The Storm Special Olympics organization teamed up with Larned State Correctional Facility personnel on Friday in front of Walmart, Great Bend, to promote this year’s upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The Torch Run is a global movement that raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics. It's the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness campaign for Special Olympics, engaging more than 110,000 law enforcement personnel worldwide.

The area group sold Torch Run T-Shirts and took donations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They were joined by Jake LaMunyon, Director of Development for LETR at Special Olympics Kansas. His grandfather, Richard LaMunyon, then the Wichita Police Chief, began the torch run in 1981. Two years later, the elder LaMunyon presented his program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), which endorsed the program and gave it nation-wide traction. Today, law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes from around the world carry the “Flame of Hope,” while they participate in various fundraising events.

Central Kansas’ leg of the Torch Run will take place Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 10:45 a.m. at Schnack Park, Larned. From there, area law enforcement officers and athletes will carry the Torch from 4th and Broadway to the Pawnee County Courthouse. A barbecue celebration will be held afterward.

LSCF representative Kathy Graham has been involved with the event for many years and has coordinated the area effort for the past six years. The area event grew significantly last year, and Graham said she expects it to be even bigger this year with Ellsworth Correctional Facility expected to join in the Larned Torch Run festivities.

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LaMunyon said that people who missed the opportunity to purchase this year’s Kansas Torch Run T-Shirt at Great Bend’s Walmart can still purchase them at the various LETR events going on throughout the state, as well as at the State Summer Games in Wichita next month. They can also inquire to Special Olympics Kansas at soks.org.

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For more information, contact Amanda Hammond, Storm Team Local Program Coordinator, AmandaH@rosewoodservices.com, 620-793-5888.

May 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Today, April 22, marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual event to demonstrate environmental awareness across the world. Events are coordinated globally to the impact of one billion people celebrating the day in more than 193 countries. However, Great Bend’s celebration will occur this Saturday, four days after the official date.

The fourth annual Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is a free come-and-go event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 26, at Great Bend Zoo. A fun-filled day is in store with more than a dozen vendors, face-painting, free popcorn, plenty of give-aways, and of course, an opportunity to visit amazing Zoo animals.

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“We’re ready and excited for Saturday,” said Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo Director. “There is so much diverse vendor involvement this year and we have amazing food options with Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company and Avast Ye Java setting up at our Raptor Center. I’m so glad to see this event growing in its fourth year.”

Once again, Earth Day Celebration sponsor Great Bend Dairy Queen will issue a coupon for a free small ice cream cone to the first 500 youth participants on Saturday. Co-Sponsor Rosewood ECycle will provide the opportunity for participants to plant tomato seeds to grow their very own tomato plants.

In addition to involvement by the three sponsors, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Heartland Farm, Great Bend Zoological Society, Women For Kansas, Sunflower Recycling Center, along with ‘Read With Me’ program members Luna and Glenn, are participating again. Though they are not expected to bring a character this year, Smoky Hills PBS is also returning with fun activities planned for children. Barton Community College STEM Club returns, along with Bart The Cougar. Kansas Children’s Services League, and Fuller Industries are joining the celebration this year, along with a car club, as well as a model train set-up.

There is a chance of rain in the forecast for Saturday, but rain or shine, Burdick said the event will go on as scheduled. Organizers will make adjustments for vendors and participants, if they are needed, due to storms.

“One year, we had ideal weather for this event, the other years, we’ve adjusted, and folks still came out and enjoyed a wonderful Earth Day Celebration event at our Zoo,” said Burdick. “We expect to have another successful event this year. We encourage people to come out and take part in our free celebration at our community’s wonderful Zoo.”

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Access Great Bend Earth Day Celebration flier at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/GBEDC-Flier1-25.pdf

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

April 22, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Frankie Pelster, a 14-year employee of Rosewood Services, has earned a national award from ANCOR, the leading voice in Washington, D.C., for community-based disability services providers.

Pelster, Rosewood’s Employment Network Specialist, has been named the “2025 Kansas Direct Support Professional of the Year.” She was recognized this morning (April 9) during an awards ceremony at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel, along with 53 other DSP winners from across the nation. They were selected by ANCOR from a record-total of more than 500 nominations from across the nation.

“I am honored and humbled to win such a distinguished award,” exclaimed Pelster. “I genuinely love serving in the varied roles that I have, that help people with disabilities. The work itself is so rewarding, but winning the award is a pleasant surprise and it feels wonderful to be recognized in such a major way. I thank Rosewood Services for giving me so many opportunities to thrive and succeed in my field of work.”   

Under Pelster’s guidance for the past decade, Rosewood Employment Network has led the way in the state of Kansas for successfully placing people with disabilities into the area workforce. Utilizing two programs within the state of Kansas, nearly 60 people in Rosewood Employment Network now work, or are in job-search mode within the program, which serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

Additionally, Pelster serves as the lead sponsor of Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club, helping members to coordinate community service projects. Those efforts include conducting a community crayon and coloring book drive in the fall and organizing a community blanket drive each winter. She also serves on the Great Bend Kiwanis Board of Directors, this year serving as the club’s treasurer. Pelster is also an active participant in Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK).

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For her leadership efforts, Pelster was named “Kiwanian of the Year,” by the Great Bend club last year. In 2023, she won the “Barbara Bishop Support Staff of the Year Award,” for her leadership involvement with SACK.

“We are extremely proud of Frankie for being recognized as “Kansas DSP of the Year” by ANCOR,” said Rosewood Services CEO Tammy Hammond. “Frankie’s involvement, loyalty and commitment bring so much energy and encouragement to those we serve with disabilities at Rosewood. She is a true difference-maker for them in so many facets of their daily lives. We are fortunate to have her as a longtime employee at Rosewood Services.”   

Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive, and be included in the community.

“It is truly a pleasure to hear stories day in and day out about the magic that DSPs make possible as they deliver services that are nothing short of transformative for people with I/DD,” said Barbara Merrill, CEO for ANCOR. “It’s the very reason ANCOR began the DSP of the Year Awards program nearly two decades ago …”

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

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

Honoring the Class of ANCOR Direct Support Professionals, https://www.ancor.org/recognizing-excellence-2025/

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

April 9, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, Rosewood PR Director, 620-792-2536
MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club recently delivered supplies from its annual Coloring Book and Crayon Drive conducted last fall. A busy winter kept AKTION Club members from completing delivery until now, but the supplies were still right on time for drive recipient Clara Barton Hospital. 

“The donations we receive from Rosewood AKTION Club annually are what we typically receive for the year for coloring books and crayons,” explained Michelle Moshier, director of Clara Barton Hospital Foundation. “We are so appreciative whenever they arrive. It means a lot to us that Rosewood AKTION Club donations are helping to make Clara Barton a brighter place, one page at a time.”

Mosier said the coloring books and crayons are provided at each clinic in Hoisington, Russell and Great Bend. They are also provided at the registration desk and on the nursing floor of Clara Barton Hospital.

“These supplies help to entertain the kiddos throughout the year,” she said. “All of our staff know where they are located to hand out to any child who is a patient or is here for a loved one. Whatever that scenario is, we have color books and crayons that help keep them occupied while they are here.”

Rosewood AKTION Club’s effort netted 376 coloring books and 328 boxes of crayons from last fall’s community drive. Rosewood Residential Employees chipped in $60 that went to the purchase of crayons for the drive.

“Our AKTION Club has been conducting this drive for a decade and we have probably averaged about 500 coloring books and crayon boxes each year during that span.” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “We are a bit below our average this time, but our numbers are still good when you consider we are bringing smiles to more than 300 children in need for the upcoming year. We thank the community for joining us in our most recent effort to provide supplies to CBH, which in turn provides such a wonderful service to children.”

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

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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, 620-796-2242.

March 20, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Great Bend Earth Day Celebration continues to grow, heading into its fourth year with more vendor participation expected this year compared to any previous year. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26 at Great Bend Zoo. Already, there are more than a dozen 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 three years have committed to the local come-and-go celebration, which occurs four days after the official 55th 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, Sunflower Recycling Center, along with ‘Read With Me’ program members Luna and Glenn, are participating again. Though they are not expected to bring a character this year, Smoky Hills PBS is also returning with fun activities planned for children. Barton Community College STEM Club returns, along with Bart The Cougar. Kansas Children’s Services League, and Fuller Industries are joining the celebration this year, along with a car club, as well as a model train set-up. Additionally, food vendor Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Co. plans to participate this year.  

“We’re thrilled to have the increase in vendor interest that we have this year,” explained Great Bend Zoo Director Ashley Burdick. “It’s also nice to have some of our same vendors back for another year. The mix of veteran and new vendors is sure to bring a diversified experience to Earth Day Celebration participants. It’s all shaping up to be a fun Earth Day at Great Bend Zoo this year.”

As the fourth 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.

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

March 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is hosting the 9th Annual “Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop” on April 12 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.

Beyond an exciting meet-up with the Easter Bunny, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster said club members are working on an extra surprise for children to add to the already-fun event.

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.

“Easter Basket Workshop is always such an exciting time for our AKTION Club members because they get to prepare a special day that brings so much joy to children in the community,” said Frankie Pelster. “It’s always an eventful day when children get to spend time with the Easter Bunny. We’re looking forward to hosting this year’s event.”

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

Access Rosewood AKTION Club Easter Basket Workshop Flier, rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/Easter-Workshop-AC-Flier3-25.pdf

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

March 13, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

When teams take the floor next Saturday (Feb. 22) for the Special Olympics Kansas West Region Cheerleading and Basketball Tournament at Great Bend High School’s Panther Activity Center, there will be two distinguished hometown coaches in their midst. Storm Team’s Amanda Hammond and Carole Edwardson were recognized in Topeka last December for their stellar work with the area’s Special Olympics team.

Hammond was named Special Olympics Kansas “Coach of The Year.” Edwardson earned the West Region’s “Volunteer of the Year” award and she also took home a “Legacy” award for her longstanding effort with Storm Team.

{image_3} Special Olympics Kansas awards were presented during the Champion’s Luncheon at the enclosed Garfield Shelter in Topeka on Dec. 4. Hammond attended the event and received her award from Special Olympics Kansas President John Lair. In attendance to watch Hammond receive her award were her dad, Eric, and her sister, Anna. The event was a culmination that began 15 years earlier, starting with cheer coaching and evolving into coaching basketball and track and field.

“It was an honor to attend the luncheon with my family and receive the award,” explained, Hammond. “Coming from no experience to winning this award, we laughed about it, actually. I played sports a little bit in middle school; I wasn’t the star athlete; I did it for the social aspect. Learning to coach from the basic level allowed me to learn it and then break it down so that I could explain it better to my athletes. I am proud to win the award, but honestly, I’m even more proud that Carole won her awards.”

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The modest Edwardson was humbled when she learned about her recognition, immediately pointing out so many other people that have been just as involved with Special Olympics over the quarter-century that she has volunteered and coached. She opted to receive her award upon Hammond’s return from Topeka.

Edwardson got involved in Storm Special Olympics more than 25 years ago when her son, David, joined the program. She took on many roles for the organization over the decades, including serving as the teams Local Program Coordinator for many years. She relinquished that lead role to Hammond nearly two years ago, but she continues to volunteer during each respective sports season, which covers cheer and basketball, track and field, and bowling. She also serves on the Storm Special Olympics Board, along with Hammond.

It is fitting that the tandem has been recognized with awards during the same time period. The two are closely linked to the success of Storm Team’s past and future. Edwardson kept the team going through several lean years, serving most of those years as LPC. Hammond helped where needed over her years with the team and readily took the LPC baton from Edwardson when the time came. Both continue to advocate for Storm Special Olympics and are always on the lookout to recruit quality coaches to help lead the team far into the future.

“Involvement with Special Olympics takes work, but the outcome is so rewarding,” said Hammond. “In the hustle of the day when you are putting out fires, to be able to connect with your athletes at a different level, because you are linked together with a common goal, it brings you back to what the purpose is for what we do. It grounds you. I see the improvement with the athletes during every practice, every game and every season. It’s a journey that is about so much more than just competing to win. I’m honored to be a part of their growth and experience.”

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For more information, contact Amanda Hammond, Storm Team Local Program Coordinator, AmandaH@rosewoodservices.com, 620-793-5888.

February 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Ten Rosewood Services employees achieved milestone work anniversaries in 2024 and they were recognized at the end of the year for their commitment to serving people with developmental disabilities. They represent a total of 95 years of service.

Rosewood Services caretakers Judy Shelton, with 25 years, along with her husband Ken, with 15 years of service, represent the longest-tenured Rosewood employees who were recognized. Achieving 10-year milestones were employees Dan Haselhorst, transportation; Amy Kilwein, benefits specialist; and Tandy Webb, equine therapy riding instructor. Recognized with 5-year awards were April Burhenn, residential; Michael Dawes, public relations director; Victor Jacobs, maintenance manager; Traci Maris, case manager; and Lakota Werner, residential.   

“We’re always happy to recognize our employees who have shown a commitment over a long period of time to providing care and supports to our folks we serve with developmental disabilities,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “Employee retention speaks to the health and success of our organization. Each of the 10 individuals we recognize have displayed quality service as well as dedication to their craft. We are a stronger team today because of the attributes that each one of them brings to Rosewood Services.”

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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 31, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, Rosewood PR Director, 620-792-2536
MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is back for its fourth consecutive year. Great Bend Zoo, Rosewood ECycle and Great Bend Dairy Queen have scheduled the annual event for April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo.

Businesses, organizations and food vendors are encouraged to participate in the community celebration by contacting Great Bend Zoo Director Ashley Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at zoocurator@greatbendks.net. There is no charge to participate as a vendor. The deadline for booth sign-up is April 1. Great Bend Zoo can supply tables for vendor booths. In case of inclement weather, the staff will also offer indoor vendor space.

The come-and-go event is geared toward children, but all family members are welcome to participate. Great Bend Dairy Queen will issue a coupon for a free small ice cream cone to the first 500 youth participants that day. In addition, there will be giveaways to the first 500 children in attendance.

“We’re excited to bring this event back and build on our successes over the past three years,” said Burdick. “Four years into putting forward this effort, I feel like our primary education mission and message at the Zoo – to teach conservation and conserving the wild spaces for animals – is getting out there. We’re figuring out fun ways to educate people, and hopefully those ways are making a positive difference in people’s daily lives and in our community.”

Despite the winter weather during last year’s event, Great Bend Earth Day Celebration was well attended with more than 650 participants. That’s far less than the record 1,600 people who participated in the inaugural event held three years ago. That year, attendance was spurred by nice weather, combined with Smoky Hills PBS providing an appearance by Curious George, who met and mingled with children. Clifford The Big Red Dog and Smoky Hills PBS, along with Bart the Cougar were in attendance last year, but cold weather kept attendance down.

Still, a record number of 11 vendors participated in last year’s event, providing diverse and interactive experiences for participants. Burdick said most of last year’s vendors have shown an interest in returning, as they recognize the valuable opportunity to be part of the event.

“I feel like we’ve been successful in getting people exposed to different businesses and organizations who are active with green efforts in our community,” explained Burdick. “As well, I feel like businesses and organizations greatly benefit by having an opportunity to get their messages out to so many people in a fun environment.”

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration occurs a few days after the official 55th anniversary of Earth Day, which is recognized as the planet’s largest annual civic event. The national day is celebrated each year on April 22. Events are coordinated globally to the impact of 1 billion people celebrating the day in more than 190 countries. The official theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Our Power, Our Planet.”

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Click on link for Great Bend Earth Day Celebration flier, http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/GBEDC-Flier1-25.pdf

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

January 29, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is conducting a blanket drive as a way to help children in need. Now through Feb. 28, 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 is our 11th year conducting this important community drive,” explained Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster, “Still, every year, the drive brings newfound joy and satisfaction to our club members because they know they are directly benefiting area children in need with gifts of warmth and comfort. Family Crisis Center and Barton County Health Department serve so many children across our region. We are hoping for tremendous involvement, once again, from the community to support our 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, http://rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

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Graphic: Rosewood AKTION Club Blanket Drive 

Access Rosewood AKTION Club Blanket Drive Flier at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/RW-AC-Blanket-Drive-Flier1-25.pdf

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

January 3, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com