The best‑laid plans went awry for Central Kansas’ Storm Special Olympics Team as athletes wrapped up their 2025–26 sports campaign. Competing at the Special Olympics Kansas State Track and Field Championships at Maize South High School June 5–7, the meet was cut short Saturday afternoon by a heavy downpour. Sunday’s events were also washed out, bringing an early end to the Summer Games and leaving 14 Storm athletes unable to compete in five scheduled running and walking events.

Despite the setback — and the obvious disappointment felt by athletes —Storm Local Program Coordinator Amanda Hammond is choosing to focus on the bigger picture: a season filled with growth, achievement, and team pride.

“I reminded them that having their events canceled doesn’t take away from what they accomplished this year,” said Hammond. “We keep record of their times and marks throughout the season, and many of them achieved personal bests. Several athletes were timid at the start, but by the end they had come out of their shells and built strong friendships. And even with the weather, we still enjoyed opening ceremonies, the dance, the Healthy Athletes program, and time together at the hotel. The extra downtime actually gave us more team‑bonding opportunities.”

One of the weekend’s most memorable moments came before the team even reached Wichita. The Great Bend Police Department escorted the Storm Team bus out of town — a gesture the athletes hadn’t experienced in more than a decade.

“That gesture really hyped up the athletes,” Hammond said. “They talked about it the whole way to Wichita. It was pretty special. We appreciate the Great Bend Police Department taking time out of their busy schedule to do that for our athletes.”  

{image_2}

The end of the track season also marked the conclusion of a busy year for Storm Special Olympics, which included fall bowling, winter basketball and cheerleading, and spring track and field.

This year, 44 athletes competed in at least one sport—13 fewer than last year’s record turnout, but still a strong showing compared to previous seasons. Hammond noted that it’s typical for some athletes to take a year off, and many return the following season. The team also welcomed several new athletes this year.

Storm athletes who made the trip to state were: Kaleb Beckham, Darren Brown, Michael Burress, Sarah Burrill, Chris Devine, David Edwardson, Logan Gregg, Jenny Harris, Audrey Koester, Dylan Lebbin, Austin Levingston, Donnie Lewis, Rian Lewis, Michael Manka, Rita Mestas, Cierra Roberts, Tori Rose, Curtis Schneweis, Jacob Shackelford, Elisa Shores, Steve Smolik, Caitlyn Stinger, Josh Trimmer, and Jim Wonsetler.

Storm’s track coaching staff included Hammond, Emily Komarek, Denice Whetham, Missy Dwight, and Stu Hogg. Volunteers Carole and Amy Edwardson also provided valuable support at meets and throughout the season.

The spring schedule began just days after Storm athletes wrapped up state basketball and cheerleading championships in Hays in late March. Weather delays cost the team several early practices, but they still competed at the Special Olympics Kansas regional meet in Dodge City in late April. In mid‑May, Storm athletes joined local law enforcement in Larned for the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.

“I like how our season sets up,” Hammond said. “Bowling gets athletes back into the flow. Basketball and cheer are full‑team efforts. Then track gives athletes a chance to focus on individual improvement. As a whole, this season was extremely successful. I credit our amazing athletes, and also our coaches and volunteers, for putting in the time and effort to make the strides we achieved this year.”

{image_3}

-STORM-

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

June 12, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

{image_1}

It's not too early to set your sights on this year's Rosewood Rodeo!

The 22nd annual equine-therapy rodeo will take place Saturday, Oct. 3 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.

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 will be two horse-riding performances. The performer will be named as the event draws closer.

The 22nd 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
● Horse-Riding 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

-RW-

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

June 3, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

More than 75 people participated in the central Kansas portion of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Wednesday morning (May 20) in Larned. Approximately 30 members of Storm Special Olympics Team joined law enforcement personnel from Larned State Correctional Facility, Larned Police Department, Larned EMS, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Ellsworth Correctional Facility, and Kansas Highway Patrol 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.

{image_2}

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 South High School June 5-7. The final leg of the Kansas Torch Run will take place from Wichita City Hall to Maize South 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.

-STORM-

{image_3}

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

May 26, 2026
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 personnel from Larned State Correctional Facility and Larned Police Department today (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 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. New this year, they also sold commemorative Law Enforcement Torch Run challenge coins. 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 20, 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.

{image_2}

LSCF representative Kathy Graham has been involved with the event for many years and has coordinated the area effort for the past seven years. The area event has grown significantly the past two years, and Graham said she expects it to be just as big this year with Ellsworth Correctional Facility joining in the Larned Torch Run festivities for the second consecutive year.

LaMunyon said that people who missed the opportunity to purchase this year’s Kansas Torch Run T-Shirt and/or challenge coin 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 at Maize South High School next month. They can also inquire to Special Olympics Kansas at soks.org.

-STORM-

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

May 15, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is hosting the 10th Annual “Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop” on March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rosewood Activity Center, 1607 Main Street, Great Bend, adjacent to Rosewood Gallery.

During the workshop, children can create their own Easter baskets, decorate Easter eggs, and participate in other fun activities, like coloring Easter pages. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance, and children can take photos with him. Families have the option of taking free cell phone photos, or pay $3 to receive a printed photo with the Easter Bunny.

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

There is a donation request of $5 per basket for participants, which helps cover the cost of materials for the workshop. Any other proceeds raised from the workshop go toward Rosewood AKTION Club efforts in organizing future community projects.

“Easter Basket Workshop comes early this year, so we want to be sure to put the event on the community’s radar,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “The workshop is always a fun time for the children who attend, especially getting to spend time with Easter Bunny, and our AKTION Club members like bringing this event to them every year.”

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

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

-RW-

Access Rosewood AKTION Club Easter Basket Workshop Flier, https://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/RW-EBWS-Flier3-26.pdf

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

March 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

{image_1}

In the quiet and serene western Kansas town of Bazine, life inside one household was ironically defined for years by anxious unpredictability. Nine‑year‑old Alex, diagnosed with autism, has long struggled with behaviors that have overwhelmed classrooms, teachers, and even entire school systems. His mother, Mahria remembers the phone calls, the shortened school days, the tears — hers and even some of the educators – trying to figure out how to help her son.

Even after transferring to a second school district, the challenges continued to escalate. Staff tried half‑days, adjusted schedules, and maintained constant communication. But Alex continued to elope from classrooms, and rooms were often left in disarray from his behavioral outbursts. One administrator broke down crying on the phone to Mahria, telling her, “He’s running away and I don’t know how to help him.”

Eventually, at the urging of Alex’s therapist, Mahria made the difficult decision to homeschool. For the past three years, she has balanced full‑time parenting, teaching, and her job as a remote dispatcher for a private law enforcement company. Her days are a rotation of school drop‑offs, lessons in reading, math and art, naps squeezed in between shifts, and late‑night work.

“It’s a lot,” she said simply. “But thankfully I can work from home.”

The Road to Aqua

The turning point began 2 1/2 years ago, with a search for a service dog to help Alex.

The process was daunting: long waitlists, high fees, and countless organizations to sift through. A stroke of luck came in the form of a neighbor connected to FASDogs, an organization dedicated to providing quality service dogs to assist families dealing with issues related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and other related diagnoses like autism. The neighbor put her in touch with Krista LaRocque, service dog trainer for FASDogs, who also lives in the community.

Alex was screened for his preferences, and Mahria began fundraising to cover the costs — more than $8,000 for a training dog, plus deposits, application fees, travel to Topeka, and the week‑long training required for families. Add in crates, vests, leashes, and harnesses, and the total climbed even higher.

“It was a struggle to get where we are,” said Mahria, “but definitely worth it.”

After seeing Alex interact with other service dogs and an initial attempt to match a puppy with Alex, LaRocque brought a 3-year-old Golden Pyrenees named Aqua to Alex’s therapy session. The bond between boy and dog was immediate.

“They were instant buddies,” Mahria said. “Even the service dog people were surprised because they don’t usually see them sync up that quickly.”

During previous visits, other dogs didn’t connect with Alex at all. But with Aqua, he stayed for an hour and a half on the first visit. Alex and Mahria returned several more times to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t.

From that first meeting to Aqua’s trial placement in the home, nearly a year passed. Training was extensive: pressure therapy, co‑handling sessions, and specialized work with multiple trainers. Aqua officially graduated training in early August last year, but he had already been living with the family since May.

A Calmer Home — and a Calmer Child

The changes were noticeable almost immediately.

“His therapist has seen it too,” Mahria said about Alex’s progress. “He’s able to regulate quicker. Instead of a room getting destroyed, it’s maybe one or two things that he throws.”

Aqua’s presence has softened the intensity of Alex’s reactions, especially when stimulants trigger sensory overload. What used to be a 70 percent chance of a meltdown is slowly shifting so that the episodes become fewer and with less intensity.

Those who try sternness with Alex only escalate the situation, Mahria explained. Calm works better. She said that Aqua embodies that calm.

Still, the work continues. Aqua must be trained daily, rewarded intentionally, and not treated as a family pet, but as a working partner.

“We have to keep training him at home,” she said. “He has to earn things. We can’t give treats all the time. And we can take him through a refresher course, if needed.”

A Community Effort

The journey that eventually led to Aqua wasn’t one the family made alone. More than $8,000 was needed to bring a trained service dog to Alex. Funding came together after Mahria’s tax refund along with a combination of other funding sources. Mahria credits her daughter Nadia’s school, the local 4H Club, and neighbors for stepping up when the family needed financial help to cover the cost. Rosewood Services and its Roots & Wings Foundation also helped in a major way with funding and support, she said.

“I can’t say it enough — thank you, thank you, thank you so much to everyone for helping us make this possible,” said Mahria.

A New Chapter

Today, Aqua has been fully certified and working with Alex for nearly six months, though he’s been part of the household since last spring.  

“I’ve seen improvement, definitely since Aqua has been in our house,” Mahria said with relief in her voice. “It was a long process, but it was worth every bit of it.”

The bond between her boy and his service dog is offering stability, hope, and the promise of calmer days ahead.

-RW-

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

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

February 2, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Longevity in the workplace represents more than a number. It reflects trust, shared purpose, and the kind of steady commitment that strengthens and defines an organization. Longevity and commitment were on display last month as Rosewood Services recognized 20 employees who reached milestone anniversaries in 2025. The anniversaries represent an extraordinary 200 years of combined service within the agency.

{image_1}

Rosewood Services Case Manager Vickie Booze achieved 25 years of service. Reaching 20 years of service was Amanda Hammond, Rosewood’s director of services; and Kenneth Kowalsky, residential. Achieving 15-year awards were Lori Brainerd and James Underwood, residential; along with Juan Bodine, Ranch; and Cindy Levingston, transportation. Ten-year award recipients recognized were residential employees Sharon Milligan and Caroline Muiruri; day service employees Lita Schultz and Brian Vsetecka, along with Bri Hammond, Studio lead, and Dana Turner, retail manager. Recognized with five-year awards were Hunter Bowman and Jay Stoddard, residential; Tonya Burton, employment network; April Hoffman, director of case management; Arlon Johnson, transportation; Debbie Larkin, case manager; and Kathy Thatcher, Gallery lead. 

“Our long-term success is built from an unwavering belief in dignity, potential, and worth of every person we serve within our agency,” said Rosewood Services CEO Tammy Hammond. “When we recognize milestone anniversaries of our employees, we celebrate their compassion, creativity, and extraordinary talent that each one of them offers to empower people with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives. We are truly grateful for their long-standing employment with Rosewood Services.”

-RW-

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 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, Rosewood PR Director, 620-792-2536
MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Something unusual happened during the holiday season last year. The Great Bend Cookie Contest was held and perennial powerhouse Forever Young (Kids Resale), located at 1101 Main Street, was not among the top-three finishers. Up until that time, store owner Betty Hazlett prided herself on being among the top-three bakers, since entering the contest for the first time in 2020. She even reigned as champion two consecutive years when the unusual thing happened.

To set the baking universe right again, Hazlett re-introduced her winning cookie from two years ago, a Snickerdoodle with Cream Cheese Frosting, and she happily claimed the Great Bend Cookie Contest Champion crown, once again.

{image_1} “Last year, I didn’t think I was going to win, but I figured I’d surely be in the top three, so I was disappointed when that didn’t happen,” said Hazlett. “It feels really good to be back as cookie champion, especially by bringing back our crowd favorite. People want me to bake and sell more of these cookies to them; that’s how good they are.”

The 17th Annual Great Bend Cookie Contest was held in downtown Great Bend on Nov. 29 during a windy and cold Small Business Saturday. Forever Young led the cookie judges voting with 53 votes. Rosewood Furniture Gallery finished runner-up with 29 votes, serving its Christmas Cookie. Third place with 23 votes went to Kustom Floor Designs, serving its Apple Fritter Cookie.

Around Halloween, Hazlett made her decision to bake her Snickerdoodle again for this year’s contest. She then snagged an extra advantage by bringing back her veteran baking team of daughters Rachelle Hapes and Tara Hazlett. They prepared and froze the dough a few weeks earlier, then on “Bake Friday” the skilled team baked and frosted Snickerdoodles for 5 1/2 hours.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s been really fun to do this every year,” said Hazlett. “It’s become tradition. My family enjoys getting together and baking. Some years it gets hectic when we don’t know what cookie we’re baking. It was much easier this year, though, because we’ve baked this cookie before.”

In what has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition, more than 200 cookie judges donated at least $5 for a cookie bracelet, which allowed them to visit 10 Great Bend businesses and taste cookies before voting on their favorite one. This year, $1,020 was raised and went to the Community Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

Businesses participating in this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest with Forever Young, Rosewood Furniture Gallery (Cookie Headquarters) and Kustom Floor Designs were The Beauty Bar Salon; Buckle; Happy Girl Flower Shop; Heart of Kansas/Ms. Pretty Pickles; Rosewood Bargain Barn; The Wright Place; and Rosewood Wine Cellar.

According to Great Bend Cookie Contest organizers, bragging rights for “best cookie” are a fun part of the event, but the true impact is reflected on the proceeds raised to help those in need, within the community.

“It was great seeing the variety of cookies baked for this year’s contest, and a special congratulations to Forever Young for earning the Cookie Champion title with their delicious Frosted Snickerdoodle, said Anna Hammond, business development director for Rosewood Services. “I am very appreciative of all the businesses participating in the cookie contest this year. Despite the wintry weather, we had a great turn-out of judges and shoppers for this year’s contest. We are especially grateful to be able to donate all the proceeds to the Food Bank of Barton County during this holiday season.”

As part of activities wrapped into Small Business Saturday, cookie contest businesses also donated prizes, which were awarded to cookie contest participants that afternoon with a Facebook Live drawing following the contest.

Besides delicious cookie and fun prizes, Hazlett said the annual event always brings shoppers to Forever Young, with several of them visiting her store for the first time.

“It was stronger sales than usual for us this year,” Hazlett said about Small Business Saturday. “I imagine that crowds for shopping would have been sparse otherwise, because it was so cold and windy on that day. But people were in here shopping, as well as participating in the cookie contest. I like the contest because it’s always good for business on that day. And it always brings in people who haven’t been here before. We’ll definitely be doing the contest again next year, but with a different cookie.”

-RW-

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

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

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

{image_1}

The Santas Around the World exhibit, located at 1223 Main Street, is now open for the Christmas season. Twenty-five life sized Santas, representing countries and regions from around the world, appear in a winter wonderland of lighted trees and festive holiday décor in downtown Great Bend.

Additionally, the City of Great Bend provides a free opportunity for Santa Claus to visit with children at the exhibit location during the same regular hours that the Santas exhibit is open to the public.

The public can visit the international Santa display from 4-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and from 1-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. People can schedule appointments outside of those hours by calling Mike at Rosewood Studio (620) 792-2536, info@rosewoodservices.com. The Santas exhibit will be on display and Santa Claus will be available through Dec. 23, which is a special Tuesday opening this year.

{image_2}

The Santas Around The World exhibit is presented by Roots & Wings Foundation, which provides therapeutic, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need who have developmental disabilities.

There is no charge to visit the exhibit, but a freewill donation is suggested to provide funds to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation that go toward helping to maintain the ‘Santas Around the World’ exhibit. Also, a portion of the funds are donated to Great Bend’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program for helping to man the booth through the season.

The multi-cultural Santas are a collection that span mostly six years of work and artistry by Great Bend artist Loretta Miller, beginning in 1999. Then, in the fall of 2022, the community’s longtime Santa Claus, Randy Smith, donated his late wife Sandy’s Mrs. Claus outfit to be used for the new addition to the exhibit. Miller’s completed work of Mrs. Claus was her first to the exhibit in 17 years, and the new sculpture was introduced to the public during the Christmas 2022 season. Following that season, Randy donated his Santa suit to the exhibit and Miller infused new life into Santa Claus for the 2023 season. Sadly, Randy passed away in February 2024, but not before experiencing the joy of last holiday season, knowing his suit joined Sandy’s in “Santa Spirit” as part of the Santas Around The World exhibit.

People can find out more about the exhibit by visiting the website, SantasAroundTheWorld.com.      

-SATW-

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, PR & Marketing, 620-792-2536

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

For more than two decades, Rosewood Gallery has been a trusted destination for heirloom-quality solid-wood furniture. Now, the Gallery is expanding its commitment to sustainability by offering a growing selection of eco-friendly cleaning and reusable household products, making it easier for the community to live and clean green. The new product lines are perfect for use during the Holiday season.

Located in downtown Great Bend, Rosewood Gallery now stocks nearly a dozen planet-friendly cleaning solutions that are tough on grime but gentle on the environment. In addition, the store features a wide array of reusable kitchen and laundry essentials designed to reduce waste and promote mindful living. The Gallery’s new products are produced by trusted brands in the eco-friendly manufacturing industry like Earthly, Therapy Clean and Once Again.

Products That Clean with a Conscience: ● stainless steel wipes ● granite & stone cleaner ● wood and cabinet cleaner ● dish soap ● all-purpose cleaner ● window and glass cleaner ● tub & tile cleaner.        

Reusables That Replace Disposables: ● “non-paper” towels ● washable sponges ● washable snack bags ● reusable and compostable bags, reusable cotton pads ● eco-clean sheets. ● wool dryer balls.

Whether you're updating your home furnishings or rethinking your green routine, Rosewood Gallery offers practical, cost-effective eco-conscious alternatives that help protect the planet — without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

“We’re definitely seeing interest with our new eco-friendly products,” said Kathy Thatcher, Rosewood Gallery Administrator. “Some of our all-purpose cleaners and reusable sponges have been brisk sellers. The reusable silicon bags, as well as the wood cabinet cleaner have also been selling over the past few months, since we began offering these products. I think it’s wonderful that we are introducing eco-friendly options to our community.”

Rosewood Gallery is a part of Rosewood Services which celebrates the unique abilities, successes, and choices of people with developmental disabilities. Rosewood Gallery is both a manufacturing and retail facility. Each furniture piece is made with high-quality wood and offers an exceptional value for customers.

-Rosewood Gallery-

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

For more information, contact Kathy Thatcher, Rosewood Gallery Administrator, Gallery@RosewoodServices.com, 620-793-8599.

November 24 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com