Two years ago, approximately 1,600 people took part in the inaugural Great Bend Earth Day Celebration. This year’s third-annual free event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 20 at Great Bend Zoo, is expected to be just as well attended. The Great Bend Zoo, Rosewood ECycle and Great Bend Dairy Queen are hosting the event. They are being joined by 10 other vendors for the local event, which commemorates the worldwide Earth Day effort that raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources.

The local come-and-go celebration occurs two days ahead of the official 54th anniversary of Earth Day, which is recognized as the planet’s largest annual civic event, celebrated each year on April 22. Events are coordinated globally to the impact of 1 billion people celebrating the day in more than 193 countries. The theme for the official 54th anniversary of Earth Day is “Planet vs. Plastics.”

{image_2}On the local front, a primary reason for the expected robust attendance this year is the scheduled appearance of “Clifford The Big Red Dog,” with Smoky Hills PBS incorporating its Family Fun Day with Earth Day Celebration festivities. Crowds lined up at Great Bend Zoo two years ago when Smoky Hills PBS offered a meet and greet with Curious George during a sunny and pleasant day.

“We can’t guarantee perfect weather like we had two years ago, but we are seeing a lot of buzz surrounding the appearance of Clifford, similar to what we saw two years ago with Curious George,” said Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo curator. “We’re excited about this year’s event because of Clifford’s appearance, but also because we have a record number of vendors and a myriad of activities planned. We’re confident that children will enjoy a fun-filled day at this year’s celebration.”

Fresh off of his Barton Community College men’s basketball national championship mascot duties, Bart The Cougar will make a special appearance to meet and greet children. He will be joined by BCC’s STEM Club with a fun interactive booth for children. Also participating for the first time is Sunflower Recycling Center, and Face Painting will be available at this year’s event.

Returning vendors this year are Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Heartland Farm, Great Bend Zoological Society, Women For Kansas, and ‘Read With Me’ program members Luna and Glenn.

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.

Even if children aren’t among the first 500 visitors in attendance, there will be plenty to see and do during Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, said Burdick.

“We encourage children to bring their families; the more the merrier,” said Burdick. “Events are spread throughout our beautiful Zoo, so we can handle a crowd, and events carry through a three-hour period, so there will be plenty of time to participate in all the activities.”

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Access Great Bend Earth Day Celebration flier at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/GB-Earth-Day-flier1-24.pdf

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

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

BUNKER HILL, KS – Smoky Hills PBS is excited to announce that Clifford The Big Red Dog will be at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo during the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20th from 11 AM to 2 PM. 

Those in attendance will have a chance to meet Clifford The Big Red Dog in person and take pictures with him. The first 500 kids that come to meet Clifford will receive a FREE gift from Smoky Hills PBS. 

“This will be our second year attending the Earth Day Celebration,” said Haley Gagnon, event coordinator for Smoky Hills PBS.  “We are thrilled to be back in Great Bend again and Clifford is wagging his tail with excitement to meet you, so don’t miss this FREE, fun event on April 20th!”

The Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is presented by Rosewood ECycle, Great Bend Dairy Queen and the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo.  Booths will be set-up throughout the zoo with activities.  Be sure to join in the fun to celebrate our amazing planet and learn how you can help!

Family Fun Day is an educational and entertaining event that Smoky Hills PBS puts on approximately 4 times a year across Central and Western Kansas.  Smoky Hills PBS brings a special PBS character to visit and FREE books and educational gifts are distributed to those children in attendance.

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Click on link for Clifford and PBS Great Bend Earth Day Flier, https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/bento-api/filer-file-download/351657/

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.  Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, and HULU + LIVE TV.  You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:  video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream.  More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at www.SmokyHillsPBS.org or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Amanda Smith, Marketing Director
785.483.6990, asmith@shptv.org
DATE:  April 4, 2024

{image_1}For the western half of the state, the Special Olympics Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament was held in Hays on March 22 and 23. The eastern half of the state held its state tourney in Manhattan on March 15 and 16. More than 60 teams in the western half, representing nearly 18 organizations, converged on Fort Hays State University and Hays Recreation Center for the two-day tournament.

The Hays and Manhattan tournaments combined account for more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and fans, making the state basketball tournament the largest event for individuals with developmental disabilities in the state of Kansas. This year represented the 45th year that the tournament has been held in Hays out of 51 years of conducting the tournament, which comprises 5-versus-5 basketball, cheerleading and athletes participating in individual skills drills.

“The state tournament is a lot of work, but it is definitely a lot of fun for our athletes, and it also provides a lot of teachable moments in the process,” stated Amanda Hammond, Local Program Coordinator for the Storm team. “We had tremendous success at this year’s tournament, regardless of whether the teams won or lost. A lot of credit goes to the athletes themselves, along with our coaches, and a big shout-out goes to the parents and family members who came to help. All the extra support and help made such a huge difference for our athletes.”

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Teachable moments resulted in a break-through game for Storm Hurricane, coached by Hammond. The team went to triple overtime during its second game of the tournament, and then had to make a tie-breaker basket to win the game. Storm Cyclone had to hold off a pesky team to win by four in its final game of the tournament. Storm Lightning was down 6-0 after the first quarter, but rallied by implementing a box-and-1 defense to win its second game in the tourney. And Storm Cheerleading overcame pre-competition adversity and jitters to snag a silver medal in its cheerleading competition.

“Yes, winning is fun and it was wonderful when our team got the triple overtime win,” explained Hammond. “But I feel like Special Olympics provides so much more than winning or losing games. Working through the whole process and experience in competition helps them to also work through their very strong emotions in their day-to-day lives. Special Olympics competition helps to build their confidence, allows them to work through their emotions, and helps them to build relationships with their teammates and other participants.” 

Below are the names of the Storm Special Olympics athletes who competed in the Special Olympics State Basketball and Cheerleading Competition in Hays last weekend. They were divided up into four teams, along with the cheerleading team.

Snow: David Brack Logan Gregg, Donnie Lewis, Tyler Michaelis, Tori Rose – Coaches: Carole Edwardson and Emily Komarek. Finish = Silver Medal with 2-1 record.

Hurricane: David Brack (played for Snow and Hurricane), Darren Brown, Wain Waymaster, Michael Manka Jordan Palacio, Robin Bethel, Samantha Purcell, Curtis Schneweis, Abbey Stanley - Coach: Amanda Hammond. Finish = Bronze Medal with 1-2 record.

Cyclone: David Edwardson, Audrey Koster, Dylan Lebbin, Cole Morin, Elisa Shores, Steven Smolik, Dawn Specht, Josh Trimmer - Coaches: Boe Levingston and Jim Boehnke. Finish = Gold Medal with 3-0 record.

Lightning: Kaleb Beckham, James Boehnke, Codie Hardie, Douglas “DJ” Johnson, Austin Levingston, Kaleb Nixon - Coaches: Michael Dawes and Kelly Nixon. Finish = Gold Medal with 3-0 record.

Cheerleading: Darren Brown, Robin Bethel, Cole Morin, Kaleb Nixon, Samantha Purcell, Tori Rose, Elisa Shores, Dawn Specht, Abbey Stanley, Caitlyn Stinger, Josh Trimmer, and Jaylin Weers – Coach: Amanda Hammond. Finish = Silver Medal.

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With basketball season behind them, most of the Storm athletes now turn their focus to Special Olympics track and field, which is now in progress. Hammond said she looks forward to more teachable moments, as the athletes change from one sport to another. She encourages anyone who is interested in volunteering to help coach the track team to contact her at 620-793-5888. Volunteers must undergo a background check and there are some minimal Special Olympics online training programs required to complete in order to become certified to coach in the organization.

“Anyone who is at all interested in volunteering, even if they aren’t fully committed to helping this year, I encourage them to reach out to me, so that I can provide them more information,” said Hammond. “Coaching Special Olympics is a commitment and involves some work, but the joy that I’ve received since I’ve been involved for more than a decade has been so rewarding. At the end of the game or season, as long as the athletes didn’t give up and they worked through their emotions, there’s a sense of pride that they walk away with. When they have achieved that moment, those feelings are priceless, for them and for me.”

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

March 28, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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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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

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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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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.

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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

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.”

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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

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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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.

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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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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.”

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