After a mass shooting at their Maine bowling alley, Justin and Samantha Juray decided to reopen their business, which had been the site of the deadliest shooting in the state’s history. Despite initial reservations, they were encouraged by the support of the community in Lewiston and decided to move forward with reopening. They went through a complete makeover of the venue, giving it a fresh and vibrant look to welcome patrons back after a tragic event that will never be forgotten.
Barbara Poma, the former owner of the Pulse nightclub in Florida where 49 people were killed in 2016, reflected on the difficult decisions that business owners must make following such tragedies. Every situation and community is different, and there is no easy or right answer when deciding whether to reopen after a mass shooting. Some businesses, like the Pulse nightclub, have been turned into memorials, while others have reopened under new names in an effort to move forward.
In Lewiston, Kathy Lebel, the owner of Schemengees Bar & Grille, the second business hit by the gunman, also plans to reopen at a different venue. Tom Giberti, a staff member at the bowling alley who saved lives during the shooting, has received overwhelming support from the community. Despite being injured in the shooting, Giberti has recovered and is excited to see the venue reopen with a new look and upgrades to welcome customers back.
The reopening of the bowling alley includes tributes to the victims of the shooting, with pictures and names of those who lost their lives displayed throughout the venue. The staff who survived are returning to work, prepared to serve customers as the business gets back on its feet. Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, is expected to speak at a ceremony marking the reopening of the bowling alley, a moment that will undoubtedly be emotional for those involved.
Across the country, various businesses and school buildings that have been affected by mass shootings have made different choices in how to move forward. Some have chosen to rebuild and reopen, while others have been turned into memorials to honor the lives lost in such tragic events. Reopening a business after a mass shooting is a challenging decision that requires careful consideration of the emotional impact on the community and the survivors of the tragedy.
Despite the traumatic events that took place at the bowling alley, the community in Lewiston has rallied behind the owners and staff, showing unwavering support as they work to reopen the business and move forward. The decision to reopen is a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of tragedy, as the community comes together to honor the memory of those who lost their lives and support those who survived. The reopening of the bowling alley is a testament to the courage and determination of those who refuse to let fear and violence dictate their actions.
