The Church of Scientology, in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, observed World Environment Day with an event called Growing Nashville.

​​​According to the Nashville Area Metro Planning Organization, “transportation, and policies that guide the expansion of transportation infrastructure, are increasingly linked to a variety of environmental issues.” It’s no doubt that Nashville has been experiencing unprecedented growth, but what is happening to the natural environment as this growth occurs?

This was the subject of the World Environment Day event “Growing Nashville” at the Church of Scientology, organized in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.

The event included a presentation by the Metro Nashville Beautification and Environment Commission’s Horticulturist and other community initiatives to help the city, followed by live music from Jess Lacoy and Kevin Riley Corbo.

Judy Young, Director of The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee presented native Nashville plants to the Beautification Commission’s Horticulturist and Edgehill community leader Brenda Morrow for their work to make Nashville more beautiful and true to its environment.

The Way to Happiness Association, which sponsored the event, was created to promote the book The Way to Happiness, written by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The book’s 21 precepts are based on the principle that one’s survival depends on the survival of others. “Your own survival can be threatened by the bad actions of others around you,” he wrote. “You are important to other people. You are listened to. You can influence others.”

One way in which one’s own actions and influence can make a significant impact is closely related to the purpose of World Environment Day.

In the precept “Safeguard and Improve the Environment,” Mr. Hubbard wrote:

“The idea that one has a share in the planet and that one can and should help care for it may seem very large and, to some, quite beyond reality. But today what happens on the other side of the world, even so far away, can effect what happens in your own home….

“One can ask, ‘Even if that were true, what could I do about it?’ Well, even if one were simply to frown when people do things to mess up the planet, one would be doing something about it. Even if one only had the opinion that it was just not a good thing to wreck the planet and mentioned that opinion, one would be doing something…

“There are many things one can do to help take care of the planet. They begin with the idea that one should. They progress with suggesting to others they should.

“Man has gotten up to the potential of destroying the planet. He must be pushed on up to the capability and actions of saving it.

“It is, after all, what we’re standing on.”

World Environment Day was set aside by the UN as “the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.”

The Way to Happiness was written in 1981. Immensely popular since its first publication,

some 115 million copies have been distributed in 115 languages in 186 nations. It holds the Guinness World Record as the single most-translated nonreligious book and fills the moral vacuum in an increasingly materialistic society.

The Church of Scientology and its members are proud to share the tools for happier living contained in The Way to Happiness.

Drug-Free Tennessee to Host Educational Workshop to Keep Our Youth Off Drugs

Drug-Free Tennessee is preparing for International Day Against Drug Abuse with educational events to help the community keep young people away from drugs.

Keeping Youth off Drugs has long been the message of Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT). The group has promoted a drug-free life with education and prevention materials for young people. According to drugfreetn.org, it has reached more than 18,000 people across Tennessee in the last five years. But now DFT is going full throttle ahead and wants to get this message out to the masses.

So throughout the month of June, the group is working with officials and the community throughout the state of Tennessee to get the most Truth About Drugs booklets distributed. These booklets enlighten all ages on the dangers of common street drugs. Then, on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the group will be having a training workshop titled “Making Drugs A Bad Deal: How to Keep Our Youth Off Drugs.” During the free workshop, attendees will get information on exactly what to say and show to their kids to help steer them clear of a life of addiction. This is the fifth year the group has done events under the heading “Making Drugs a Bad Deal.”

The workshop takes place on June 26, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, over breakfast at 8:00 am in the community hall of the Church of Scientology Nashville. To register, visit drugfree2019.eventbrite.com.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking occurs on June 26 each year and was created by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 to encourage all sectors of society to work together to tackle drug abuse and addiction.

DFT is the local chapter for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization aimed at providing children the truth about drugs so they are equipped with correct information and won’t become a victim to dealer’s lies. DFT has visited over 30 counties across Tennessee providing informational seminars and lectures for school children and other groups.

For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee, visit DrugFreeTN.org. 

Church of Scientology to Host Growing Nashville Environment Day Festival

The Church of Scientology in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee is observing World Environment Day with a festival for the environment, called Growing Nashville.

According to the Nashville Area Metro Planning Organization, “More and more transportation, and polices that guide the expansion of transportation infrastructure, are increasingly linked to a variety of environmental issues.” It’s no doubt that Nashville has been experiencing unprecedented growth, but what is happening to the natural environment as this growth occurs? That is the subject of the upcoming World Environment Day festival “Growing Nashville” taking place at the Church of Scientology, in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, on June 1st. 

The festival, which begins at 1:00 pm, will have a presentation by the Metro Nashville Beautification and Environment Commission’s Horticulturist, followed by live music and information from other community initiatives to help the city.

The Way to Happiness Association, which is sponsoring the event, was formed around the book The Way To Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The book 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 “Safeguard and Improve the Environment,” which takes to heart care for the planet.

World Environment Day occurs each year on June 5th and is celebrated by the United Nations. According to unep.org, World Environment Day “…has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.”

For more information on Growing Nashville or to register, visit growingnashville.eventbrite.com. 

Church of Scientology Nashville Holds 4th Annual Fitness Fair

The Church of Scientology held a Community Fitness Fair for World Health Day in early April, 2019.

Drug-Free Tennessee and the Church of Scientology Nashville organized a community fitness fair in observance of World Health Day. Nonprofit and health-minded organizations set up booths at the fair to promote wellness.

Some 36 percent of Nashville youth are obese or overweight, and of the 50 states, Tennessee ranks 43rd in overall health.

Those attending were interested in strategies for the community to work together to increase overall health.

Rev. Brian Fesler of the Church of Scientology Nashville emceed the event and had several health professionals speak about ways for the community to work together. "There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on how to be healthy, eat right and stay fit," said Rev. Fesler.

In keeping with the fair's slogan, "Shape Up: A Community Fitness Fair," those participating promoted drug prevention, nutrition, weight loss, HIV prevention, and other health-related activities.

The Church of Scientology supports the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and its local chapter, Drug-Free Tennessee.  "You can't have overall health with drugs in your system," said Fesler, "and Drug-Free Tennessee has the educational materials people need to understand this."

For more information on the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee, visit drugfreetn.org.

Church of Scientology Showcases Best Practices for Sustainability

The Church of Scientology in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee observed World Environment Day with a Sustainable Living Conference.

According to Global News, “The fashion industry is the world’s second-largest polluter, after oil. That means even if you’re diligent about correctly separating your recycling, put solar panels on your roof and collect rainwater, and strictly buy local, organic produce, you’re inherently implicit in fashion’s shameful truth just by getting dressed every morning.” To combat pollution and enlighten people on the best sustainable living practices, the Nashville Church of Scientology, in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, just held a Sustainable Living Conference on World Environment Day. 

The conference began with a keynote speech on sustainable fashion by Elisabeth Donaldson of 365 Days of Thrift. She covered why thrifting is important for sustainability and the facts of how the fashion industry harms the environment. This was followed by an Eco Conscious Panel discussion with Homesteading Hero Janelle Hillman, high style thrift blogger Audrey Rhodes, and CEO of New Frontier Tiny Homes David Lattimer. Following the panel discussion was a fashion show featuring all thrifted clothing, arranged by stylist and thrift blogger Tori Beth.

World Environment Day occurs each year on June 5th and is celebrated by the United Nations. According to unep.org, World Environment Day “…has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.”

The Way to Happiness Association was formed around the book The Way To Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The book 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 “Safeguard and Improve the Environment,” which takes to heart care for the planet. Donaldson pointed out other precepts that also encourage good behavior such as “Set a Good Example,” and “Take Care of Yourself.”

For more information about the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. 

Drug-Free Tennessee to Host Workshop on Education Materials

Drug-Free Tennessee is preparing for International Day Against Drug Abuse with several educational events culminating in a training workshop about keeping young people away from drugs.

Keeping Youth off Drugs has long been the message of Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT). The group has promoted a drug-free life with education and prevention materials for young people. According to drugfreetn.org, it has reached more than 18,000 people across Tennessee in the last five years. But now DFT is going full throttle ahead and wants to get this message out to the masses.

So throughout the month of June, the group will be hitting the streets passing out the Truth About Drugs booklets, which enlighten all ages on the dangers of common street drugs. Then, on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the group will be having a training workshop titled “Making Drugs a Bad Deal: How to Keep Our Youth Off Drugs.” During the free workshop, attendees will get information on exactly what to say and show to their kids to help steer them clear of a life of addiction. This is the third year the group has done events under the heading “Making Drugs a Bad Deal.”

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking takes place on June 26 each year and was created by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 to encourage all sectors of society to work together to tackle drug abuse and addiction.

DFT is the local chapter for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization aimed at providing children the truth about drugs so they are equipped with correct information and won’t become a victim to dealer’s lies. DFT has visited over 30 counties across Tennessee providing informational seminars and lectures for school children and other groups.

For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee, visit DrugFreeTN.org. 

Scientology Nashville Red Ribbon Week Focuses on Opioid Crisis

More than 1,600 Tennesseans died in 2016 of drug overdose from opiates, illicit drugs and other medications such as benzodiazepines—a 12 percent increase over the year before.

Although state officials have taken steps to successfully curb opiate prescriptions, there has been an unintended consequence: As prescription pain pills become harder to access, addicts have turned to heroin.

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing drugs, Scientologists partnered with Drug-Free Tennessee to bring the truth about drugs to local students. The Nashville Church of Scientology held a Red Ribbon Week program in its Public Information Center to reach local youth with their drug-free message and educational materials.

Red Ribbon Week is held the last week of October nationally to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Red Ribbon was adopted as a symbol in 1985 when undercover DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was murdered by a Mexican drug cartel. His death has inspired parents and youth in communities across the country to take action. Their red ribbons signify their commitment to raising awareness of the death and destruction caused by drugs.

“It’s more important than ever to get the truth about drugs to Tennessee youth,” says Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee. “We want students to think of drugs as a bad deal.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) is a secular nonprofit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions to live drug-free.

The Church of Scientology and its members support the Foundation for a Drug-Free World whose Truth About Drugs campaign is one of the world’s largest nongovernmental drug education and prevention initiatives. Thanks to this support, the Foundation provides—free of charge—drug education booklets, videos and educator guides to teachers, mentors and civic and community leaders.

According to the United Nations Office on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, “Every dollar spent on prevention can save governments up to ten dollars in later costs.” For more information visit scientology.org.

Drug-Free Tennessee Observes International Day Against Drug Abuse with Special Workshop to Keep Youth Off Drugs

Drug-Free Tennessee observed International Day Against Drug Abuse with a training workshop about keeping young people away from drugs.

Keeping youth off drugs has long been the message of Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT). The group has promoted a drug-free life with education and prevention materials for young people for the better part of the last decade, and according to drugfreetn.org, it has reached more than 18,000 people across Tennessee in the last five years. But now DFT is going full throttle ahead and wants to get this message out to the masses.

In observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which occurs each year on June 26, the group held a special training workshop titled “How to Keep Our Youth Off Drugs,” welcoming community leaders and guests to learn how they can use free educational materials to steer young people away from a life of addiction.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was created by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 to encourage all sectors of society to work together to tackle drug abuse and addiction.

Workshop attendees included government leaders, educators, police and parents. They were given free informational materials that they can use in working with children to keep them healthy, as well as drug-free. Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator of Drug-Free Tennessee, said, “This will create a ripple effect throughout the county for the future generation—it’s all about helping our young people for a better tomorrow.”

DFT is the local chapter for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit, public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions to be drug-free. From its headquarters in Los Angeles, California, the Foundation provides educational materials, advice, and coordination for its international drug prevention network. It works with youth, parents, educators, volunteer organizations and government agencies — anyone with an interest in helping people lead lives free from drug abuse.

Drug-Free Tennessee Keeping Youth Off Drugs

Drug-Free Tennessee is preparing for International Day Against Drug Abuse with several educational events culminating in a training workshop about keeping young people away from drugs.

Keeping Youth off Drugs has long been the message of Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT). The group has promoted a drug-free life with education and prevention materials for young people. According to drugfreetn.org, it has reached more than 18,000 people across Tennessee in the last five years. But now DFT is going full throttle ahead and wants to get this message out to the masses.

So throughout the month of June, the group will be hitting the streets passing out the Truth About Drugs booklets, which enlighten all ages on the dangers of common street drugs. Then, on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the group will be having a training workshop titled “How to Keep Our Youth Off Drugs.” During the free workshop, attendees will get information on exactly what to say and show to their kids to help steer them clear of a life of addiction.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was created by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 to encourage all sectors of society to work together to tackle drug abuse and addiction.

DFT is the local chapter for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization aimed at providing children the truth about drugs so they are equipped with correct information and won’t become a victim to dealer’s lies. DFT has visited over 30 counties across Tennessee providing informational seminars and lectures for school children and other groups.

“How to Keep Our Youth Off Drugs” takes place on June 26^th at the Nashville Church of Scientology, 1130 8^th Ave South. For more information, or to RSVP, visit DrugFreeTN.EventBrite.com. 

Nashville Church of Scientology Prepares for World Health Day Fitness Fair

The Nashville Church of Scientology is welcoming the community to a Fitness Fair in honor of World Health Day this April.

The Nashville Church of Scientology is excited to announce a Community Fitness Fair to help promote overall health and well-being. It is set for April 8th in the afternoon.

According to Nashville.gov, the city faces statistics such as 36 percent of its youth being obese or overweight, and according to America’s Health Rankings, Tennessee is ranked 43 on the list for overall health.Rev. Brian Fesler of the Nashville Church of Scientology wants this to change, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on how to be healthy, eat right and stay fit,” he says.

“Shape Up and Be Happy: A Community Fitness Fair” is taking place in the community hall of the Nashville Church of Scientology on April 8th. The community is invited to participate and organizations requesting booth space should get in touch with Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600.

The Church supports the Foundation for a Drug-Free World which will be represented at the Fitness Fair, providing education on the truth about drugs. Fesler says, “you can’t have overall health with drugs in your system, and Drug-Free South has the educational materials people need to understand this.”

Other educational initiatives for a healthy lifestyle will be represented, including best practices for eating and exercising. A panel discussion of health and fitness experts will present information at 5:00pm.

“We’re excited about the event,” says Fesler, “we want a healthy Nashville, and the best way to help people is to educate them.” For more information on the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. 

Drug-Free South Excited for Upcoming Community Fitness Fair

The Drug-Free South is working on a Community Fitness Fair for World Health Day in early April, 2016.

Drug-Free South works to educate people, and primarily youth, on the dangers of abuse and addiction. On April 8^th, it will participate in a health and fitness fair in honor of World Health Day.

“Shape Up and Be Happy: A Community Fitness Fair” will be held in the community room of the Nashville Church of Scientology. Organizers for the event are excited to give people a better understanding of how to take care of themselves. According to Nashville.gov, the city faces statistics such as 36 percent of its youth being obese or overweight, and according to America’s Health Rankings, Tennessee is ranked 43 on the list for overall health.

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology, says this has to change. “There is a definite need in our community for proper education on how to be healthy, eat right and stay fit,” he says, “This fair will bring in a panel of speakers who can help with this.”

Organizers are bringing together experts for a panel discussion on nutrition, exercise, community gardening and more; there will be information booths with tips on eating right and healthy living; and healthy refreshments will be available to attendees. The general public is invited to participate and organizations requesting booth space should contact Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600.

For more information on the Drug-Free South, visit drugfreesouth.org. For more on the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.