Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club’s 11th Annual “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive” is happening now through the month of November.

Upon completion of the drive on Nov. 30, club members will distribute the donated items to community charities that serve children.

“The Coloring Book drive is one of our club’s longest-running efforts to benefit the community,” explained Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, Frankie Pelster. “Our club members take so much pride in being able to help area children; this drive is one of their favorite things to do each year. We appreciate the support that the community has given to helping us in carrying out our good-will effort for all of these years. We are hoping for continued community support this year.”

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

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

The 21st Annual Rosewood Rodeo went off without a hitch, galloping into Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena on Oct. 4 with heart, horsepower, and a whole lot of cowboy grit. From seasoned riders and tireless volunteers to tried-and-true therapy horses, this year’s Rodeo turned in a smooth ride from start to finish.

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Twenty-eight 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.

“No matter how many years the equine therapy riders have been involved, there’s always renewed excitement for the Rodeo,” explained Rosewood Ranch Manager Eric Hammond. “That’s the biggest thing that gets to me. They work toward it every year and there’s always the excitement for competition come Rodeo day. This year, our participants were really focused on their rides; our therapy horses stayed energized throughout; our seasoned horse-handler volunteers kept the flow moving smoothly; and the crowd showed up to support the riders. Overall, it was a great Rodeo!” 

Riding experience and abilities covered the gamut at this year’s Rodeo. Amy Wigren competed in only her second Rodeo, after her initial appearance eight years earlier. That was in contrast to Josh Trimmer, who has competed in every Rosewood Rodeo, since it began in 2005, along with Robin Bethel and Shaun Ledesma who have each missed only one Rodeo during that span.

Joining the most seasoned and novice riders were Rodeo teammates Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jonathan Folkerts, Logan Gregg, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, DJ Johnson, Rita Mestas, Tyler Michaelis, Kaleb Nixon, Cierra Roberts, Tori Rose, 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 Collin Duncan, Shawn Minor, Landon Titsworth, and Faith Schneweis-Trickey.

Therapy horses participating in this year’s Rodeo were Jordan, Harriet, Colonel, and MR. Red. All of them have at least four years of Rosewood Rodeo experience.

Rosewood’s Percheron wagon team of Dixie and Dolly made their appearance during the grand entry. The Honorable Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles provided the invocation during the Rodeo grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events.

Other events throughout the day added to the Rodeo experience. They included two performances by the all-female horse-riding drill team, “The American Freedom Riders.” Day Services Team won a staff competition against the Residential Services and Administration 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. Tori Rose earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Keith Boyer was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Pam Babcock 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 – Cierra Roberts, Debbie Wasinger, Crystal Alkire; Reserve Trail – Tori Rose, Keith Boyer, Shaun Ledesma; High Point Horsemanship – Amy Wigren, Robin Bethel, Jim Wonsetler; Reserve Horsemanship – Taylor Hertach, Codie Hardie, Chris Devine; High Point Showmanship – Chris Devine; and Reserve Showmanship – Crystal Alkire.

This year’s Rodeo was sponsored by 20 businesses. Sponsors were: Great Bend Appliance Furniture & Sleep Source; Heartland Homecare Services; Kustom Floor Designs; Office Products Inc.; Rosencrantz-Bemis Enterprises; Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAS; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Fuller Industries; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; Marmie Auto Group; Miller Lawns; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; MPIRE Companies; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; G-B Tires; and Price & Sons Construction.

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

“As the saying goes, this isn’t our first Rodeo,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “But each year, the success of our special day comes down to the commitment of so many people, from the riders to the volunteers; to friends, families and supporters; to donors and sponsors of our event that showcases the folks from our award-winning equine therapy program at Rosewood Ranch. Thank you to everyone who did their part this year to create cherished memories for our Rosewood Rodeo participants and their families. Your support means so much to them, and to all of us at Rosewood Services.”

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

Participating in Rosewood Rodeo’s Silent Auction is like celebrating Christmas in October. Here’s how: Come by Rosewood Rodeo Oct. 4, 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.

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The auction is part of the 21st 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 2:45 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 $400. These items are all new products and most likely will sell for well under their retail value. Auction items include a wide variety of merchandise like a 32-inch LG Smart TV with a starting bid of $100. A DeWalt Impact Driver Kit has an opening bid of $30; a Browning Rechargeable Spotlight opens with a bid of $26; and a Halo Essential Griddle Kit has an opening bid of $20.  

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://flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720329353665

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 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Early signs of autumn mean that Rosewood Rodeo is nearly here! The 21st annual equine-therapy rodeo will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 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.

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

The annual rodeo is a highlight 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 absolutely love this time of the year,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “With the changing of the season comes our Rosewood showcase where our therapy riders get to show their stuff in front of the home crowd. They take pride in their accomplishments and it’s also such a special day for family members, friends and Rosewood staff who come out to enjoy the Rodeo festivities.”

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.

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In between the day’s rodeo events, there are two performances by the “American Freedom Riders” horse riding drill team. “American Freedom” will perform at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., featuring different programs during each performance (All performance times are approximate.)

The 21st 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 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 2:45 p.m. Proceeds from the auction go to Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation. The foundation provides therapeutic, medical, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need, who have developmental disabilities.

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

Below is a listing of events slated for this year’s Rosewood Rodeo:
Family Fun! Free Admittance!
● Kids’ Games and Activities, including Face Painting
● “American Freedom Riders” Drill Team Performances
● Tack Shop with Novelties and Rosewood Client-Made Items
● Photo Booth
● Silent Auction
● Chuck Wagon Concessions
● Two 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; Office Products Inc.; Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAS; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Fuller Industries; Marmie Auto Group; Miller Lawns; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; MPIRE Companies; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; G-B Tires; and Price & Sons Construction. 

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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 12, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Storm Special Olympics Team marked a busy 2024-25 athletics campaign, consisting of bowling in early fall, basketball and cheerleading last winter, then finishing with track and field in the spring. The athletics season began with bowling balls rumbling down hardwood lanes last September, gained momentum with strong showings by Storm Team members at State basketball and cheerleading last winter, then surged across the finish line in early June with the anchor of the 4x100 meter relay team at the state track and field championships.

All total, Storm Special Olympics was represented by 57 athletes competing in at least one sport; exceeding last year’s total participation number by 13 athletes. And the team’s geographic reach expanded beyond Barton County this year, bringing in athletes from Pawnee and Stafford counties. Participation numbers have progressively increased over the last several years, since the program took two years off from 2020-21 because of the COVID Pandemic.

“To watch participation climb is motivation for us coaches and volunteers,” said Storm Local Program Coordinator Amanda Hammond. “It lets us know we are doing things right. More than medals, we strive to create a fun and inclusive program where our athletes take pride in participation. I feel like we are moving in the right direction, especially with our numbers increasing so much over the past few years.”

During its most recent season last spring, 35 athletes competed in track and field. Thirty-three Storm Athletes competed in the Summer Games June 6-8 at Maize High School in activities ranging from field events like long jump, softball throw and turbo javelin, to walking and running events. Storm Athletes competing in state track were: Kaleb Beckham, James Boehnke, Tammy Boele, Darren Brown, Michael Burress, Sarah Burrill, Chris Devine, David Edwardson, Auggie Estrella, Logan Gregg, Roger Guthals, DJ Johnson, Audrey Koester, Austin Levingston, Donnie Lewis, Rian Lewis, Ronnie Lewis, Michael Manka, Beth Mattocks, Rita Mestas, Cole Morin, Kaleb Nixon, Trace Ritterhouse, Cierra Roberts, Tori Rose, Curtis Schneweis, Elisa Shores, Steve Smolik, Abbey Stanley, Josh Trimmer, Debbie Wasinger, Wain Waymaster, and Jim Wonsetler.

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The spring season started just mere days after Storm’s participation in the state basketball tournament and cheerleading championships in Hays. The spring season wasn’t without challenges. Inclement weather and a scheduling conflict for the practice facility meant that Storm Team missed two weeks of practices. Then, inclement weather in late April caused cancelation of the regional meet. Rainey weather leading up to the state meet meant that some events were delayed or moved, and shot put at the state meet was cancelled because of soggy field conditions. However, none of that deterred Storm Athletes from giving their best efforts and recording stellar performances at the state championships.

“Certainly, we had to overcome adversity this year,” explained Hammond. “Going out there with the chaos of the season, with the chaos of weather, with the chaos of competing among 1,000 other athletes, Storm Athletes did exceptionally well and they took everything in stride.

They were proud of themselves for how they did and achieving their own personal bests, in many cases. They put in the work needed to improve during the season, and by the end of the season, they could see the outcome. It may not be that they always got first place, but most of them improved from where they were at the start of the year.”         

During the meet, Hammond said anxiety set in for some of the athletes because of schedule changes, but she credited the coaching staff of Bri Saunders, Emily Komarek, Andrew Rush, and Denice Whetham for helping to bring order and calm to the evolving situations. She also credited volunteers Jim Boehnke, Carole Edwardson, and Boe Levingston, along with attending family members and staffing of Storm Athletes for providing invaluable help during the three-day event.

“The athletes really trusted our coaches and our coaches did such a tremendous job with the time-and-location changes to get our athletes where they needed to be,” said Hammond. Beyond coaches’ efforts, we benefited with help from athletes’ family members, along with staff during the three-day event. It really does take a village to have so many athletes participating in a meet that lasts several days. We are so fortunate to have their support.”

{image_3} A Storm Team highlight of the Summer Games happened during the opening ceremony on June 6 when Hammond read the “Coaches Oath” to attendees. She earned the honor by being recognized as “Coach of the Year” by Special Olympics Kansas last winter. Additionally, James Boehnke represented Storm Athletes during the “Walk of Champions” to open the Summer Games.

Following the hustle and bustle of the successful track meet, it was a quiet ride back to Great Bend for the team. For many, the end of track season marked nine months of practice and competition.

“At the end of track, I think they were ready for a summer break,” said Hammond, who has coached Storm Team for 15 years. ”But, then, they’ll be eager to get back into it, starting with bowling in September. The start of a new season always brings excitement.”

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

July 2, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

For the second year in a row, a record-number 21 members of Rosewood Services participated in the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference last weekend, June 13-15, in Wichita. They were joined by two sponsors and three staff members, representing the largest group that attended the conference this year. That designation was quite fitting for Rosewood, given that this year’s theme was titled “Inclusion Matters.”

Attending their inaugural conference for Kansans with disabilities were Rosewood’s Johnathan Howe, Austin Orozco, and Cierra Roberts. They were joined by the group’s veteran conference attendees Pam Babcock, Stacey Buchwald, Darren Brown, Chris Devine, David Edwardson, Ella Haberman, Codie Hardie, Shae Griffin , Shaun Ledesma, Michael Manka, Beth Mattocks, Ivan Smith, Abbey Stanley, Caitlyn Stinger, Destiny Thomas, Josh Trimmer, Jeannie Triplett, and Jim West.

Also attending were Rosewood SACK Conference sponsors Frankie Pelster and Tonya Burton, along with Rosewood staff Tahcoa Strachan, and first-year staff attendees Joe Smeragliulo and Kristy Perez.

“Taking such a large group, our staff did an amazing job ensuring all of our members got where they needed to be at the correct times,” said Pelster. “There were no major hiccups this year, strictly because of their expertise; I’m grateful to their commitment and attention to detail. My 12-year-old granddaughter, Tiecyn, attended with us this year and proved to be a big help to us. She’s grown up around our folks and is now understanding how we help to enhance the lives of our members.”

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For the third consecutive year, the SACK Conference was held at Drury Plaza Hotel, Broadview. However, Pelster said one challenge was that her large group was moved to a hotel three blocks away because this year’s conference attendance exceeded the number of rooms available at the hotel, and conference organizers wanted to keep respective groups together. She commended her exceptional staff with overcoming the small obstacle with no issues, despite having to cross traffic to and from the hotels.

{image_3} SACK Conference provides 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 three 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 “Inclusion and Self Care.”

“Medicaid Advocacy,” along with “Oral Health Kansas,” and “Healthy Relationships,” were three of the most popular workshops, said Pelster. She added that several Rosewood members opted to also attend the SACK Annual Meeting, to stay up to date with the organization.

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.

“For one reason or another, some of our individuals aren’t involved with AKTION Club, but they still have an interest in learning about self-advocacy, and I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for them, so we do what we can to get them to the conference,” explained Pelster. “We used to take one van with 6-to-8 members and two staff, but as our clients kept finding value with this conference, we kept finding a way to bring more of them each year. We’ll keep on trying to bring as many as we can, as long as they show the interest. We feel that SACK ties in so well with AKTION Club because with both, we are trying to build leadership, involvement and community inclusion.”

-RW-

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.

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

More than 80 people participated in the central Kansas portion of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Wednesday morning in Larned. Approximately 30 members of Storm Special Olympics Team joined law enforcement personnel from Larned State Correctional Facility, Larned Police Department, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and Ellsworth Correctional Facility for the annual event. Larned Torch Run participants escorted the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” from Schnack Park to the Pawnee County Courthouse on Main Street.

After the run, participants enjoyed a barbecue celebration of hot dogs and hamburgers on the courthouse lawn.

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Storm Team will meet back up with the torch when the athletes participate in track and field at the Kansas Special Olympics Summer Games at Maize High School June 6-8. The final leg of the Kansas Torch Run will take place from Wichita City Hall to Maize High where the cauldron will be lit to open the Summer Games.

The Law Enforcement 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.

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Check out more Larned Law Enforcement Torch Run photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720326153383

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

May 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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 https://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