Calendar

Columbia disaster (2003)

We all remember the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia on Feb. 1, 2003, when a catastrophic failure caused it to disintegrate into a stream of debris, poignantly reminiscent of shooting stars. Anacortes suffered a personal loss in the tragedy: The pilot of mission STS-107, Cmdr. Willie McCool, was an Anacortes resident. Those who were fortunate enough to encounter this inspiring and inclusive man will always remember him with a sense of gratitude. While serving at NAS Whidbey Island, McCool, his wife Lani and their sons, Sean and Christopher Kasperbauer and Cameron McCool, lived in Anacortes. McCool launched into community life, coaching soccer, volunteering in schools and enjoying outdoor activities. He later paid homage to the Anacortes Community Forest Lands by bringing a pinecone from the ACFL with him into space. When McCool was assigned to NASA in 1996, the family moved to Houston, but they kept their Anacortes home, planning to return. The family lives here today.

Blind Date with a Book & Surprise Books

High School Creative Writing

World Read Aloud Day