Laughter, cheers and cries echoed throughout Just-In-Time Recreation on Friday afternoon as the bowling alley reopened a little more than six months after a mass shooting.
Reopening in the same building where the shooting happened was a “bittersweet and courageous” decision by owners Samantha and Justin Juray, Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said.
“Day by day, we continue to work through grief and heal little by little, and today we have a reason to smile,” Sheline said. “If Justin and Samantha had permanently closed these doors, we would have understood, but instead they chose to recreate a space for community gatherings.”
Ten people were shot and killed at the bowling alley on Oct. 25. Eight more were killed at Schemengees Bar and Grille, while 13 people were injured between both locations.
Around 300 people filled the bowling alley at 24 Mollison Way for the reopening, and the sound of bowling balls rolling down lanes and pins being knocked over filled the 30,000-square-foot venue. Children in youth leagues bowled in blue Lewiston shirts, while others wore shirts in memory of their loved ones who died that day.
“Today is a momentous occasion, one that signifies not only the resilience of our community, but also our unwavering commitment to healing,” Lewiston Police Chief David St. Pierre said. “Amidst the darkness, there emerged a glimmer of hope, a sense of determination and resilience. It is this resilience that brings us together today.”
The Jurays bought the bowling alley in May 2021. Without the support from the community, the alley would not have opened back up, Samantha Juray said. That community is why they decided to reopen.
“You’re the reason,” Justin Juray said to the crowd with his arms raised. “You’re the reason we’re here.”
Representatives for U.S. Sen. Angus King, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden each gave speeches talking about the resilience of Lewiston and the support from the state following the cruel actions of Oct. 25.
King’s representative gave the Jurays the American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Just-In-Time Recreation.
Major renovations were completed before the reopening, the Jurays said. The bowling alley has all new flooring, paint and scoring systems. Six lanes of candlepin bowling were removed, with six remaining. The alley has 22 regular lanes.
The shooting happened during a youth bowling league and volunteer coach Bob Violette, 76, and his wife Lucille, 73, were among those killed. Their family has started a foundation to support youth bowlers. Friends and family at the bowling alley Friday wore shirts with the non-profit’s logo.
Loud, extended applause reverberated throughout the alley as Tom Giberti was recognized for rescuing several children during the shooting. He was shot in both legs during his efforts.
Lewiston and Maine are strong, with a backbone like Katahdin, Gov. Janet Mills said. The actions of one person on Oct. 25 will not define the state, she said.
“We’ve an immense hole in the heart of our state and in the hearts of the families and the survivors, hurt by wounds both seen and unseen,” Mills said. “Our hearts are still healing. The road to healing is long.
“Today Justin and Samantha are helping us all take a big step forward by reopening Just-In-Time.”
