As of yesterday, he’s no longer President-elect Barack Obama. He’s President Obama. As of yesterday, a new day has dawned. It’s dawned in Washington D.C. as well as the other Washington, on islands off the coast of Maine and on our little island, here in Puget Sound.

And while not everyone and every community is savoring this moment, the enormous sense of renewal and relief is palpable on Vashon. It played out Tuesday morning, when Eileen Wolcott, in a remarkable show of generosity and civic-mindedness, opened her theater to anyone who wanted to watch history unfold on the silver screen. Hundreds showed up.

And it played out Tuesday night, when Open Space for Arts and Community held Vashon’s first-ever Inaugural Ball.

Make no mistake: Vashon, where 80 percent of the voters cast ballots for Obama, is rejoicing.

One of the worst and most calamitous administrations in our country’s history is finally over. An African-American with a middle name that was scurrilously used by some to challenge his patriotism has stepped in to repair the broken pieces.

A few decades ago, even a few years ago, it was hard to imagine such a day. That we are here, relishing this glorious moment in history, should give Islanders — even the most world-weary among us — cause for hope.

The path that lies ahead is still steep and uncertain. But for a few moments, let’s pause and drink in this glorious view. It’s a new day in the nation, a particularly a sweet one here on Vashon.