A community mainstay got a little nip and tuck for its 75th birthday.

The newly remodeled SCERA Center for the Arts was opened to the public Thursday after six weeks of around-the-clock work. The center was praised by residents who recalled fondly the days when there were no widescreens or surround sound.

"I remember I couldn't come unless I had a nap. I learned to play possum really well," said Cumorah Holdaway, who now takes her grandchildren to the theater to watch movies.

"I also knew I could bring them here because the film would be appropriate."

The renovation -- which cost between $500,000 and a million dollars -- includes several changes:

• The most visible is the combination of The Scoop and the candy stand into one concessions area. The change frees up space for additional seating in the lobby.

• The least visible, but costliest and most important, is the installation of a fire suppression system and updated electronic wiring.

• New carpet is now continuous throughout the lobby, theater and adjoining rooms.

• Two massive stained-glass windows will grace the lobby, though only one has been installed so far. They were constructed by artist Tom Holdman, who does similar work at many LDS Church temples. The window has 2,000 pieces and depicts a family holding VIP tickets.

Holdman began his work as an artist at an early age.

"I have a speech impediment so I had to find another way to speak to people," he said Thursday.

Former longtime SCERA president Dover Hunt was impressed with the changes. During his 30-year tenure as president from 1951-1981, he renovated the building twice. Those efforts included adding a widescreen and multiple speakers in the 1960s. Though he likes the current changes, he probably won't be going to the movies much.

"I'm not a big fan of movies," he said.

Officials from XanGo were out in force Thursday. The company became a major sponsor of the SCERA and helped bail the theater out during lean times a few years ago.

"There was no question in our minds that this establishment was important," said XanGo founder Joe Morton, "It's these places that help ... mold and shape our lives."

WHAT IS SCERA?

Founded in 1933, SCERA is a non-profit charitable arts organization dedicated to the development and advancement of arts and culture, arts education and wholesome and affordable family entertainment. The organization's goal is to "enrich the mind, touch the soul and unify the family."

The center is home to the 733-seat XanGo Grand Theatre and the 450-seat Showhouse II as well as the Orem Heritage Museum and SCERA Art Gallery.