For the fifth 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. Holiday Lights Tours are free to the public, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individual sponsors. And for the third consecutive year, there is a convenient online option to sign up for Dolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tours.
Hourlong rides depart in front of Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street, downtown Great Bend. They return to the same location. The Bargain Barn 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.
People can sign up for tours by going online to SantasAroundTheWorld.com/dolly-trolley, or at Eventbrite.com,
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dolly-trolley-holiday-lights-tour-2024-tickets-1062874940559?aff=oddtdtcreator.
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.
The Holiday Lights Tour schedule begins at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 and runs through the 8 p.m. tour on Dec. 30. The Trolley does not run on Sundays through that period, nor will it run during Christmas Eve or Christmas.
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.
October 29, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com
The weather on Saturday felt more like August, but that was perfectly fine for Rosewood Rodeo riders and their horses. They handled it like champions, having participated in Rosewood Equine Therapy Classes all summer long. Regardless of near-record high temperatures in the 90s, the 20th Annual Rosewood Rodeo went off without a hitch, during the event, held at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena on Oct. 5.
“I was happy to have the heat,” said Rosewood Ranch Manager Eric Hammond. “A cool snap would have given our horses more energy. When they have cool weather, especially in the morning, they tend to be more exuberant. As it turned out, things went really well. The horses did their jobs, and all of our riders and horse handlers did phenomenal and seemed to work in unison. It’s like we’ve been doing this for 20 years.”
Thirty-four 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.
The riders represented a gamut of experience, from Josh Trimmer recognized for having participated in every Rosewood Rodeo held, to Trace Ritterhouse competing in his very first one. They were joined by fellow participants Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Robin Bethel, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Darren Brown, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jason Ehrentraut, Jonathan Folkerts, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, Johnathan Howe, DJ Johnson, Shaun Ledesma, Tyler Michaelis, John Reynolds, Tori Rose, Andy Schultz, Abbey Stanley, Debbie Wasinger, Jim West, and Jim Wonsetler.
In addition to the adult riders, Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Equine 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-Trickey, Parker Laviolette, Collin Duncan, Landon Titsworth, and Martin Trego, competing in his first rodeo.
Therapy horses participating in this year’s Rodeo were Jordan, Harriet, Colonel, and MR. Red. All of them have at least three years of Rosewood Rodeo experience.
“Thinking about 20 years of Rodeo, you start to reminisce and remember all the horses and riders we’ve had participate over those years, said Hammond. “All the original horses we started with are no longer with us, and we’ve gone through a couple of sets of horses in some cases, so that provides perspective for how long we’ve been holding this event.”
This year, Rosewood’s 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. During his invocation, Biles stated, “We come in the spirit of fellowship, family and community, as we support our friends and loved ones in this demonstration of all they have accomplished in their lives. They have worked hard and we recognize that work by being here for them.”
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 Administration Team won a staff competition against the Day Services and Residential 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 and Retail locations. A photo booth, 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. Kaleb Nixon earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Cole Morin was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Trace Ritterouse 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 – Johnathan Howe, Kaleb Nixon, Crystal Alkire; Reserve Trail – John Reynolds, Keith Boyer, Cole Morin; High Point Horsemanship – Tori Rose, Pam Babcock, Shaun Ledesma; Reserve Horsemanship – Vance Cornwell, Jim West, Jim Wonsetler; High Point Showmanship – Shaun Ledesma; and Reserve Showmanship – Josh Trimmer.
This year’s Rodeo was sponsored by 18 businesses. Sponsors were: Great Bend Appliance, Furniture & Sleep Source; Heartland Homecare Services; Kustom Floor Designs; Marmie Auto Group; 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; Office Products Inc.; Miller Lawns; MPIRE Properties; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Price & Sons Construction; and Silverado Electric.
Nearly 50 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by Rodeo chairman Anna Hammond.
“Every Rosewood Rodeo has been special in its own way, but this one, commemorating 20 years of equine therapy for our riders and their families, was extra special,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “You never know what you’ll get from year to year, everything from freezing weather to summer temperatures. But you can always count on amazing volunteers who give up their Saturday to create this remarkable day, from the horse handlers to the volunteers who work the tack shop, concessions, silent auction and children’s activities. We’re so thankful to everyone who contributes in making this day possible, including the riders, along with their family and friends who come out to support our event each year.”
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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 11, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com
Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club’s “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive” is now a decade strong. During that span, AKTION Club members have donated thousands of coloring books and crayons to area children in need. They hope to continue their successful drive this year, once again, with the help of the community.
Rosewood AKTION Club is conducting its drive from now through Nov. 30. Upon completion of the drive, club members will distribute the donated items to Saint Francis Community Services, Great Bend; and Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. If enough items are collected, Rosewood AKTION Club will also donate to other community charities. The goal is to deliver the items to the local organizations during the Christmas season.
“It’s amazing to consider that we’ve conducted this drive for a decade,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Some of our AKTION Club members have been a part of every drive that we’ve had. It’s just as important today for them as it was the first year, knowing that what they do directly benefits children in our community.”
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 sixth consecutive year, Rosewood AKTION Club is in a friendly competition with Rosewood Services employees to see which group can raise the most items. Rosewood AKTION Club receives the help of community donated items counting toward its numbers. Rosewood Day Services has won most times, but AKTION Club has proven victorious the past two years.
“The competition is fun, but the most important thing is that we bring a lot of coloring books and crayons to the children in need,” explained Pelster. “This community drive is always a labor of love for our members. They’ve brought thousands of smiles to children’s faces over the past decade and they are looking forward to continuing that tradition.”
For questions about Rosewood AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, contact Pelster at 620-792-2536; employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com.
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/RW-AC-Color-Book-Drive-Flier10-24.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, 620-796-2242.
October 8, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com
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When can you celebrate like Christmas in October? When you participate in Rosewood Rodeo’s Silent Auction. Here’s how: Come by Rosewood Rodeo Oct. 5, set a competitive price on cool auction items, then get notified for your winning bids. It’s a FUN opportunity to purchase quality items at under-market-value prices.
The auction is part of the 20th Annual Rodeo, held at Barton County Fair Expo III Indoor Arena, two miles west on 10th and Patton Road, Great Bend. In conjunction with the 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 more than 70 items to bid on, ranging in retail value from approximately $10 to more than $300. These items are all new products and most likely will sell for under their retail value. Auction items include a wide variety of merchandise like a Halo Elite1B Countertop Griddle, with an opening bid of $66. A 32-inch LG Smart TV is up for auction with a starting bid of $60. Also included for bidding are 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/72177720320490988.
All the auction items were donated by community businesses and individuals as a fundraiser to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation. Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation provides unmet medical and therapeutic needs, legal assistance, along with educational opportunities to people 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 26, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com
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Rosewood Rodeo turns 20 next month! The annual equine-therapy rodeo will take place Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena, located two miles west on 10th and Patton Road, Great Bend.
The event, which showcases horse riding abilities of people with developmental disabilities, originated in the fall of 2005 at the Indoor Riding Arena at Rosewood Ranch. Several years later, the event was moved to Expo III Arena, to accommodate the increased number of riders, family, employees and other spectators who traditionally participate in daylong fun activities.
During Rosewood Rodeo, the public is invited to come out and experience family-friendly fall fun. There is no admission charge.
The annual rodeo has grown into 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’re very excited to be celebrating 20 years of Rodeo with our riders, families, friends and our community,” said Rosewood Services CEO Tammy Hammond. “The Rodeo’s longevity speaks to the success of our horse therapy program and to the commitment of the program by our highly-trained therapy staff, our riders, and their families. I am proud to say that the Rosewood Rodeo is two decades strong. What an amazing accomplishment for everyone involved.”
Rodeo-day fun includes children’s activities and games, a photo booth, 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, there 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 different programs during each performance (All performance times are approximate.)
The 20th 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.
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.
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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
● Photo Booth
● 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; Heartland Homecare Services; Kustom Floor Designs; Marmie Auto Group; 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; Miller Lawns; MPIRE Properties; Office Products Inc.; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Price and Sons Construction; and Silverado Electric.
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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 16, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com
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A record number 21 members of Rosewood Services, along with four sponsors, participated in the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference last weekend, July 5-7, in Wichita. The amount of Rosewood representation eclipsed last year’s participation record by four. This year’s theme for SACK Conference was “Reach for the Stars.”
As the theme implies, half the contingent of Rosewood SACK Conference members ambitiously achieved new goals by attending the conference for the first time. Attending their inaugural conference for Kansans with disabilities were Rosewood’s Rylee Ankenman, Chris Devine, Ella Haberman, Codie Hardie, Beth Mattocks, Mary Minear, Curtis Schneweis, Caitlyn Stinger, Jeannie Triplett, and Jim Wonsetler. They were joined by Rosewood’s veteran conference attendees Charles Bortz, Darren Brown, David Edwardson, Rae Griffin , Shaun Ledesma, Michael Manka, Cole Morin, Kim Reynolds, Ivan Smith, and Josh Trimmer. Also attending were Rosewood SACK Conference sponsors Frankie Pelster and Tonya Burton, along with staff and the wife-husband team of Tahcoa and Patrick Strachan.
“The comradery for our veteran conference goers helping to acclimate our new attendees this year warmed my heart,” said Pelster. “The vets helped the newcomers get where they needed to go, introduced them to new people, and went out of the way to ensure their first conference was a positive experience.”
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Rosewood’s Kurtis Coleman traveled independently to the conference, arriving a day early where he volunteered by helping SACK Conference staff and members, alike. He even served as a panelist at one of the break-out sessions.
“Kurtis usually travels with us, but I was impressed to see him spread his wings and he did his own bit of reaching for the stars,” explained Pelster. “Throughout the conference, he did an amazing job of being hospitable and helpful to so many people.”
For the second consecutive year, the SACK Conference was held at Drury Plaza Hotel, Broadview, and 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 12 workshops during four learning sessions that were held last Saturday. Additionally, all got to participate in the “Art As Therapy” session and they had the opportunity to listen to three keynote speakers talk about “Reaching for the Stars.”
Most of Rosewood’s SACK Conference attendees are members of Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club. However, serving as the Club’s sponsor, Pelster said AKTION Club membership is not a requirement of someone to attend SACK Conference.
“Some of our folks we took this year are not active members of our AKTION Club, but they are people in our agency who are making good strides and doing positive things. They indicated to me that they wanted to experience SACK Conference, so together, we made that happen. I wouldn’t want them to miss the opportunity. The conference is a such a great place where our self-advocates can organically meet other people and create friendships from that one encounter.”
Another positive development from the conference this year was that Tahcoa Strachan was nominated and received the “Barbara Bishop Support Staff of the Year Award.” The award is voted on by all the SACK Conference attendees.
“I was overjoyed and super proud of Tahcoa because she is my daughter,” said Pelster, “but also because she has been helping me to staff this event for a lot of years. She does a wonderful job of enhancing the experience for our conference-goers. She has earned that award by gaining the respect and friendship of the conference members over the years.”
Pelster commended her other conference staff, as well. Tonya Burton went above and beyond by creating Rosewood awards for attendees from this year’s conference that will be handed out this summer. Patrick Strachan stepped in as a replacement staff member and is now encouraged to train and help as natural support for future events. And there were plenty of other positive effects from this year’s conference as explained by Pelster.
“Curtis found his advocacy voice; Jim learned a lesson in perseverance; at 77-years-old, Ella is a dynamo; Beth is literally making tremendous strides; Codie is a super-awesome all-around good guy … there’s just so many positive stories we now have from attending this year’s conference,” explained Pelster. “It’s an enormous amount of work to plan and attend the conference, but that effort is worth every minute that it takes because of the positive experiences and friendships made.
“I have already received requests from people who want to go back next year. That conference will be in June; we only have 11 months to plan!!”
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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, 620-796-2242.
July 12, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com
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
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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