Lewiston, Maine – Following a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals and injured 13, the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley has courageously reopened its doors six months after the devastating incident. The owners, Justin and Samantha Juray, displayed immense strength and resilience as they welcomed patrons back to their establishment on Friday, May 3.
The horrific event, carried out by gunman Robert Card, brought profound sorrow to the community as he senselessly took the lives of eight individuals at the Jurays’ bowling alley before proceeding to a nearby bar where he committed further atrocities. The pain and trauma inflicted by the shooter’s actions left a lasting impact on the Juray family and the entire community.
Despite the emotional turmoil and hardships faced in the aftermath of the shooting, Samantha Juray expressed a determination to move forward while honoring the memory of those lost. Her husband, Justin Juray, initially hesitated to reopen the bowling alley but found strength in the unwavering support of the Lewiston community, which rallied behind them in a display of solidarity and unity.
Among the attendees at the reopening were individuals like Colin, who had been present at the bowling alley during the tragic event. Colin, accompanied by his parents, attended the event as a means of celebrating the lives lost and marking a new chapter for Just-In-Time Recreation. The outpouring of support from the community was evident, with employees like Tom Giberti expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received during a challenging time.
Giberti, a hero who bravely saved the lives of several children during the shooting, showcased extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of danger. Despite sustaining injuries during the incident, Giberti persevered and recovered, symbolizing the strength and resilience embodied by the Lewiston community as they came together to overcome a tragic event.
In a heartwarming display of remembrance, the bowling alley paid tribute to the victims by displaying their photos and names, ensuring that their memory lives on in the hearts of those who frequented the establishment. The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America also offered support by providing a new scoring system, automatic bumpers, and gutters for the venue, along with expert assistance to aid in the recovery process.
The reopening ceremony, attended by Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline, served as a poignant symbol of resilience and renewal for the community. Sheline commended the strength and unity displayed by the residents, emphasizing that the reopening of the bowling alley signified a symbolic stance of standing tall in the face of adversity. As the community came together to support Just-In-Time Recreation, it became evident that the spirit of Lewiston could never be extinguished, embodying hope and solidarity in the face of tragedy.