Lewiston, ME – On a seemingly ordinary evening at Just-In-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille, residents of Lewiston were thrust into an unimaginable tragedy that shook their lives and the community at its core. On October 25 last year, a mass shooting during a night of casual games and dining marked the beginning of an arduous journey through grief for many.
The incident, which is noted as the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history, saw the community lose its sense of security overnight. The Maine Resiliency Center, established just 19 days following the tragedy, has since been instrumental in aiding over 400 individuals affected by the event as they navigate the complex pathways of trauma and recovery.
For survivors and the families of victims, adapting to life after the shooting has been a relentless challenge. Brenda Hathaway, whose life was forever altered by the loss of her husband Maxx, finds herself wrestling with the responsibilities of single parenthood while grappling with her own sorrow. Moments of personal breakdown have been part of her coping mechanism, including an episode where she vented her anger on family furniture in the backyard.
Jennifer Zanca, another survivor, despite undergoing extensive physical therapy and multiple surgeries following severe injuries, cherishes the heightened sense of community support that emerged following the shooting. “Our country has been so divided, and there’s been a lot of vitriol, and for the first time, love was louder,” she reflected.
The resilience witnessed among the survivors is mirrored in the actions of Justin Juray, owner of Just-In-Time Recreation. Despite the profound personal and communal loss, Juray decided to reopen the establishment. “This community needs this place, and we couldn’t allow something like that to stop such a great venue,” Juray stated, emphasizing the role of the center not just as a bowling alley but as a sanctuary for collective healing.
The memories of the horrific night continue to haunt many, including Megan Vozzella, whose husband Steve was among those killed. Vozzella has drawn strength from continued support at the Maine Resiliency Center and through cherished memories shared with her daughter. As the anniversary of the shooting approached, she noted the ongoing emotional turmoil: “We’re taking this day by day…we are bonded together, and that’s how we’re getting through it.”
On a different recovery path is Justin Karcher, a younger survivor who copes by surrounding himself with reminders of survival, having amassed a collection of firearms since the incident. His approach underscores the varied and personal nature of navigating trauma.
Amid personal tales of recovery are stories of unwavering love and remembrance. For instance, Juray has immortalized the memories of the victims within the rebuilt spaces of Just-In-Time Recreation, ensuring that their lives are remembered and celebrated.
As Lewiston continues to heal, the collective effort to support, understand, and rebuild lives exemplifies a community finding its footing after profound loss. The Maine Resiliency Center remains a cornerstone of this journey, offering solace and a way forward for those whose lives are indelibly marked by the events of that fateful October night. As this community stands together, the echoes of that night serve as a poignant reminder of vulnerability and the strength found in unity.