Church forging gun safety

Taking its cue from the Biblical verses about forging swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fremont will hold its second annual Guns to Gardens safety event on June 8.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot behind the church at 206 N. Park Ave.
A buy-back of unwanted firearms will be held starting at 1 p.m. along the side alley of the church, allowing anonymity for those wanting to turn in their guns for cash.
Guns should be unloaded and kept in the trunks of vehicle owners. Fremont police will determine the cash value of the gun parts. Single and double shot handguns may be turned in for $50; rifles and shotguns for $100; pistols and revolvers for $150; semi-automatic rifles for $250, and other non-working guns for $25.
A chop saw operator will dissemble guns so the owners can trade the parts in for cash.
Event organizers said eight firearms last year were forged into gardening tools.
Donors cited various concerns about having guns in their home: “A family member asked that I turn it in.” “I don’t want it lying around the house.” “I was afraid of it slam firing.”
There will also be a multi-denominational prayer vigil for peace at 11 a.m.
Other activities include crafts for kids, music by Jamey Leigh Music and Clay Kirchenbauer, and a food vendor.
Community organizations will have booths with information about gun safety, gardening, and support services. Free raffle tickets will be available at the booths for a garden tool forged by blacksmith Carolyn Powers.
Kenny Glass will also be blacksmithing on site.