The Zamboni Twins to be Honored During Owatonna Foundation Week

You might call them the Zamboni twins. Or the Zams. Or Jean and Dede.

But, together, Jean and Edith Zamboni have "graced Owatonna for almost a century with their wit, enthusiasm, and love of this community," as Owatonna Foundation leaders put it. They'll be accepting the Spirit of the Community Award together at the Legacy Lunch on Wednesday, Oct. 9, right in the middle of Owatonna Foundation Week.

The Spirit of the Community Award honors those who have lived in Owatonna for at least 15 years and "committed their time, resources and philanthropic spirit in supporting our community progress."

During her 94 years, Jean has served as a secretary, teacher, rural mail carrier and artist, including creating hand screened serigraphs and Christmas cards with Alice Ottinger at the OZ Press, according to Owatonna Foundation leaders. As a sister of St. Francis' order in Rochester, Edith has taught and worked among the poor in the United State and Central America. In Bogota, Colombia, she helped found a bilingual school in the 1960s that remains among the nation's best decades later. They also served as parade marshals this year for the Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival.

The Legacy Lunch, featuring keynote speaker Dom Korbel, the COO of Fernbrook Family Center, will be from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Owatonna Country Club.

Another highlight of Owatonna Foundation Week is the Wine & Beer Tasting at the Owatonna Holiday Inn & Suites, which will be from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Oct. 10. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a live auction, as well as a large selection of beer and wine.

Tickets are $15 a person in advance and $20 at the door. They are available at Cash Wise Liquor, Kottke Jewelers, the Owatonna Foundation office and at owatonnafoundation.org.