Radio Show: The power of pets

Evy Hatjistilianos, Volunteer Coordinator at Rice Hospice, was the guest on "It's Your Health" Radio Show on KDJS 1590-AM for December 19, 2009. Listen to the 30-minute webcast version of the show by clicking the link below .

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Meet the first six Pet Therapy Program graduates - Woof! Woof!

The newest Rice Hospice volunteers don't drink coffee or drive a car, but they can still decrease patient anxiety and stress, provide a diversion from physical discomfort, and make their patients laugh or smile. Visits from pet therapy dogs can also reduce incidences of depression, alleviate social and emotional isolation and boredom, and expand communication and comfort for the grieving. A visit from a calm, friendly dog might just be the best medicine for many patients.

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Radio Show: The healing power of music

Donna Jo Kopitzke, Music Therapy Coordinator at Rice Hospice, was the guest on "It's Your Health" Radio Show on KDJS 1590-AM for November 28, 2009. Listen to the 30-minute webcast version of the show by clicking the link below .

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Radio Show: Palliative Care vs Hospice Care

Dr. James Tiede, Associate Medical Director for Rice Hospice, was the guest on "It's Your Health" Radio Show on KDJS 1590-AM for November 7, 2009. Listen to the 30-minute webcast version of the show by clicking the link below .

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Share the Spirit

The 2009 annual Share the Spirit Retreat drew 321 participants, including Hospice staff and volunteers. It was held on September 2, 2009, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Willmar.

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A Lesson in Gift Giving

Nathan Habben and Jonas Habben each brought a special gift to the Rice Hospice Office in Benson on August 11, 2009. As part of their home school education, they made lap robes to donate to Rice Hospice patients in the Benson area.

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A Coffee for Cindy Enke

The Ortonville Hospice Office staff and volunteers said good-bye to Cindy Enke with a Farewell Coffee on July 28, 2009. Friends presented her with a porcelain doll that had been handmade by Carol Knutson.

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Music to Soothe a Patient's Soul

Donna Jo Kopitzke, Rice Hospice Music Therapy Coordinator, made a special trip to Stillwater, Minn. this July, where she picked up sixteen Reverie Harps from Musicmakers. The majority of the harps will be used by Hospice staff and volunteers to share music with hospice patients and their families. "This is an instrument that absolutely anybody can play and enjoy," said Donna Jo. One harp will reside in each of the Hospice offices located in Appleton, Benson, Dawson, Granite Falls, Montevideo, Ortonville, Paynesville, and Willmar.

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Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament raises $8,000 for Hospice

15th Annual Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament raised more than $8,000 for Hospice on July 13, 2009. Heinie Ridler, an avid golfer, worked as business manager for the Willmar Golf club (now Eagle Creek) for eleven years. She lost her battle to cancer in December 1994. Hospice played an important role in helping Heinie and her family cope with her illness. In her memory, her friends organized this annual tournament to raise funds for the Rice Hospice Program.

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Norma is #1

Rice Hospice Aide Norma Olson received the Employees Exemplifying Excellence (EEE) Award at Rice Memorial Hospital on May 13, 2009. Norma came out of retirement and is meeting the needs of her patients that request her special care. She does the little extras that make life more comfortable. The Rice EEE Award is given annually to an employee who is nominated by a peer because he or she exemplifies excellence in the work place.

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Happy Birthday to You!

Hospice Volunteer Mary Margaret Thiel celebrates her 90th birthday with Hospice friends on May 12, 2009.

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Camp G.K. Bear Helps Kids Heal

Camp G.K. Bear is for children who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. The one-day camp took place on May 2, 2009, at St. Mary's in Willmar. Through a series of activities, such as arts and crafts, videos, sharing, and small group discussions, kids are able to explore: (1) the life/death cycle; (2) feelings; (3) memories; and, (4) change and moving forward. "Our goal is to help children understand the grief process and to teach them the skills necessary to help them heal," said Brenda Wiese, Grief Center Coordinator. "And, of course, we'll make sure the kids also participate in recreational and other fun activities."