Saying the Oct. 25 mass shooting in Lewiston “doesn’t define us,” one of the owners of Just-In-Time Recreation told NBC Nightly News on Wednesday that they are reopening in May.
In an interview with the network, owner Justin Juray was asked how things have changed since the fateful night last year when Robert Card entered the Lewiston business on Mollison Way and began shooting. He then went to Schemengees Bar & Grille and continued shooting.
“I’m in fear a lot, like anywhere I’m in public,” Juray said. “And I’m nervous about opening the doors. And then my heart starts racing and I get all sweaty and nervous and scared and start thinking back to that day. So, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over that.”
But Juray also talked about the need to reopen the business, despite the hesitation and fear, saying, “This doesn’t define us … we can go back to enjoying something that this community has enjoyed for, I think, close to 30 years. And it was a random act that caused a lot of devastation and a lot of horror for a lot of people, and we want to be a safe place. Again. We want to be there for the community that needs this as an outlet.”
Extensive repair and renovation work has been underway for several months at the bowling alley, which, according to the Just-In-Time social media page, includes new scoring machines, painting, flooring, ball returns, lane improvements, a security system and an extra door.
The business said May 3 will be its grand reopening date. It will be open seven days a week, with varying open and close times, which are listed on the Just-In-Time website.
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