November in Santa Rosa: Nonprofits, downtown events, and a Thanksgiving recipe to remember

Nonprofits step up where others aren't able

One of the things I never, in a million years, thought I would do is work at a nonprofit. But over a year later, it's one of the most fulfilling career moves I've ever made. I've met some of the most selfless, caring, and helpful individuals I've known. When I discovered that my assignment for the month was to feature a nonprofit, I was ready! I also never realized how many nonprofits there are in Sonoma County, so I had my work cut out for me! One that I found (that I am in no way affiliated with) right near downtown is Common Ground Society. Here are the details on this absolutely essential nonprofit that helps families supporting children with special needs and helps them be a part of our strong downtown community.

What makes Common Ground Society unique

Common Ground Society stands out for its dedication to supporting families facing any life-changing diagnosis for their child. With a membership exceeding 500, CGS encompasses a diverse range of diagnoses, spanning from common conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, and birth complications, to rarer ones like Cornelia de Lange and Fragile X syndrome. There exists no prerequisite for a specific diagnosis to be part of this community; all are warmly embraced. This inclusivity is significant as families dealing with less common diagnoses often grapple with isolation and limited local resources, which is where CGS steps in. Common Ground Society provides a nurturing community that ensures no one feels alone or overwhelmed. They share personal stories to educate and empower the community, promoting compassion, acceptance, and inclusivity toward individuals with disabilities. Through meaningful connections and local support, Common Ground Society guarantees that all families experience a genuine sense of belonging.

The organization's beliefs

The organization strongly upholds the belief that people of all abilities have the right to belong in every facet of society. Inclusion is not just a fundamental right but also a source of strength that fosters the well-being and prosperity of society as a whole.

Common Ground Society is located at 52 Mission Circle, Santa Rosa. To find out more, please visit their website at https://commongroundsociety.org/.

What's good for adults in downtown this November

Hey adults — tired of the holidays sneaking up and all happening at the same time? By this I mean getting hit in the pocketbook by Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, New Year's, OMG Valentine's Day, and then … Easter! It's ridiculous. How about taking one of these days off your plate? I’m talking about showing up on Thanksgiving Day for the 2023 Santa Rosa Turkey Trot. The race features three distinct races:

The Fast Turkey 5K kicks off at 8 a.m.

The Festive 5K starts at 8:30 a.m.

The Tiny Turkey is a brief run around Old Courthouse Square lawn.

Details: Buy tickets at runsignup.com. Pricing is $40 for the in-person races, free for kids 5 and younger, and free to participate in the Rockstar Challenge.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023

Time: 8 or 8:30 a.m. for the in-person race

Place: Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa

What's good for kids in downtown this November

Okay, so Thanksgiving always gets overlooked. The festivities your little ones will like best begin on Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving, with the Tree Lighting Celebration on Courthouse Square! Best of all — it's free!

Details: Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Place: 50 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA

What downtown restaurant should I try this month?

Ha! It's Thanksgiving time, so you’re going to have all month to get ready and cook up a tasty dinner to share — no restaurants this month. But I will share my favorite holiday side dish.

Root Vegetable Gratin

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/4 c. heavy cream, divided

3 large parsnips (about 1 lb.), peeled and thinly sliced

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb.), peeled and thinly sliced

2 large carrots (about 1/2 lb.), peeled and thinly sliced

2 large beets (about 3/4 lb.), peeled and thinly sliced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 oz. Parmesan, grated (about 1/2 c.)

2 cloves garlic, pressed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Pour 1/4 c. cream in dish.

Layer parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets in the prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper. Top with cheese. Stir together garlic and remaining 1 c. cream in a bowl; pour over vegetables.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, and bake until vegetables are tender and golden brown, 14 to 17 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.