🌱 18th Annual Gun Buy Back Event + 'Evening In Paradise' Celebration

Hello, friends. Michelle Paul here with your fresh copy of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly cloudy. High: 82 Low: 57.
• Tuesday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 80 Low: 61.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence teamed up for Albuquerque's 18th annual Gun Buyback event, marking the Sheriff's Office's first participation. The Sheriff's Office's involvement sends a powerful message of their willingness to address community concerns regarding gun violence, and it was particularly surprising to witness the active participation of students from RFK Charter School, who have personally experienced the devastating consequences of gun violence. While the event's focus is not on eliminating guns entirely, it aims to educate individuals about gun safety, resulting in the collection of 156 firearms this year and a total of over 1,700 throughout the years. (KOAT New Mexico)
2. This past weekend Bernalillo County celebrated in a big way with an "Evening in Paradise" celebration in Paradise Hills Park. The county's commissioner Walt Benson was in attendance to announce the 2023 Outstanding Citizens and the 2023 Outstanding Teams. This family-friendly event was capped off at sunset with the Bernalillo County Movies in the Park presentation of Lilo & Stitch to wrap up a wonderful day in the park. (KOAT New Mexico)
3. This past weekend the local group Dust Wave Collective hosted its first-ever film festival in downtown Albuquerque. The Fronteras Micro-Film Festival highlighted films from 30 seconds to a minute and a half. The organizers are already looking at ways to make the festival bigger and better for next year, having so many filmmakers participate and share their art was a rewarding experience. The films will be available again later this month in Santa Fe for another festival. (KOB 4)

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Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Monday, Jun. 5

• Camp BioPark At ABQ BioPark Zoo (8:30 AM)
• Explora Summer Camps 2023 At Explora Science Center (9:00 AM)
• Baby And Toddler Storytime At Albuquerque Main Library (10:30 AM)

Tuesday, Jun. 6

• Advanced Cancer Support Group At UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center (3:30 PM)
• Genealogy Guide At Taylor Ranch Public Library (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Starting on Jun. 8 at 7:00 p.m. Garden Music at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is making its return to rock the city of Albuquerque. This is the perfect opportunity to hear some of your local favorites while enjoying a nice picnic, Felix Y Los Gatos will be kicking off the summer series with their Green Chile Gumbo on Thursday. (ABQ BioPark via Instagram)
• Albuquerque Public Schools teacher Chris Speck was one of 50 educators selected as a National Geographic Society Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. Speck will be traveling to Norway this summer on an all-expenses-paid expedition for learning and educational experiences. He has been with APS for more than 20 years and is excited to be picked for this wonderful experience that he will be able to share with his students. (Albuquerque Public Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 6)
• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Paradise Hills (June 10)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. See you all soon for another update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.