Since 2010, youngsters in Wheeling have been enthralled with giant telescopes, larger-than-life dinosaurs, petrified insects and more at the SMART Centre Market science center.

The center, now located in the 1400 block of Main Street in downtown Wheeling in the former Goodwin Drug location, continues to enthrall young minds with, well … science. It’s wonderful work that’s been done for 15 years now by the team of Robert and Elizabeth Strong, and given their investment in Wheeling and its residents — particularly youth — it won’t be ending anytime soon.

“We always wanted to make this a destination place that would bring people here, or provide a place for people to meet in Wheeling,” Elizabeth Strong said. “Hardly anybody is grumpy. Most everyone who comes in is really nice.”

As they should be. It’s tough to be in a foul mood when you’re surrounded by the wonders of nature brought to you by two people genuinely interested in opening minds to science, the wider world and our history.

The Strongs’ work goes beyond the storefront. It’s not at all uncommon to see Robert Strong leading celestial-based events at the Grand Vue Park observatory, helping local residents understand everything from comets to last year’s eclipse.

Wheeling needs more people like Robert and Elizabeth Strong — folks willing to invest their time and their money to making our community a truly unique place to live. As they mark 15 years of educating youngsters, we encourage everyone to stop by their store for a visit — and, if you have children or grandchildren, bring them along and watch the wonder enter their eyes.