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Retaskie was difference

To the Journal editor:

The Marquette Women’s Center is considered light at the end of a tunnel for many. But that light grew dimmer and dimmer. Antiquated florescent lights were burning out and replacement florescent tubes were hard to find.

A member of the property management committee of the Women’s Center, Tony Retaskie recommended replacing these fixtures, 200 fixtures! The budget would not permit such an expenditure.

Tony Retaskie and Phyllis Loonsfoot, former director of the women’s center, pursued help from the Marquette Board of Light and Power.

Help was requested from the community. An auction item at last year’s Evening of Elegance provided by Peggy Frazier and Michelle Butler was earmarked for the lighting project. Range Bank and Wells Fargo donated to this project as did others in the community.

Tony Retaskie and Sally May made our case with Code Electric and JP Electric and enlisted their help. Tony organized a corps of electricians and electrician apprentices to volunteer their time to install the new lighting fixtures.

Tony Retaskie said at the time, “It is an opportunity to give back to our community, to save energy for the women’s center and lower their costs.” The Women’s Center received rebates for the energy saving light fixtures.

This year, the women’s center anticipates a saving of $3,000 in our electric bill. And now the light makes an amazing difference in how people feel. It can be said Tony Retaskie put the women’s center in lights.

For relentlessly pursuing this lighting project, for lighting the way to economic security for survivors, on behalf of the women’s center board, staff and the people served by the women’s center, the staff of the women’s center selected Tony Retaskie, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council, as the Harbor of Light recipient for 2015. The women’s center is so grateful for Tony Retaskie’s support and the support offered by this community.

Together we are truly lighting the way for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Karlyn Rapport

Marquette

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