asked them, they might say it was more expectation than choice,” Hammond said. “No matter their answer, I am very thankful they are here with me.”

-RW-

Read Tammy Hammond's 25th Anniversary Celebration Address at http://rosewoodservices.com/news/view/tammy-celebration-address5-23.

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

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For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Rosewood Services, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536.

May 22, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com