Fremont church to host gun safety event

FREMONT --- St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 206 N. Park Ave., Fremont, is hosting a gun safety event this weekend. The event, called Guns to Gardens, is scheduled for 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the church parking lot. According to a press release, the event stems from Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 which speak of an end to war by forging swords into gardening tools. Last year one grandfather turning in a gun expressed, "I was concerned that children would get and use the firearm." Another donor said, "The gun is unsafe. It misfires." The event features a CASH gun buyback, blacksmithing, crafts for kids, live music by Jamey Leigh Music and Clay Kirchenbauer, and a food vendor. Community organizations will be present with booths focusing on gun safety, gardening, and support services. The organizations will offer activities, networking, and educational information. In addition, a free raffle ticket for a garden tool forged by blacksmith Carolyn Powers can be picked up at each booth. Kenny Glass will be blacksmithing on-site. At 11 a.m., a multi-denominational prayer vigil for peace and non-violence will be held. The "Gun Buyback" will be in the side alley of the church, off Park Avenue, allowing people to anonymously turn in unwanted firearms. Donors of guns need to arrive at the side alley by 1 p.m., with unloaded guns in the trunks of their cars. Fremont City Police will identify the type of each gun to determine the cash value of the parts. Single and Double Shot handguns can be turned in for $50; Rifles and Shotguns, $100; Pistols and Revolvers, $150; Semi-automatic Rifles, $250; and other non-working guns, $25. A chop saw operator will dissemble guns brought to the event so that the owners can trade the parts in for the offered cash. Last year eight firearms were forged into gardening tools. Donors cited additional concerns as reasons for their donations: "A family member asked that I turn it in," "I don't want it lying unsafe around the house," and "I was afraid of it slam firing."