OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — After being closed for two days, the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park reopened its doors to members Wednesday morning. It was closed since Sunday so police could investigate the shootings at the JCC and nearby at Village Shalom.
There was a line of people waiting to get in the at 5 a.m. Members wanted to get back into their routines and show support for the center. Marian Stevens has only been a member of the JCC since January, and she loves it. Despite the fact she doesn’t normally workout on Wednesdays, she said it was important to her to be here.
“I just felt, you know, you just need to show your support, not afraid to come back,” explained Stevens.
For those who might have been skittish, Overland Park Police are here around the clock. Greg Spencer isn’t afraid either. He says coming to the JCC is a family activity.
“We love it, it’s a great facility, has everything for the kids and for us the kids play downstairs in kidzone, rock climbing wall everything,” said Spencer.
Getting back into his workout routine is two-fold. He wanted to hit the weights and send a message.
“What happened was horrible, its ridiculous, don’t want to show you’re afraid,” said Spencer.
Despite the smiles and laughter, no one has forgotten what happened Sunday and there’s a reminder at each entrance. Candles are lit to honor the three people killed: Dr. William Corporon, his grandson Reat Underwood, and Terri LaManno who died at Village Shalom.
“You can’t just pretend it didn’t happen, that’s the hard part,” said Stevens.
