The Way to Happiness Sees Smiles Abounding During Friendship Day

 

The Church of Scientology Nashville and The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee held the annual Friendship Day Celebration for 2021.

 

The Church of Scientology again opened its doors to the diverse community of Nashville for Friendship Day at the church’s sixth celebration of the day.  This year, the church featured youth voices with a panel discussion, and other activities for young people.

 

Children and parents alike enjoyed a fresh-faced panel discussion of 7-9 year olds discussing important topics on how to be a good friend, and how this leads to a happier life.

 

The International Day of Friendship was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 in the belief that “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”

 

The Church of Scientology partners in this effort with The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, which provides a community betterment program based on the book The Way to Happiness by L. Ron Hubbard. The initiative is predicated on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—and that without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness is attainable. Several precepts in the book promote dialogue and friendship, among them “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” “Be Worthy of Trust,” and “Try to Treat Others As You Would Want Them to Treat You.”

 

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs or upcoming events, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. For more information on The Way to Happiness, visit twthtn.org.

Youth Voices Create a Brighter Future at Church of Scientology Nashville

The Church of Scientology Nashville with The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee observed World Happiness Day with a special youth presentation from a diverse group of Nashville children.

“Youth Voices: Creating a Brighter Future” was the program title for the inaugural event to observe World Happiness Day at the Church of Scientology Nashville. Sponsored by The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee and The Way to Happiness Kids Club of Nashville, the program included words from young people, ages ranging from five to thirteen years old, who spoke about how to make a brighter future.

Anna B., who is just five years old, opened the program by welcoming all attendees and said, “I’m glad you all are here.” This was followed by two six year old speakers, the first thanking the church for welcoming everyone, and the second speaking about how all people should work together for a better future. Jazzy L., 11 years old, invited all children to join The Way to Happiness Kids Club. Then it came time for the panel discussion with thirteen year old, Yusuf L., 9 year old Omaran L., and 10 year old Celia S. They each answered questions posed to them about how to set a good example and remain true to themselves despite those who may try to suppress them. The event was concluded with an group photo of all children present that afternoon.

The Way to Happiness Association was formed around the book The Way To Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The Way to Happiness is filled with twenty-one precepts based on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others. One of these precepts is “Love and Help Children,” which showcases how children are the future. Each child attending the event was given a poster with each precept drawn out; and the parents were each given their own copy of The Way to Happiness booklet.

World Happiness Day occurs each year on March 20^th and is celebrated by the United Nations. According to un.org, “Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world…The United Nations invites each person of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to join in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.”

For more information on The Way to Happiness Association, visit twthtn.org.

Church of Scientology Hosts Special Service for Father’s Day

The Nashville Church of Scientology will be hosting a special Sunday Service in honor of Father’s Day.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville is planning a special service for Father’s Day on June 15^th this year to celebrate and acknowledge all fathers, stepdads and grandpas. The reason behind this is Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s writings on “Honor and Help Your Parents” found in his common sense moral guide The Way to Happiness. 

Hubbard wrote: “…one must remember that they are the only parents one has. And as such, no matter what, one should honor them and help them.”

“Sunday Service is a time to reflect on one’s actions and see how we can do better,” says Pastor of the Church, Rev. Brian Fesler. So the service will focus on tools one can use to better relationships with others, with special note for family members.

“Scientology means ‘knowing how to know,’” according to the church’s website, “Scientology is all about learning to do things to improve conditions in your own life and in particular in the lives of others.  An active Scientologist is not only considered to be someone who attends a Scientology church or studies Scientology, but rather someone who actively uses the insights and knowledge that Scientology gives them to make a real, positive difference in the lives of others.”

For more information about Scientology, visit the website, scientology.org. For more information about events and happenings, call the church at 615-687-4600.  

Drug-Free South to Present at Crime Forum for National Night Out

Drug-Free South, a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, has been educating students on the harmful effects of drugs for years. Now they will be presenting their program during a Crime Forum for National Night Out.

National Night Out Against Crime is August 6^th, and this year Drug-Free South will speak at a forum regarding how drugs relate to crime. National Night Out is an event that was created by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups, law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, devoted to safer communities.

Drug-Free South (DFS) has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009 and in just that time, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties.

Brian Fesler, who coordinates DFS, says, “We participate in National Night Out Against Crime each year because drugs lead to crime.  It’s just that simple. And the way out is education.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free.  According to drugfreeworld.org, “no one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place.”

The organization provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.

Church of Scientology Community News: Independence Day Celebrations Across Nashville

The Nashville Church of Scientology supports the good works of others. Today’s highlight: Nashville celebrates Independence Day.

It is the 4^th of July. Google has done up a doodle to showcase the day, with a series of family photos at historic sites around the country. Businesses are closed and families are getting together to celebrate the holiday. And, in Nashville, the Church of Scientology is opening up a gathering to the community of potluck and fireworks show.

“Today is a special day for the nation. We are celebrating freedom,” says Rev. Brian Fesler of the Church of Scientology, “This day can bring the entire community together in solidarity.”

And so it does with celebrations popping up all across the Nashville area. The downtown fireworks display in the city promises to be a grand show with celebrity performers including the likes of The Band Perry, Keb’ Mo’ and the Nashville Symphony.

The Adventure Science Center will feature a rooftop view of the downtown fireworks. Lipscomb University is offering a Free Independence Day festival featuring fireworks, musical entertainment, food and games for the entire family.

As newspaper columnist Erma Bombeck said, “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”

For more information about 4^th of July celebrations, go to nashville.about.com.

Drug-Free South Turning the Tide of Drug Abuse Across Tennessee

The Foundation for a Drug-Free South is a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World which educates young people on the harmful effects of drugs.

“Prescription drug misuse and abuse continues to be a major problem in the state of Tennessee,” according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. This is why the Foundation for a Drug-Free World is making plans to spread its education initiatives even further in the coming months.

Anne Vallieres coordinates the local chapter, “It is important to reach youth before drug dealers do,” she says, “and that can only be accomplished by being proactive—going to the schools and teaching them the truth about drugs.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free South (DFS) has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009. So far, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties in the state. And Vallieres has no intention of putting on the brakes. “Students who receive these seminars and learn the real truth about drugs are inclined to look and think for themselves, and they decide not to take drugs. That is the true benefit to this program.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. According to drugfreeworld.org, “No one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place.”

DFS provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a drug dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.

Church of Scientology Community News: Safe Haven Re-Opens Its Doors

The Nashville Church of Scientology supports the good works of others. Today’s highlight: the upcoming grand re-opening of the Safe Haven Family Shelter.

“Family homelessness: It’s not what you think,” are words that pop up, along with ads, on the website for Safe Haven, a shelter-to-housing program in South Nashville. With 28 years experience in changing the field of family homelessness with its proactive programs, Safe Haven will soon double its capacity and spread that help even further.

Safe Haven is planning a Grand Re-Opening for mid-Summer to celebrate the much anticipated expansion project of the shelter on 3^rd Avenue South.  Not even a year after the ground breaking ceremony on October 2, 2012, Safe Haven will be ready to open its recently renovated doors to residents before school is back in session.

“Expanding and renovating will help us keep more families together while ensuring their dignity and empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency,” said Executive Director Joyce Lavery.

Safe Haven houses an average of 38 families, including 57 children, each year. After the renovation, the shelter will be able to serve at least 100 families, including more than 150 children, annually. The program has demonstrated success for nearly three decades, with almost 85 percent of Safe Haven’s residents departing from the shelter with stable employment and secured housing.

Safe Haven is a unique shelter-to-housing program in Middle Tennessee that accepts the entire homeless family. The staff works to keep families together and provide comprehensive services that empower them to achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Safe Haven Family Shelter’s comprehensive approach is one of service and compassion. More information can be found at www.safehaven.org.

Drug-Free South Arms Students Against Drugs

The Foundation for a Drug-Free South, a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, is educating young people on the harmful effects of drugs throughout Tennessee.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “In 2007-2008, Tennessee ranked first among all states for past-year non-medical use of pain relievers among persons age 26 or older. Tennessee also was one of the top ten states for rates in other drug-use categories, including past-month use of illicit drugs other than marijuana among persons age 12 and older.” This is why the Foundation for a Drug-Free World has plans to spread its education initiatives further in the coming months.

Anne Vallieres coordinates the local chapter of the Foundation, Drug-Free South.  “It is no longer difficult for children to get their hands on drugs,” she says, “they are everywhere.  Our purpose is to educate young people on their harmful effects, so they know why they should stay away.”

Vallieres says this program doesn’t just tell a student to say no. “We give them the truth, then they can make up their mind. It becomes their decision to say no.”

Drug-Free South has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009. So far, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties in the state.

The Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. According to drugfreeworld.org, “No one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place.”

The organization provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a drug dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.