Church of Scientology of Tampa Open House Celebrates International Day of Friendship

TAMPA, FL, July 20, 2012 (Press-News.org) On Friday, July the 27th from 5pm until 8pm, the Church of Scientology of Tampa will be holding an Open House in honor of International Day of Friendship. The event will take place at the historic Ybor Square. The focus of the event will be L. Ron Hubbard's The Way to Happiness, a non-religious code based on common sense. There is no cost to attend.

There will be refreshments, live music and a special presentation to several civic leaders who, through their actions, have worked to set a good example and bring happiness to their neighborhoods and communities.

Tours of the building, the historic Ybor Square, will also be offered. Built by Vicente Martinez Ybor, the founder of Ybor City, in 1886, Ybor Square was the first brick cigar factory in the United States, and was for many years the largest cigar factory in the world. Relics from that era are on display throughout the property.

The Way to Happiness is based on 21 different precepts, including "Do not harm a person of goodwill," and "Keep your word once given." Each precept is based on the fact that one's survival depends on the survival of all others—and that without the survival of others, no joy and no happiness are attainable. To date, some 100 million copies of The Way to Happiness have been distributed in more than 97 languages and in over 170 countries.

The Church's Public Information Center will showcase each of the precepts, including Public Service Announcements that illustrate each precept and excepts from the feature-length Way to Happiness 'book on film.'

"You are important to other people," Hubbard wrote in the book's introduction. "You are listened to. You can influence others. The happiness or unhappiness of others you could name is important to you. Without too much trouble, using this book, you can help them survive and lead happier lives."

The Way to Happiness Foundation's website states that the precepts are used internationally by families, youth groups, military, educators, business people, law enforcement and governments to increase harmony within their groups.

Per the United Nation's Website: "The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities."

The Church of Scientology of Tampa is located at 1300 East 8th Avenue in Ybor City.

For more information about the Way to Happiness, please logon to their website at http://www.thewaytohappiness.org.