LEWISTON, Maine - A Lewiston, Maine bowling alley, where eight people were killed during the state's deadliest mass shooting last October, reopened Friday.
When patrons returned Friday, six months after the gunman opened fire, they were impressed by the scenic images and messages of resilience at the end of each lane, bright paint on the walls and new floors. The Lewiston venue has undergone a complete makeover, giving it a vibrant, airy feel.
"It looks beautiful," said Lena Galipeau, who works with a group of adults with disabilities who'd been anxious to return.
Samantha Juray gets emotional when recalling the events of Oct. 25, when the gunman killed eight people at the bowling alley before driving to a nearby bar and pool hall where he killed 10 more during the deadliest shooting in the state's history. He later died by suicide.
"It's never going to leave my head," Juray said. "I think if we don't move forward - not that there was a point to this whole thing anyway - but we're just going to allow the people that have taken so much from us win."
After facing initial opposition to reopening, Justin Juray and his team received overwhelming support from the community of Lewiston. This support led them to change their minds, with Samantha Juray stating that within weeks, they were certain they had to reopen.
Opting to retain the original name, Just-In-Time Recreation, the Jurays explained that the name symbolizes the timing of their purchase three years ago, just before the venue was set to close. The name also aligns with Justin's own name.
"It's a place of happiness, and we just enjoy being here and being able to share this space with our community and bowling family," expressed shooting survivor Sara Welch.
John Robinson, who attended the reopening with his son Colin, reflected on the emotional experience of returning to the bowling alley where he had been present with his ex-wife on the night of the shooting. Robinson, who had also attended an earlier soft launch with families, shared that while it was a poignant moment, it also felt like a burden had been lifted. He considered those who lost their lives at the bowling alley as friends.
"I can't express how wonderful this day is," Robinson remarked. "It's an opportunity to honor their memories and celebrate the revival of Just-In-Time."
He emphasized the significance of the bowling alley's reopening for bowlers in the region, noting the limited options for bowling in Maine and the scattered locations of existing alleys.
Across the country, people have taken varied approaches after mass shootings. Barbara Poma, the former owner of the Pulse nightclub in Florida where 49 people were killed in 2016, said every situation and community is different.
"You are suddenly thrown into a state of shock, and emotions dictate your thoughts," Poma said in an email. "Eventually you are forced to make a critical business decision based on how it will impact others emotionally and publicly. There just is no easy or right answer."
The City of Orlando last year agreed to buy the Pulse nightclub site to create a memorial.
In Aurora, Colorado, a movie theater where 12 people were killed in 2012 later reopened under a new name. Buffalo's Tops Friendly Market reopened in 2022, two months after 10 Black people were killed.
In Newtown, Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary School was razed, and there also are plans to bulldoze Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
In Lewiston, Kathy Lebel, who owns the second business hit by the gunman, Schemengees Bar & Grille, also hopes to reopen at a different venue.
At the bowling alley, Tom Giberti said people are "so excited to get us back."
Giberti, who has dedicated 20 years of his life to the bowling alley, is being hailed as a hero for his actions on the night of the shooting. He bravely led at least four children to safety along a narrow walkway between the lanes, shielding them from harm behind the pins. Despite being shot in both legs and hit with shrapnel, Giberti's quick thinking saved lives that fateful evening.
Following surgery, Giberti made a remarkable recovery, swiftly discarding the mobility walker he was initially given. Today, he can be seen enjoying a game of golf and moving around the bowling alley with little indication of the injuries he sustained. "I'm improving every day. While I still have moments of anxiety, overall I'm doing much better," Giberti shared. "Being here, being back, it's incredibly therapeutic."
Giberti expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Lewiston community in reopening the venue. "The outpouring of support has been incredible," he remarked. "Our community has stood by us, offering unwavering assistance."
The bowling alley's renovation includes a modernized scoring system and poignant tributes, such as a memorial table displaying photos of the eight individuals who lost their lives at Just-In-Time. Additionally, bowling pins inscribed with the names of the 18 victims from both tragic events serve as a solemn reminder.
Tragically, two members of the bowling alley staff were among those who perished. However, the surviving staff members are returning to work, determined to resume operations. Samantha Juray expressed the team's readiness to welcome back customers and reunite with familiar faces, embracing a new beginning amidst the healing process.
"Behold us, rising once more," declared Mayor Carl Sheline of Lewiston during a lively ribbon-cutting event on Friday afternoon that drew a large crowd to the bowling alley. "With all of your presence here, it is abundantly clear. Lewiston will always persevere."
When it came time for the Juray family to address the audience, Justin turned towards the gathered crowd.
"It is because of all of you," he proclaimed, his arms raised amidst the resounding cheers. "This is the reason. This is why we made the decision to reopen."
