Monte Mowry, Owatonna, Minn., named LeadingAge Minnesota’s District F Volunteer of The Year

Monte Mowry, a volunteer with Benedictine Living Community-Owatonna, Minn., was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the District F Volunteer of the Year Award.

The District Volunteer of the Year Award honors individuals in older adult services whose commitment and dedication enhance the quality of live for seniors and their communities. Mowry was one of two volunteers in the state selected for the regional award.

Mowry and his wife have a hobby farm south of Owatonna where he’s developed a program with their horses to help people with special needs. In 2020 during COVID-19, he started bringing horses to share with Benedictine residents. When human visitors were not allowed in the building, many smiling faces were happy to see him and his horses through their windows. It brought back many wonderful memories for the residents.

“Last August, Monte invited our residents, staff, and families out to his farm for a field trip,” said Lisa Kern, executive director, Benedictine Living Community-Owatonna. “In addition to the horses, we enjoyed grilled hot dogs, covered wagon rides, and more, for a fabulous night out. Our residents talked about that evening for days.”

LeadingAge Minnesota honored Mowry at its Institute & Expo, the state’s largest and most comprehensive aging services conference.