Auburn Area Democratic Club to feature Arz, Lawrenson at next meeting

As part of its commitment to support local nonprofits and to highlight local candidates for elected office, the Auburn Area Democratic Club (AADC) will hold a doubleheader at its monthly membership meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6. The meeting is open to the public in the Rose Room at Auburn City Hall from 6:30-8 p.m. with socializing and pizza from 5:45-6:30. First up will be Dr. Donna Arz, founder of the Forgotten Soldier Program and the Veterans' Garden in Auburn. The Forgotten Soldier Program offers a transformative healing journey for veterans, first responders and their families struggling with emotional and physical trauma. Since 2005, the program has helped more than 24,000 veterans and their family members, all at no cost to those being served. Dr. Arz is also the founding energy behind the Armed Forces Pavilion and Community Garden at 995 Lincoln Way. Popularly known as the "Veterans' Garden," it includes plantings, seating areas, reflective spaces, art memorials and a community garden with 12 raised flower beds. In addition, there is a walking labyrinth, a path for slow, mindful exploration. The Veterans' Garden is free and open to the public. Next up for the AADC event will be David Lawrenson, who just retired from teaching at Placer High School and who is now a candidate for the Board of Trustees with the Placer Union High School District. With 39 years of award-winning teaching experience and two children who graduated from local schools, Lawrenson has many insights that would be invaluable on the school board. For the last 20 years, he taught wind ensemble, concert band, marching band, pep band, jazz band, winter drumline, concert choir and chamber choir. Everyone is welcome to socialize with pizza and soft drinks (suggested donation is $5 for one slice and $9 for two). The formal meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. and conclude by 8.