The Juray family faced a heartbreaking decision after a mass shooting took place at their Maine bowling alley last October. Despite the tragedy, they have decided to reopen the venue, giving it a complete transformation.
The Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, will welcome patrons back on Friday after undergoing a significant makeover. The venue now boasts inspiring pictures at the end of each lane, bright paint on the walls, and new floors, creating a vibrant and airy atmosphere.
Samantha Juray, one of the owners, shared the emotional toll of the shooting that claimed the lives of eight people at the bowling alley and 10 more at a nearby bar and pool hall. Despite the initial hesitation to reopen, the overwhelming support from the community in Lewiston convinced the Juray family to move forward.
The decision to keep the same name, Just-In-Time Recreation, holds sentimental value as it reflects the timing of their purchase of the venue three years ago. The community’s rallying behind the Jurays has been a driving force in their decision to reopen.
The reopening ceremony on Friday will feature speeches from various community members, including Maine’s governor, Janet Mills. The venue’s makeover includes tributes to the victims of the shooting, with pictures and names displayed throughout the bowling alley.
The staff members who survived the shooting are returning to work at the venue, ready to serve customers and embrace a new normal. The community’s support has been instrumental in the reopening process, with many eager to see the familiar faces of regular patrons.
As the Juray family prepares for the emotional day ahead, they are grateful for the outpouring of support and look forward to welcoming back their community to the newly transformed Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley.