Join us for a free screening and discussion of the Emmy-nominated PBS Frontline film, “Being Mortal.” Based on the best-selling book by Atul Gawande, MD, this documentary explores the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness and their relationships with the physicians who treat them.

The documentary tells the story of a physician, Atul Gawande, who is learning to think about death and dying in the context of being a healer. By sharing stories from the perspective of both physicians and the families he encounters, including his own, the documentary sheds new light on how the current health care system—so often focused on a cure—neglects important conversations that need to take place so a person’s true priorities can be known and honored at end of life.

After the screening, you can participate in a guided conversation on how to take concrete steps to identify and communicate wishes about end-of-life goals and preferences. See this moving documentary, join the conversation and explore what matters to you.

This event is free, no pre-registration required. No continuing education units will be provided for this event.

Thief River Falls, Minn.
Sept. 27, 2017, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center
Community Conference Rooms 1 & 2
3001 Sanford Parkway, Thief River Falls, Minn.

Ole’s Ride was held Aug. 26, 2017, and raised $19,700 to benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley. In seven years, Ole’s Ride has raised $79,700 to help provide hospice care to patients and families in Vergas and the surrounding area.

The event is held in memory of Richard “Ole” Barten, 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. “We cannot thank everyone enough for participating,” Kris Barten, Ole’s wife and event organizer, said. “Without every person involved, this event would not be possible.”

The event started on Friday night with a bike show where riders pre-registered. The ride kicked off from Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill in Vergas, and concluded with a silent auction and music by the Fat Cats. Prior to the start of the ride, Ole’s brother, Tom Barten, sang the national anthem. Eighty-nine registered motorcycles participated in the 140-mile ride through Minnesota lakes country. In addition, countless people took part in the various events throughout the day, either as riders, volunteers, road guards or other participants.

“It’s touching to see so many individuals and businesses come together to honor Ole’s memory, and support Hospice of the Red River Valley. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the 2017 Ole’s Ride such a success,” Curt Seter, development officer with Hospice of the Red River Valley, said.

This fall Hospice of the Red River Valley is offering free educational workshops for adults and youth who have recently experienced the death of a loved one.

Journeying Through Grief
Journeying Through Grief is a free class, or series of classes depending on location, designed for those who are recently bereaved. It is intended for adults 18 years and older who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. The sessions will help you better understand the grief process, explore methods of self-care, and embrace and carry memories with you as you move forward. Journeying Through Grief will be held at several locations throughout our service area.

Youth Journeys
Youth Journeys is a day-long program for youth, ages 6 to 18, who have lost a loved one. The day is broken down into sections, allowing youth a chance to explore how the death of their loved one has affected their lives, their feelings, self-care and how to embrace memories. Youth will have an opportunity to meet our pet therapy dogs. The day ends with a celebration of life service. Parents/guardians are also required to attend a portion of the day. Food and snacks are provided throughout the day.

How to Help a Grieving Friend
When a friend loses a loved one through death, we struggle to know what to do. Working through grief involves accepting the loss, experiencing the pain of that loss and creating a different bond or relationship with the person you have lost. This presentation offers attendees ways to help a friend who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

Transitions: Beyond Widowhood
Transitions: Beyond Widowhood is a five-session class for men and women who wish to address the more practical aspects of widowhood. This class is not intended for those widowed less than one year. Discussion topics include maintaining emotional and physical health, home maintenance, making connections, dating and financial planning. Pre-screening and pre-registration are required. The registration fee is $25 per person. Scholarships are available.

Grief During the Holidays
Managing grief in times of celebration can be overwhelming. Suffering the loss of a loved one is difficult any time of the year, but the holiday season can intensify feelings of loss. This presentation will enable attendees to identify and learn how to manage the mixed and painful emotions that can surface when grieving during the holidays. Participants will also learn important self-care strategies. This class is free and open to the public, no pre-registration is required.

Registration
Registration is required for some classes because space is limited. We are committed to making educational and support opportunities available to our communities. To register for classes, call (800) 237-4629 and ask for the bereavement department.

All classes except Beyond Widowhood ($25 fee, scholarships are available) are FREE of charge; however, donations are always welcome to help offset the costs involved.

Hospice of the Red River Valley also offers a variety of support groups at several locations. It is our hope that these programs will equip attendees with a better understanding of grief and loss, as well as a place to find others who have shared a similar experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (800) 237-4629.

Click for more information on registration, dates, times and locations.

Sandra Buchholz, community relations specialist with Hospice of the Red River Valley, and Kendra Binger, program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota appeared on the ND Today show to discuss the upcoming Living with Dementia event.

The event will include practical advice, resources and stories to offer hope and guidance to those living with dementia and their caregivers. It will feature Dr. Tricia Langlois, medical director with Hospice of the Red River Valley, Dr. Lindsay Hines, neuropsychologist with Sanford Health, Kendra Binger, program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota, and Beth Ustanko, co-founder of Memory Café. Bring your questions about living with dementia at any stage for our experts!

Living with Dementia will be held Wednesday, Aug. 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Dakota Medical Foundation located at 4141 28th Ave. S. in Fargo.

Who should attend?
Family caregivers, professional caregivers (nurses, social workers, chaplains, clergy, physicians) and anyone who works with people suffering from dementia.

The third annual Mann Financial Golf Classic, hosted by the Mann Financial Foundation, was held July 12 at the Perham Lakeside Golf Course. The event drew 60 golfers and raised a total of $13,500 after a donation from the Mann Financial Foundation. Hospice of the Red River Valley was selected as one of six local charities to receive $2,000 from the event funds.

Thank you to Mann Financial for their generous support of Hospice of the Red River Valley!

The annual Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey Cook Off was held on Saturday, July 8 in Dickey, N.D. In its eighth year, the event showcased 27 cooks, all hoping to win a Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey trophy and generate donations for Hospice of the Red River Valley. More than 300 people enjoyed 450 pounds of pork spare ribs and numerous donated salads and desserts at the event. More than $6,000 was raised for Hospice of the Red River Valley in memory of loved ones who have been cared for by the organization.

The Judge’s Choice winners were: Herb Carpenter (first place), Drew Pekarski (second place) and Ike Carpenter (third place). The People’s Choice winners were: Adam Johnson (first place), Ike Carpenter (second place) and Herb Carpenter (third place).

“We are thoroughly grateful for the amazing support shown for this event year after year. The friendly competition, continued donations and returning smiles inspire us to host this event for Hospice every year. Thank you so much to all involved! We are thankful for what Hospice has done for us, and will do for our community in the future,” Chrissy Kartes, event organizer, said. Event committee members include Chrissy and Steven Kartes, and Dale and Alicia Pekarski.

The ninth annual Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey Rib Cook Off will be held on July 14, 2018.