By Jake Fogal
BLOOMINGTON – The first weekend in September is celebrated as Labor Day weekend and Bloomington is planning a parade which will feature WJBC’s Laborer’s of the Year.
This year there’s a twist. WJBC’s “Laborer of the Year” is a couple, Greg and Mary Zappa. Greg is retired, a 48-year Laborers Local 362 member, where he worked construction. Mary is a retired nurse. The two are regular volunteers with multiple activities.
“With two you get one,” said John Penn, Midwest Region Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Regional Manager and a LIUNA Vice-President.
“Greg and Mary are both the first to volunteer, no questions asked and with a ready to serve attitude. They bring a great attitude and not only volunteer, but their good nature makes the event enjoyable for those around them. They certainly deserve this honor.”
The parade, features local union marching units, heavy construction equipment, Illinois State University’s “Big Red Marching Machine,” local high school bands, community organizations, elected officials and of course WJBC’s Laborer of the Year.
“I feel it’s important to give back. We feel very lucky where we are that we could retire at decent ages and we live comfortable. So, I have always thought you need to help the people who can’t, that don’t have that situation and need a little help here and there,” said Mary Zappa.
The Bloomington Labor Day Parade marches from Front Street in downtown Bloomington to Miller Park at 10 a.m. Monday, September 5.
Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].
