16th Annual Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament

Thank you to everyone who helped with the 16th Annual Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament.

>> photos

Reaching Out at the Rice Wellness Fair

We love health and wellness fairs! They give us the opportunity to reach out to others with complementary therapies such as hand massage and music, and let people know about the wonderful services available to help Rice Hospice patients and families.

>> photos

We Appreciate Hospice Volunteers!

The team of our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, held on April 20, 2010, was TEAM-work. The Gay Nineties Barbershop Quartet, starring Hospice's own Dr. James Tiede, provided us with plenty of entertainment.

>> photos

Canine Care for the Journey

Molly Johnson of Canine Comfort was back to interview prospective therapy dog teams on April 11, 2010.

>> photos

Paynesville Office Open House

The Rice Hospice Satellite Office in Paynesville moved to a new location this year and celebrated with an Open House on March 25, 2010.

>> photos

KARE 11 visits with Rice Hospice

Boyd Huppert interviewed Rice Hospice families and Music Therapy Coordinator Donna Jo Kopitzke.

>> news article

Everyone could use a little Sugar in their day

When it comes to treats, Sugar is well named. This eager, three-year-old volunteer is often just the right prescription for many patients in the Rice Hospice program. "She is very calming when you don't feel well," said Linda Just, who knew that Sugar would be a good fit for the Rice Hospice Pet Therapy Program when she heard about it last fall.

>> story and photos

292 bowlers raise $20,227 for hospice

The 27th Annual Bowl for Hospice was held on Saturday, February 27, 2010, in Benson, Montevideo, Granite Falls, New London, Ortonville, and Willmar. A total of 292 bowlers raised $20,227.50 during the one-day fundraising event for Rice Hospice. >> continued

>> sponsors

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 .

>> webcast

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.

>> continued with photos

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 . >> webcast

You can also hear Donna Jo on "Music That Matters," at MPR Radio. There are three programs about the reverie harp, with the last one highlighting Donna Jo. >>webcast

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 .

>> webcast

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.

>> continued with photos

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.

>> continued with photos

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. >> continued

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. >> photo album

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.

>> photo album

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." >> photo album

You Betcha!

Our 2009 Rice Hospice Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held on April 14. Special guests Tina and Lena made it an event to remember, dontcha know!

>> photo album

Hospice Receives Prestigious Award

Rice Hospice received the 2008 American Hospital Association Circle of Life Citation of Honor. Read about this prestigious award >>click here.

See photos from the Celebration Luncheon >>click here.