After enduring the tragic events of a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals, Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, is set to reopen its doors to the public. The venue has undergone a complete makeover, featuring inspiring pictures at the end of each lane, vibrant paint on the walls, and new floors, creating a vibrant and airy atmosphere.
Owners Justin and Samantha Juray initially grappled with the decision to reopen, but the overwhelming support from the community convinced them to move forward. Despite the negative feedback they received, the couple decided to keep the same name for the bowling alley, which symbolizes their timely intervention in saving the venue from closure three years ago.
The reopening of Just-In-Time Recreation follows varied approaches taken by businesses affected by mass shootings across the country. Barbara Poma, the former owner of the Pulse nightclub in Florida, which witnessed a tragic shooting in 2016, emphasized the complexity of such decisions, stating that there is no easy or right answer. The City of Orlando, for instance, purchased the Pulse nightclub site to create a memorial, while a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, where 12 people were killed in 2012, reopened under a new name.
In Lewiston, Kathy Lebel, owner of Schemengees Bar & Grille, another business affected by the shooting, also hopes to reopen at a different location. However, at Just-In-Time Recreation, the anticipation among patrons is palpable. Tom Giberti, a long-time employee credited with saving the lives of several children during the shooting, expressed his excitement about the reopening and praised the unwavering support of the community.
The renovated bowling alley now boasts a new scoring system and numerous tributes, including a table displaying pictures of the eight individuals who lost their lives at Just-In-Time Recreation, as well as bowling pins engraved with the names of all 18 shooting victims from both venues. Most of the surviving staff members are returning to work, ready to serve customers and embrace a new normal.
The reopening ceremony, scheduled for Friday afternoon, will feature speeches from various individuals, including Maine’s governor, Janet Mills. Samantha Juray, emotionally prepared for the day, expressed her excitement about the reopening, acknowledging that it will be a long and potentially emotional journey.
1 Response
I am so glad to hear that Just-In-Time Recreation is reopening after such a tragic event. It’s important for the community to come together and support each other during difficult times like these.
In light of this, my personal goal is to actively participate in the reopening of Just-In-Time Recreation. I plan to gather a group of friends and organize a bowling night to show our support for the establishment and the community. By doing so, we can help bring back a sense of normalcy and support