PRESS RELEASES
PASADENA •
The City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Commission for Human Relations presented the “Models of Unity” award to Scientologist Tim Bowles and Youth for Human Rights International in council chambers January 30, “In recognition of a group that fosters collaboration in the areas of programs and resources while connecting individuals among the diverse community of Pasadena.”
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA •
Scientologist Meghan Panek proves the point that good things come in small packages.
Meghan Panek is a 4-foot-9-inch ball of energy whose favorite activity is—work.
HARLEM, NEW YORK •
Having found the answers she was looking for, Scientologist Phyllis Hargrow now helps others sort out their own lives.
Before finding Scientology, Phyllis Hargrow knew exactly what the problem was—it was the other guy. How things have changed.
FLORIDA •
Scientologist, singer and songwriter Dustin McGahee uses music to teach human rights.
Dustin McGahee, 21, combines a love of music with a passion for human rights. A singer and songwriter, McGahee uses his music to educate youth on the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the little-known document adopted by the United Nations in 1948.
“At 18, I began to realize there was more to life than just me, my friends, my family—I was living in a ‘bubble’,” says McGahee.
TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA •
For the past 10 years, Scientologist Judy Fagerman has been coordinating the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Tampa Bay, Florida. This is her story.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA •
Scientologist Monroe Kleiderman has been using Scientology to help others for more than three decades.
Traditional values and a strong sense of duty set the direction of Monroe Kleiderman’s life.
“I grew up in New York watching John Wayne take on the bad guys on TV,” he says. “It was important to me to help my country. From a young age, people were my priority. I wanted to take responsibility for others.”
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA •
California’s capital celebrated the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology of Sacramento on Saturday, January 28. The dedication ceremony was attended by more than 2,500 Scientologists, guests and city, state and national officials.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE •
The Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Nashville opens its new industry seminar series this weekend, with Tony Harnell presenting an inside look into lasting success in entertainment. The seminar will take place January 28 at the Church—1130 8th Avenue South.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA •
Community and religious leaders gathered at the Church of Scientology Community Center at 81st and Vermont in South L.A. January 21 to pay tribute to Rev. Martin Luther King and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the World Literacy Crusade.
Held in the Community Center’s L. Ron Hubbard Auditorium, the event, which included live performances by local youth and recitations and videos of the speeches of Dr. King, focused on the future—bringing about the dream Dr. King envisioned through handling the underlying causes of social ills.
TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA •
This year, thousands who came to the Manatee County Fair for the food and the fun came home with something more—practical solutions to brighten their days year-round, thanks to the Tampa Bay Scientology Volunteer Ministers.
The fair was an unqualified success with more than 50 rides in the midway, a petting zoo and pig races, Cajun catfish, Texas barbecue and fried pastries—and a bright yellow Volunteer Ministers tent.
HAMBURG, GERMANY •
On January 21, 2012, the Church of Scientology of Hamburg newly opened its doors to the city in a dedication ceremony attended by 1,500 Scientologists, guests and dignitaries. The grand opening marked the culmination of a transformation of the seven-story Church into an Ideal Church of Scientology (Ideal Org) to better meet the needs of Hamburg’s growing Scientology congregation and the community at large.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA •
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, Church of Scientology of Inglewood marched on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Los Angeles in observation of Martin Luther King Day of Service 2012.
UNITED STATES •
Before Scientology, Paris Morfopoulos would not have given odds on his reaching 30. Now 58, he counts himself one of the luckiest men alive.
Growing up in a rough-and-tumble mining town in Northern Canada, Paris Morfopoulos learned to rely on himself, his wits—and alcohol.
He gained the ability to talk his way out of a tough spot, defending himself only when he had to.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE •
Scientologists bring The Way to Happiness Campaign to Nashville, Tennessee.
Staff and parishioners of the Nashville Church of Scientology kicked off the New Year by launching a campaign for better living centered around The Way to Happiness, a nonreligious moral code that is based wholly on common sense. Nashville Church President Rev. Brian Fesler announced plans to distribute copies of the book in neighborhoods throughout the community.
UNITED STATES •
Scientologist Patrick Valtin combined determination with a firm understanding of the works of L. Ron Hubbard to make a success of his own life and help others.
A name synonymous with business solutions, Scientologist Patrick Valtin has built a highly successful career by providing clients with the tools to make their work…work.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA •
The Church of Scientology reached out to the more than 2 billion Internet users in 2011 with ads, video, online training, iPad apps and Scientology-sponsored interactive humanitarian campaigns.
In 2011, the Church of Scientology reached out to the more than 2 billion Internet users—one-fifth of the world’s population—with a virtual explosion of information on the Scientology religion and Scientology-sponsored humanitarian campaigns.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA •
The 2 1/2-hour Scientology Handbook film and 19 free online courses in 17 languages extend Scientology technology to change conditions for the better—for the individual, the family, groups, friends, associates and humankind.
SOUTH AFRICA •
In a video featured on the Scientology Video channel, Peter Hayward credits L. Ron Hubbard administrative technology with the success of his safari operation.
Scientologist Peter Hayward, founder of Hayward’s Grand Safari Events & Expeditions, is passionate about preserving the natural resources and culture of his native Africa. His five-star luxury safaris inspire global government and business leaders and celebrities to champion sustainability.
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA •
Frances Clark was 50 in 1973 when she first encountered Scientology. Nearly 40 years later, at 88, she is still going strong.
Growing up in South Carolina during the Great Depression, Frances Clark had already graduated from high school and begun training as a nurse when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. With war declared, her once-sleepy Southern town was suddenly teeming with soldiers. They came from all over the country and all walks of life, and they were ready for action.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA •
Over the past 10 years the Scientology Volunteer Ministers movement has become the world’s largest independent relief force.
The 800 Scientology Volunteer Ministers who served at Ground Zero in helping New York recover from the terrorist attacks of 9/11 have inspired the growth of a movement that now spans the globe. In September 2001 there were 6,000 Volunteer Ministers—with more than 200,000 today, it is the largest independent relief force in the world.