Greetings, With a few days of sunshine under our belts and the snow melting faster than its

falling, its starting to feel like Spring; the season of potential and opportunity. Its been great to have a real winter with lots of snow this year, but I have to admit.... Im ready for winter to hand over the reins. If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome ~Anne Bradstreet Theres a lot going on in Washburn these days. Several new businesses have opened their doors over the winter including Spark, Sweet Pea Soapery, Blue Water Realty and Gina McCafferty L.M.T. at the Washburn Family Massage Center. There are several more businesses that are hard at work, getting ready to launch their ventures this summer and fall. We even have the brand new Gitche Gumee Montessori School opening here in Washburn in September. They will be creating a new opportunity for our young children (ages 3-6) in the building that was once The Harmony School of Music. If youd like more information about the school or would like to enroll your young ones, contact Katherine Swanson at (715) 292-0269. Over the past few months, since the last edition of Notes from the Mayors Desk, Ive had a lot of conversations with people that are excited about the direction that Washburn is moving. Interestingly, I often find that somewhere in those conversations I hear, Wouldnt it be great if someone... or, Someone needs to... Now dont get me wrong, I get it. Weve all fallen into the pattern of suggesting that someone do something at some point. In most cases, I can agree with the sentiment and say, Yes that would be great, or, Sure, someone should do that. But upon further reflection, the words of John F. Kennedy come to mind. In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course... The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country .... And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. While the context of the world in which JFK made this famous speech feels far away from where we stand today, this sentiment rings true now as well as ever. And while the president was talking to the entire country about being a global leader, we cant discount the opportunity that we have to make a serious impact right here in Washburn. With our proximity to Lake Superior, we ARE in a place of global significance. We live amongst great abundance, and one of our greatest resources is the people who live in here. We have the ideas, skills, talents, time and opportunities. But... in order for Washburn to reach its full potential, we need each person to invest and share whatever it is that they have to offer. What can YOU bring to the table? How can you serve your community or neighborhood? How can you make this place better? I think this is a critical question for each of us to ask ourselves, because that someone we always talk about, could use a hand. I, for one, feel blessed to live here in this time. I love the direction our city is going, but I also see that theres plently left to do. So much in fact, that it can feel daunting and overwhelming at times. But Ive seen first hand, the impact that individuals and small groups of dedicated citizens can make. Each one of us has been touched by someone who was reaching out in service to their community. That spirit of service isnt a job for someone, its a job for everyone. Bring your A Game, and share it! Find one thing that you would like to see improved, and make it happen. If youre not sure how you can serve your community, ask around, or take a look on the back of this page. Figure out what you can do, each day, to make Washburn a better place for everyone. Ask not what your community can do for you- ask what you can do for your community. As always, if you have any questions or concerns you can reach me at City Hall- 373-6160 x7, on my cell 685-4031 or by email- sgriffiths@cityofwashburn.org. Best Regards,

Scott Gri ths, Mayor

If you would like to join the ongoing conversation,

Scott Griffiths, Mayor of Washburn on Facebook.

What you can do for your community....

Join the Washburn EMS or Fire Department
Last week I interviewed members of the Washburn EMS and Fire Dept. Both of these services, which are vital to our community, could use new members. Could you be one of them?

Get involved....
Every year postions open on each of the municipal committees, commissions and boards. We need volunteers like you to get involved and help shape the city that you want to live in. Call me, or City Clerk Vicki Swanson to find out what openings currently need to be filled. 373-6160

Have your voice be heard...

The Central Avenue Improvement Project
The City is engaging in a planning process for improvements to Central Avenue, from the intersection of Hwy 13 to the Coal Dock. This project is part of the Marina Improvement Plan that was adopted in 2010. The purpose of this project is to better tie the marina and our waterfront to our downtown. We want your input. Join us for a public meeting about this project:

Bob Wolfram
How long have you been on the Washburn Fire Department? About 16 years. There was a big fire at The T. I was coming home from work and saw the fire and drove down there to help. I was there before the fire department, but when they got there, they told me that I couldnt help and had to get out of their way. I didnt want to, I wanted to help. I went to the fire hall and joined the department that night. Ive been involved ever since and I absolutely love it.

Carrie Miller
How long have you been on the Washburn EMS?

Thursday April 4th at 6:00pm at the Washburn Public Library

I got involved with Washburn EMS about 7 years ago when I moved form Bayfield to Washburn. I had been an EMT in Bayfield for about 2 years prior to joining the Washburn service. I was working as the athletic director for Bayfield. One day, the ambulance director came down and said, Hey, someone said youd make a great EMT. Really all it took, was that spark of an idea and I said, Tell me more. If youre even thinking about this, you What would you say to someone who should join. We really need more people. was considering volunteering? We have a lot of people who have done it for Its a lot of fun it takes some work and a long time theyve put in their time. Its you have to get your schooling done and time for the next generation to step and and stuff like that, but its like a family, like you take their turn. see on TV.were not a full time Whats your favorite part? department, but you get real close with everyone and you feel safe. My favorite part is that I am really doing Helping people is rewarding. Thats what something for my community. You know, for much of my time, I go to work, and while I life is about, helping people. love parts of my job, Im really doing it for What did you tell the kids today on the the paycheck. And then theres all the things I do for myself and my family, but when I am tour of the fire hall? an EMT I know that honestly and truly, I am Dont be afraidboys, girls, anyone who making a difference. wants to be a firefighter can be a firefighter. Just set your mind to it. I Is there anything else people should never dreamed that I would be a know about the Washburn EMS? firefighter. Growing up people always told me, Youre too little to do this , I would want to make sure that people know youre too little to do that But nope. how important it is to do something thats for If you have the heart, anything is the community and bigger than yourself. I attainable. would also want them to know that truly To learn more: anyone can do this. Sometimes people may EMS: be afraid of the class being too hard, but if Dan Clark-(715) 373-5883 you have the desire, were all here to help you dclark@bayfieldcounty.org succeed and we want you to be a part of our Fire Department: EMS

Lunch with the Mayor Thursday April 25th- 12:00pm at Hugos Pizza

Volunteer with ....

The Washburn Public Schools- (715) 373-6199 ~local youth sports teams~ Reins of Inspiration- (715) 292-2815 The school gardens- (715) 373-6199 ~your neighbors garden~ Habitat for Humanity (715) 682-6600 the Historical Society/Museum- (715) 373-5591 the Washburn Beautification Society (715) 373-6160 The Lions Club (715) 373-2855 The Washburn Chamber- (715)-373-5017 Helping Paws Pet Rescue- (715)-373-2222 Faith in Action (715)-682-4414 ext. 3 Cheq. Mountain Bike Assoc.- hudmattson@yahoo.com Gitche Gumee Montessori School- (715) 292-0269 cleaning up the beach while youre there with friends picking up trash while your walking your dog Offer to watch a friends children for a few hours ...just to name a few.

Mike Pedersen-(715) 373-6163