HAPPY Returns February 2, 2013

Almost 2 years after their original screening, HAPPY returns to the Osher Marin JCC as a gentle reminder to find happiness in everyday life, regardless of these difficult times.

What really makes people happy? Explore this often elusive emotion with the film screening of Happy, the movie by Academy Award Nominated and Sundance-Audience Award-Winning director Roko Belic. Combining powerful interviews with leading scientists who research happiness and real life stories from ordinary and extraordinary people across 14 countries (such as Robert Diener, Matthieu Ricard, the Dalai Lama), Happy unravels the secrets behind our most valued emotion.
Following the screening, audience members are invited to a community discussion led by special guest Michael Pritchard (who is featured in the movie), award-winning advocate and keynote speaker who has worked with children and teenagers nationwide to promote healthy attitudes, kindness and non-violence with Nita Gage, co-founder at the Neuroimaginal Institute, speaking in behalf of the book “Enjoy Every Sandwich”. Representatives from the board of local teen agency “Beyond Differences” “Bread & Roses”, as well as other community members will also participate.

WHO: All are invited. (Due to emotional nature of this film, which also explores emotions such as sorrow and grief, recommended for children 12+.)
WHEN: Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS: General Admission. $10- Adv. / $12- Day of / $5- Under 18
Tickets are available online at www.marinjcc.org or by calling 415-444-8000.
WHERE: Hoytt Theater at Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael

About Michael Pritchard
Michael Pritchard is a nationally acclaimed keynote speaker praised by the Wall Street Journal, CNN and Time for his ability to use humor to inspire and educate his audiences on communication skills. Michael Pritchard is a big guy with a warm heart who as one student described him, “truly walks as he talks.” He began his career on both the comedy stage and as a juvenile counselor in San Francisco’s Youth Guidance Center. In 1980, Michael Pritchard won first place in the San Francisco International Stand Up Comedy Competition as well as winning the prestigious California Probation Officer of the Year. Learn more about Pritchard at http://www.michaelpritchard.com.

Presented in Association with Book Passage
Copies of “Enjoy Every Sandwich” by Lee Lipsenthal, available for purchase on site.

Beyond Differences is dedicated to ending social isolation among students in middle school. We believe that all teens should feel included, valued and accepted by their peers. Our organization trains and empowers teens to lead the movement to create an inclusive middle school culture, and involves families, teachers and community leaders in support of their efforts.

About the Osher Marin JCC
The Osher Marin JCC is the community center of Marin County. Epitomizing the essence of Marin, with a range of authentic cultural experiences enjoyed by many generations, the Osher Marin JCC offers award-winning facilities, abundant physical and educational activities and world-class programming relevant to our entire community today. Since the Osher Marin JCC’s founding in 1947, the center has become recognizable for its rich history of Jewish traditions and values with an unparalleled all-inclusive community spirit. For more information about the Osher Marin JCC, please visit http://www.marinjcc.org.

Kanbar Center Upcoming Events
2/16- Murphy Productions & Fabulous 4 present: DAVID LINDLEY
2/23- THE HOUSE JACKS Music without instruments from a pioneering a capella rock band
3/2- The Colors of India featuring DHOLRHYTHMS OF NON-STOP BHANGRA – Performance & Dance Party.