The third annual Ole’s Ride was held August 25, 2012, and raised $9,100 to benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley.

The event was in memory of Ole Barton, who lost his battle to cancer in February 2011. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Ole during his last months, and the family wanted to use the event as a way to give back to an organization that cares for so many families in the area.

The ride kicked off from Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas. More than 100 registered motorcycles and 161 registered riders participated in the 125-mile ride. In addition, countless people took part in the various events throughout the day, either as riders, volunteers, road guards or other participants.

Kris Barten, Ole’s widow and one of the event organizers said, “It just feels so good to do this. Vergas is a great little community that always pulls together, and when people hear the ride benefits Hospice, they’re happy to give.”

According to Kris Barten, “We hope to make it bigger and better each year.”

Hospice of the Red River Valley’s Journeys program presents a free, three-session workshop for those who are recently bereaved:

Understanding Grief will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2. This introductory session will help identify losses, define grief and discuss the importance of grieving.

Exploring Common Grief Reactions will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9. This session will explore the variety of reactions that may accompany grief-physical, emotional cognitive and behavioral.

Taking Care of Yourself While Grieving  and Embracing Your Memories: Holidays, Special Days & Any Days will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16. This session will address key areas of self-care and wellness and explore resourceful ways to help ourselves work toward healing while remembering our loved ones.

These sessions are free and will be held at Hospice of the Red River Valley, 415 Main Street, Lisbon, N.D. The registration deadline is September 24, 2012; registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, call Traci Issendorf at (701) 899-0559 or (800) 237-4629 or email tissendorf@hrrv.org.

Hospice of the Red River Valley seeks individuals to join its volunteer team, specifically as companionship volunteers. Join us to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Jodi Rae Ingstad will share, “The Joys of Becoming a Hospice Volunteer” on Monday, September 24 at 11 a.m. at the Lisbon Senior Center, 625 Main St., Lisbon, N.D. Sign up forms will be available.

The volunteer program at Hospice of the Red River Valley provides essential support in our day-to-day work. Whether assisting patients and families or helping in the office, our volunteers make a difference. Our volunteers can choose how they would like to help provide compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families, through running errands, doing light housekeeping, fixing meals or providing companionship visits. Other volunteer opportunities include helping out in the office or promoting Hospice through fundraising activities.

Hospice provides a flexible volunteer schedule. For more information, please contact Jodi Rae Ingstad, volunteer coordinator, at 701-490-2605 or jodi.ingstad@hrrv.org.

Redeemer Lutheran Church will be holding its 22^nd  annual Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley on Monday, October 1, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1300 Nora St. E., Thief River Falls, Minn.

A freewill offering will be collected. The event is co-sponsored by Redeemer and Black River Parish.