House Calls and Hospice of the Red River Valley Celebrate American Heart Month

February 21, 2024

House Calls and Hospice of the Red River Valley are pleased to join in celebrating February as American Heart Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing cardiovascular health.

Prioritizing heart health is essential. Heart disease is a condition that many individuals may live with for an extended period, and over time, symptoms can become more burdensome. This not only places physical and emotional stress on the person with the disease but also affects their caregivers and family.

House Calls and Hospice of the Red River Valley are committed to helping those living with heart disease by offering support to both the patient and their caregivers. House Calls specifically focuses on helping those living with heart disease in managing their condition early and proactively through palliative care, all within the comfort of their home. Meanwhile, Hospice of the Red River Valley strives to minimize symptoms and prevent hospitalizations with the hospice plan of care, enabling patients to remain comfortable at home while retaining their dignity and living as fully as possible as life expectancy becomes more limited.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) have developed an Advanced Cardiac Care Guide. The guide offers valuable information to address questions and concerns, ensuring high-quality cardiac care from the safety and comfort of your home.

With heart disease being such a prevalent condition experienced by many, AHA and NPHI had a mission of making sure that families are well supported and educated to manage their symptoms and keep safe at home.

“These advance cardiac care guidelines, in combination with help from House Calls or Hospice of the Red River Valley, can help people manage their condition safely in the comfort of their home. Patients and their families can focus on spending quality time together and making meaningful memories,” said Dr. Tracie Mallberg, MD, Chief Medical Director of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

To download a complimentary copy of the Advanced Cardiac Care Patient and Caregiver Handbook created by AHA and NPHI, please visit https://bit.ly/47XmAza.

Chivon Kapphahn Joins Hospice of the Red River Valley as a Philanthropy Officer

July 24, 2023

Hospice of the Red River Valley welcomes Chivon Kapphahn as a Philanthropy Officer. In her position, Chivon will play a pivotal role in the development team, managing major gift production, donor stewardship and recognition efforts in greater Bismarck and western North Dakota.

With an extensive background in healthcare administration, Chivon brings valuable expertise to her new position. Prior to her joining Hospice of the Red River Valley, she served as Operations Director for Cornerstone Caregiving, where she oversaw operations and caregiving services for seniors in their homes. Chivon’s experience also includes her role as Senior Executive Director at Edgewood Healthcare, where she successfully oversaw the daily operations of several assisted living, memory care and independent living communities, while also providing guidance and mentorship to fellow directors within the organization.

Expressing her excitement about her new role, Chivon shared, “I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work alongside so many talented individuals who all share the same passion. I am looking forward to building so many great relationships along the way while fostering future development.”

Chivon is a North Dakota native and attended Bismarck State College and Flasher High School.

14th Annual Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey Rib Cook-off Raises Over $22,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

July 14, 2023

The 14^th Annual Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey Rib Cook-off took place on Saturday, July 8^th in Dickey, N.D. This year’s event showcased 29 cooks, all hoping to win a Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey trophy while contributing to the fundraising efforts for Hospice of the Red River Valley. The event gathered a crowd of nearly 350 people who enjoyed racks of ribs and numerous donated entrees, salads and desserts at the event. Through generous support, the event raised over $22,000 in donations for Hospice of the Red River Valley, honoring the memory of cherished individuals who have received care from the organization.

A panel of nine judges sampled and scored each entry to determine the winners of the Judge’s Choice awards. The recipients of the Judge’s Choice awards are as follows: First Place – Chris Kleven, Page, N.D.; Second Place – LeAnna Brown, Jamestown, N.D.; and Third Place – Greg Peterson, Fargo, N.D.

In addition, the attendees had the opportunity to cast their votes for the People’s Choice awards winners. The winners of the People’s Choice awards are as follows: First Place – Chris Kleven, Page, N.D.; Second Place – Brent Carpenter, Jamestown, N.D.; and Third Place – Drew Pekarski, Dickey, N.D.

“After 14 years, I am constantly reminded how important Hospice of the Red River Valley is to our communities. This year, I spoke with many families that have recently had their own experiences with HRRV this past year and they were so thankful to be able to pay them back this year with the donations provided by the event. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Dava and George Roder, owners of Dickey Bar, for their unwavering support of this event year after year,” stated Chrissy Kartes, the event organizer.

14th Annual Ole’s Ride to be held August 26

July 7, 2023

Mark your calendars for the 14th annual Ole’s Ride, taking place on Saturday, August 26th. This event serves as a tribute to Richard “Ole” Barten, who lost his battle to cancer in February 2011. During his final months, Ole received care from Hospice of the Red River Valley. To express their gratitude, Ole’s family initiated this event as a way to support and give back to Hospice of the Red River Valley. With the tremendous support of participants, Ole’s Ride has raised over $208,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

To kick off the event, pre-registration and a bike show will be held on Friday, August 25th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas, Minn. Registration will also be available on Saturday, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The bike ride will start at 12:00 p.m., guiding riders through the scenic lakes country of Minnesota.

The cost to participate is $25 per bike, and an additional rider can join for $15. Registration includes a t-shirt, meal and opportunities to win door prizes at each stop along the route. After the ride, there will be a silent auction and live music performed by the FM All-Stars.

To register for the ride, please contact Jessica Sonnenberg at (218) 849-8995 or jessicasonnenberg@team-ind.com.

8th Annual JJ’s Hog Roast for Hospice to be held August 11 & 12

June 16, 2023

Mark your calendars! On Friday, August 11^th and Saturday, August 12^th, join us for the 8^th Annual JJ’s Hog Roast for Hospice. This exciting event will take place near Pelican Lake at 51943 County Hwy 9, Pelican Rapids, Minn. This event is a fun weekend of socializing and entertainment.

The event includes a car show, games, giveaways, music with a laser light show and a hog roast meal. All events are free-will donation with all proceeds benefiting Hospice of the Red River Valley.

For a full schedule of events and to register for the car show, visit www.jjshogroast.com.

JJ’s Hog Roast for Hospice began as a celebration of life for Jeffrey “JJ” Bruns, Jr., whose life was cut short from an accidental death in 2015. Hospice of the Red River Valley supported JJ’s family following his death, so his family wanted to memorialize his name in a special way that reminded them of JJ’s fun-loving personality.

JJ’s Hog Roast for Hospice has raised more than $60,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley helping provide hospice care for patients and families.

Follow the event on Facebook @JJsHogRoastCharity and stay up to date with information at www.jjshogroast.com.

14th Annual Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey Rib Cook-off to be held July 8

June 12, 2023

Saturday, July 8^th, join us for the 14^th Annual Sweet N’ Stickey Rib Cook-off. This exciting event will take place outside of Dickey Bar, situated at 217 4^th Ave, Dickey, N.D. 58431. The Rib Cook-off is a donation-based event, and all proceeds will go to Hospice of the Red River Valley to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away.

This is an all-day event, with ribs starting to be served shortly after 5:30 p.m. We kindly request attendees to contribute a donation of their choice for their meal.

If you’re interested in showcasing your culinary skills and competing in the rib cook-off contest, please contact Chrissy Kartes (701) 361-8124. A registration fee of $20 will be required for participants entering their recipe.

The registration fee includes a Sweet N’ Stickey t-shirt or tank and serving pans for submitting your final dish for both the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice categories.
Contestants must bring their own ribs (two or more racks of pork ribs, any cut except baby back).
Ribs will need to be cooked, cut and ready for presentation to judges by 5:30 p.m.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own grill/smoker, utensils and cooking supplies.
Event organizers will provide electricity (if required), judging baskets and serving trays.

Those who are interested in cooking ribs to donate and serve, without participating in the competition, have the option of joining the potluck. The potluck option is free of charge and does not include a t-shirt or tank. Participants can simply contribute the ribs they wish to donate, cook them and serve them during the event.

Preparing for the Journey: Brenda Iverson Highlights Hospice Care with K-Love’s Becky Hansen

May 15, 2023

Brenda Iverson, HRRV Director of Marketing & Community Relations had a conversation with K-Love’s, Becky Hansen. During their talk, Brenda shed light on services provided by HRRV and stressed the importance of familiarizing oneself with hospice care in advance, before the need arises for such services for oneself or a loved one. Click here to listen.

RibBest Rib Competition & Potluck to be held June 3

May 9, 2023

Join us Saturday, June 3 at Pinehurst Resort in Naytahwaush, Minnesota for RibBest; a rib competition and potluck! Judging at 4 p.m. and potluck meal at 5 p.m.: Bring a dish to share! All proceeds benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Kellie Albrecht Joins Hospice of the Red River Valley as Annual Giving Officer

March 30, 2023

Hospice of the Red River Valley (HRRV) welcomes Kellie Albrecht as Annual Giving Officer. Kellie serves the development team by strengthening relationships with community members and donors helping raise funds to support the work of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Kellie has a dedicated history of helping others through her work in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors in the Fargo Moorhead area. Kellie’s focus on growth, both personal and professional, led her on a journey of strengthening the missions of several community nonprofit organizations. Kellie is excited about her position as Annual Giving Officer at Hospice of the Red River Valley because she knows firsthand how valuable the care that HRRV provides for the community is. She feels there is no greater reward than helping donors and community members connect with a mission that provides care and compassion to those going through life’s transitions.

Prior to Kellie joining Hospice of the Red River Valley, she served as Director of Operations and Director of Client Relations for Red River Financial and Executive Coordinator for the Anne Carlsen Center.

Kellie attended Valley City State University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Teaching. She later went on to receive her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Mary.

In her free time, Kellie enjoys downhill skiing, reading and spending time with her husband Erin, son Henry and three dogs Bill, Ted and Max.

Author: Mariah