The Juray family faced a difficult decision after a mass shooting that took place at their Maine bowling alley last October. After much consideration, they ultimately decided to reopen the venue, giving it a complete transformation. Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, plans to speak at the reopening ceremony on Friday. The decision to reopen was not an easy one, but the Jurays decided that moving forward was important in the face of tragedy. The venue has been completely updated with inspiring pictures at the end of each lane, bright paint on the walls, and new floors, giving it a vibrant and airy feel.
Samantha Juray, emotionally recalls the events of October 25th, when a gunman killed eight people at the bowling alley before moving on to a nearby bar and pool hall to kill 10 more, making it the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history. Despite the devastating loss, the Jurays believe that by reopening, they are not allowing those who have caused them harm to win. While Justin Juray was initially against reopening, the support from the community in Lewiston helped change his mind. The decision was made to keep the venue’s original name, Just-In-Time Recreation, in honor of the circumstances in which they acquired it.
After mass shootings, businesses face difficult decisions on how to move forward. Different communities take varied approaches to handle the aftermath of such tragedies. For example, the former owner of the Pulse nightclub in Florida, where 49 people were killed in 2016, emphasizes the emotional impact that must be considered when deciding whether or not to reopen. In Lewiston, the community has rallied around the Juray family, showing support and excitement for the reopening of the bowling alley. Other businesses affected by the shooting are also looking to reopen in different venues.
At the bowling alley, Tom Giberti, a staff member who saved several children during the shooting, praises the community for their support and assistance in getting the venue reopened. The bowling alley has undergone a complete makeover, including a new scoring system, tributes to the victims of the shooting, and updates to the facilities. The staff who survived the shooting are returning to work, ready to serve customers and see familiar faces once again. The community has shown overwhelming support for the reopening, and the staff are eager to move forward and create a new normal after the tragic events.
The reopening ceremony on Friday will include speeches from various individuals, including Maine’s governor, Janet Mills. Samantha Juray expresses her excitement for the reopening, acknowledging that it will be a long and emotional day. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Juray family is prepared to welcome patrons back to the bowling alley and continue providing a safe and enjoyable environment for the community. The venue’s transformation represents a fresh start after a tragedy, with the hope of healing and moving forward in a positive direction.
