Lewiston Native’s Perspective on the Bowling Alley Reopening After Terrifying Tragedy

"I never thought I'd be able to set foot in here again," remarked owner Justin Juray of Just-In-Time Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, according to News Center Maine. 

This local bowling alley was the starting point of the mass shooting on October 25, 2023. The shooter, Robert Card, was discovered dead after claiming the lives of 18 members of our community and causing injuries to many others.

It is reported in the article that this beloved business will be reopening again following the tragedy that struck on that dreaded day.

As a Lewiston resident, I find it crucial to gauge the city's collective temperature. In conversations with numerous people about the incident in particular and the feelings following, a common thread emerges: we are a community of warriors. The resilience of Lewiston surpasses the fear that shook us on that fateful day.

Justin and Samantha Juray, owners of the bowling alley, have shared their initial hesitance to even reenter the building. As mentioned in the article, they witnessed it all. It's entirely reasonable to be hesitant about returning, let alone reopening and managing a business.

However, because of the support and love from the city and the entire state, they assert, "We can't let him win." This sentiment resonates strongly through all of us.

A lot of us share the same feelings as Justin and Samantha. We cannot allow him to win. We must not retreat or stop our lives. It's essential to try and forge ahead, because we will emerge stronger and more united than ever.

While never forgetting the events and the lives lost, we are committed to carrying on their legacy forever.

This is the first time something like this has happened to us here in Lewiston. There is no true compass or guidebook to look to for help. What I have noticed and what has pulled my heartstrings is that we are marching forward, together, as one family and one city.

Just as Samantha Juray of Just-In-Time said to News Center Maine, 

“People come in here as strangers, but they leave as friends and family, and we've met a lot of them,"

We can do this and we will. All the while, supporting this beloved bowling alley.

Just-In-Time is still working out when they will officially reopen, according to the article,  and we will continue to support them and show them the humanity in our city.