The Romain Arts & Culture Community Center opened Friday before a crowd of hundreds including local and state politicians, educators, artists, school children and members of the public.

PHOTO TO RIGHT: Nikki Romain uses ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon, opening the community center after more than three years of work. Her husband Jonathon holds his arms high as city councilwoman Beth Jensen, councilman Tim Riggenbach and councilman Sid Ruckriegel applaud.

PHOTO TO LEFT: State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth speaks at the opening of the Romain Arts & Culture Community Center after Jonathon Romain recognized her work securing a $500,000 grant for the facility.

With the help from several owners of this newspaper, Community Word has funded a scholarship for the summer program at the Romain Arts & Culture Community Center.