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News and Photo Albums
Deb Ulstad, RN, CHPN, RN-BC receives board certification in pain management
May 2013. Rice Hospice registered nurse, Deb Ulstad, RN, CHPN, RN-BC recently received her certification in pain management granted by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification.
Ulstad has been a registered nurse with Rice Hospice for more than 16 years. She is the satellite coordinator for Montevideo.
Rice Hospice - Appleton unveils Hospice Family Room
March 2013. Rice Hospice - Appleton unveiled their new family room at Appleton Area Health Services. A $10,000 donation from the Arlys Heinecke estate made this transformation possible. The new room is located in the west wing of the Appleton Nursing Home.
Bowl for Hospice raises over $30,000 for hospice patients in their communities
February 2013. The 30th annual Bowl for Hospice was held on Saturday February 23rd, 2013 in Benson, Montevideo, Graceville, Granite Falls, New London, Ortonville and Willmar. Paynesville sponsored their event on Saturday, February 16th 2013. There was a total of 436 bowlers between all the towns, with a total of $30,759.00 donated in the one day event.
Michele Prekker receives board certification in pain management
January 2013. Rice Hospice registered nurse, Michele Prekker, RN, CHPN, RN-BC recently received her certification in pain management granted by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification.
Prekker has been a registered nurse with Rice Hospice since 2009. She is the satellite coordinator for Granite Falls.
Lindsey Peterson receives national certification
November 2012. Rice Hospice Social Worker Lindsey Peterson, LSW, CHP-SW, recently received national certification in hospice and palliative care granted by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and supported by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Tweten has been employed as a social worker at Rice Hospice since 2008. She works in the Granite Falls and Montevideo satellite offices.
Kathy Tweten receives national certification
April 2012. Rice Hospice Social Worker Kathy Tweten, LSW, CHP-SW, recently received national certification in hospice and palliative care granted by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and supported by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Tweten has been employed as a social worker at Rice Hospice for almost 24 years. She works from the Appleton, Benson, and Montevideo satellite offices.
Mayor Frank Yanish gives Proclamation for Hospice & Palliative Care Month
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about the compassionate care that hospice provides. Mayor Yanish gave a proclamation on November 6 to proclaim November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. We hope this will encourage citizens to increase their understanding and awareness of care at the end of life.
Rice Hospice celebrates 30 years
Rice Hospice has accomplished much during its first thirty years and has seen many changes during this time. However, one thing remains the same ... our commitment to bringing hospice patients and their families compassionate, high quality care for the journey. Thank you for joining us at the Willmar Community Center to celebrate on September 25 - we enjoyed visiting with you!
Everyone loves a parade!
Rice Hospice - Appleton joined the parade for Applefest 2012 on September 16. Wearing the Rice Hospice purple proudly are Kristin Benson, RN (far right), satellite coordinator, Social Worker Kathy Tweten, and Kris's children, Evan (kneeling), Lauren, and Cael.
Share the Spirit retreat brings 295 healthcare professionals to Willmar
Dr. Alan Wolfelt was the featured speaker at Share the Spirit, a Rice Hospice educational retreat for caregivers, on September 5, 2012, at the Willmar Conference Center. His objectives for the conference focused around grief and mourning.
18th Annual Rice Hospice Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament
Thank you to everyone who helped raise $11,238.10 for Rice Hospice programs in honor of Heinie Ridler at the 18th annual tournament. Rice Hospice would like to extend a special thank you to the Ridler Family for hosting this annual event. We had 142 golfers on 29 teams this year - thanks to all! More thanks go to all of our sponsors: presenting sponsor TerWisscha Construction, Inc., and major sponsors, Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Homes, JE Dunn Construction, and Slumberland, along with all hole sponsors. We appreciate your participation! > photos
Ginny Benson receives national certification
July 2012. Rice Hospice Registered Nurse Ginny Benson, RN, CHPN, recently received her national certification in hospice and palliative care nursing granted by the National Board of Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. Benson has been a registered nurse with Rice Hospice for 24 years. She is the Benson satellite office coordinator.
Deb Van Buren joins Rice Hospice as volunteer coordinator
June 2012. Rice Hospice is pleased to announce that Deb Van Buren has joined Rice Hospice as volunteer coordinator. Van Buren's responsibilities include: develop and maintain the volunteer recruitment efforts at Rice Hospice; develop and implement volunteer training programs; plan and supervise the delivery of all volunteer services such as Canine Care, Music, Healing Touch and Massage Therapy; develop and distribute monthly Hospice Happenings newsletter; and facilitate community awareness and support of Rice Hospice through speaking engagements and community presentations.
Denise Hansen receives advanced national certification
April 2012. Rice Hospice Social Worker Denise Hansen, LICSW, ACHP-SW, recently received advanced national certification in hospice and palliative care granted by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and supported by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Hansen has been employed as a social worker at Rice Hospice for three years. She works from the Willmar office.
Peggy Johnson receives national certification
April 2012. Rice Hospice Social Worker Peggy Johnson, LSW, CHP-SW, recently received national certification in hospice and palliative care granted by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and supported by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Johnson has been employed as a social worker at Rice Hospice for 22 years. She works from the Dawson and Ortonville/Graceville satellite offices.
Kathy Tweten receives national certification
April 2012. Rice Hospice Social Worker Kathy Tweten, LSW, CHP-SW, recently received national certification in hospice and palliative care granted by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and supported by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Tweten has been employed as a social worker at Rice Hospice for almost 24 years. She works from the Appleton, Benson, and Montevideo satellite offices.
Lois Banken receives national certification
April 2012. Rice Hospice Registered Nurse Lois Banken, RN, CHPN, recently received her national certification in hospice and palliative care nursing granted by the National Board of Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. Banken has been a registered nurse with Rice Hospice for three years. She is the Ortonville/Graceville satellite office coordinator.
Mary Beth Potter receives national certification
March 2012. Rice Hospice Director Mary Beth Potter, RN, BAN, CHPN, CHPCA, recently received her national certification in hospice and palliative care administration granted by the National Board of Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses.
Rice awarded three-year accreditation
Rice Memorial Hospital, including Rice Hospice, has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals.
A Huge Thank You to our Hospice Communities -
2012 Bowl for Hospice raises $33,538!
The 29th annual Bowl for Hospice attracted 463 bowlers at nine bowling centers and raised more than $33,538 for direct patient care. We appreciate the generosity of bowlers and their sponsors, as well as our business sponsors that donated prizes and paid for expenses so all of the money raised can go to patient care.
November Camp G.K. Bear provides grief support to 17 children
Thank you to our Nov. 5, 2011, Camp G.K. sponsors! Cash Wise donated snacks. Pizza Hut donated lunch. Harvey Anderson Funeral Home donated camp t-shirts. St. Mary's donated the use of their facility. And, 4 staff and 17 volunteers gave up their Saturday to make this one-day camp free of charge to the children grieving the death of a parent, sibling, grandparent, or other relative.
We truly appreciate your support!
Marlys Pillatzke receives national hospice volunteer award
Rice Hospice volunteer Marlys Pillatzke accepted the 2011 Patient/Family Support Award from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). The award is sponsred by NHPCO and the National Hospice Foundation. > continued
Judie Dunlop receives national certification
Rice Hospice Social Worker Judie Dunlop, LSW, CHP-SW, recently received national certification in hospice and palliative care granted by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and supported by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Dunlop has been employed as a social worker at Rice Hospice for 14 years.
Rice Hospice recognized as a We Honor Veterans partner
It may surprise many people to learn that 25 percent of those who die every year in the U.S. are Veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, Rice Hospice has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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17th Annual Rice Hospice Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament
Thank you to everyone who helped raise $10,885 for Rice Hospice programs in honor of Heinie Ridler at the 17th annual tournament. Rice Hospice would like to extend a special thank you to the Ridler Family for hosting this annual event. We had 137 golfers on 28 teams this year - thanks to all! More thanks go to our major sponsors, Harvey Anderson Funeral Homes and Slumberland, and all hole sponsors.
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Welcome to new Canine Care for the Journey volunteers
Six handler and dog pairs completed classroom time, training sessions and observtion requirements to become the newest members of Rice Hospice's Canine Care for the Journey program. Congratulations to the following teams for achieving American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizens and certified Therapy Dogs, Inc. status:
- Judy Glimsdal with Tina, Appleton
- Cindy Berghuis with Lucy Lu, Granite Falls
- Nancy Fiegen with Murphy, Granite Falls
- Allen Gislason with Bear, Granite Falls
- Mary Haff with Rootie, Montevideo
- Lindsey Peterson with Lucy
Dr. Tiede receives Rice Health Foundation Award
The 2011 Tradition of Caring Award was presented to James J. Tiede, MD, at a Rice Health Foundation donor recognition dinner on May 19, 2011. Dr. Tiede received the award "In Recognition of Outstanding Volunteer Service, Generous Giving and Devotion to Healthcare."
Sentimental Journey Program off the groad and soaring
There is a new program in the Willmar region that has, "softened a tough old guy like me," said Brad Swenson, paramedic with Willmar ambulance Service. Last year, Swenson read an article in an industry magazine about the Sentimental Journey program that granted final journeys to terminally ill hospice patients.
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Thank you one and all!
We had a great time at all of the 2011 Bowl for Hospice events in our communities! Thank you to everyone who helped raise $25,738.75, and thank you to the sponsors that donated prizes and paid for expenses so all money raised can go to patient services. A big thank you to our wonderful staff and event volunteers, too!
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New Bowling Pin Traveling Trophies for 2011
Feb. 17, 2011. Check out the new bowling pin traveling trophies - if you haven't already signed up for the Bowl for Hospice on Feb. 19 and Feb. 26, here's your incentive to do so--they are adorable!
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Therapy dogs dazzled in the Holidaze Parade
Nov. 20, 2010. Members of Canine Care for the Journey marched in Willmar's Holidaze Parade.
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Hospice Volunteer Education
We were very fortunate to have Sue Liden, speak at two Hospice Volunteer Education Classes - November 9 in Montevideo and November 16 in Willmar. Her presentation was titled, "Sometimes you just have to pick up your canoe and carry it."
Canine U - Faces everyone could love!
Nov. 5-7, 2010. Meet some of the students and volunteers who attended the November 2010 Canine University with Instructor Molly Johnson of Canine Comfort.
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Rice Hospice receives $4,000 donation
Sept. 16, 2010. On behalf of Rice Hospice, Lindsey Peterson and Michelle Prekker, Granite Falls, accepted a $4,000 donation from Prairie's Edge Casino Resort. The resort hosted a month-long promotion during August 2010 to raise money for the fight against cancer. 100% of the money raised in the donation barrels, along with apparel sales, were matched by the resort and donated to local and area organizations.
Share the Spirit 2010
"Addressing the Spiritual Needs of the Sick, Dying, and Grieving," was held on Sept. 8, 2010. Pictured at left is speaker Douglas Smith.
Two more Canine University classes graduate
The Canine Care for the Journey Program graduated two classes of therapy dogs this summer, bringing the total number of therapy dogs providing canine comfort for Rice Hospice patients to 21.
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16th Annual Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament
Thank you to everyone who helped with the 16th Annual Heinie Ridler Memorial Golf Tournament.
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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.
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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.
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Canine Care for the Journey
Molly Johnson of Canine Comfort was back to interview prospective therapy dog teams on April 11, 2010.
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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.
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KARE 11 visits with Rice Hospice
Boyd Huppert interviewed Rice Hospice families and Music Coordinator Donna Jo Kopitzke.
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.
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
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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.
Radio Show: The healing power of music
Donna Jo Kopitzke, Music 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.
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.
Music to Soothe a Patient's Soul
Donna Jo Kopitzke, Rice Hospice Music 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.
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.
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.
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."
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!
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.