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YOUR GUIDE TO ARTS & LEISURE IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 • ShawLocal.com

NEW TRADITIONS

Communities reimagine their festive celebrations / 5

LOCAL LANDMARK

Plan a road trip to Ladd’s own Rip’s Tavern / 3

HOLIDAY TREAT

‘Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical’ streaming now / 4

UNCORKED

SHAW MEDIA

An expert taster shares favorite finds to consider adding to your own wine racks.

* Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Saturday, December 5, 2020

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By JAMES NOKES

O’Neill progressive in promoting well-being

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n a tumultuous year with a global pandemic, civil unrest and catastrophic natural disasters, O’Neill Vintners and Distillers has done its part to spread goodwill.

The California company has led campaigns on several fronts in 2020. Its efforts led founder Jeff O’Neill to be nominated for the Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star “Person of the Year.” The culture at O’Neill is what CEO Christine Moll said fosters an opportunity for employees to be engaged citizens.

“Jeff O’Neill had a town hall meeting to address the teams about our safety and security in the winery and the marketplace,” Moll said. “He only spoke for eight minutes, the rest was opening it up to employees to galvanize our own culture and everyone that needed our help.”

When there was a shortage of hand sanitizer, the O’Neill distillery had the resources to help. First responders and hospitals were in need, and Moll wasn’t surprised the O’Neill team found a way to come through.

“That’s the M.O. of our organization,” Moll said.

“Everyone turned to how to help each other, both employees and communities. We asked, ‘How can we provide for local heroes?’ The distilling team decided to provide hand sanitizer to police and children’s hospitals. It was organic and heartfelt. It was an employee movement – not something set by corporate.”

Public health wasn’t the only suffering sector that O’Neill set out to assist. With restaurants either shut down or their capacity severely reduced, the O’Neill team looked to assist their colleagues in the service industry. The people responsible for selling O’Neill wines by the glass or bottle in a restaurant were in need.

“Sales and marketing mobilized right away,” Moll said. “They launched a GoFundMe to support the restaurant workers union foundation. In two weeks, they raised $27,000.”

A lack of diversity in the wine industry has led O’Neill to partner with former NFL cornerback Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines to create a college scholarship.

Black, Indigenous and People of Color students interested in careers in the wine industry are encouraged to apply for the Charles Woodson & O’Neill Family Wine Scholarship. A scholarship would cover 100% of tuition and room and board for one undergraduate student at both California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo’s wine and viticulture program and Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute.

The civic goodwill doesn’t stop at the pandemic or social causes. It extends into environmental stewardship as well. In a year where unprecedented wild fires ravaged California and Oregon, O’Neill has reduced its carbon footprint with 2,500 solar panels that power the wineries’ bottling line and air-conditioned warehouse.

At the Parlier winery facility near Fresno, O’Neill has the largest worm-powered wastewater system in the world. The worms convert wastewater nutrients into worm castings, which growers can add to soil to increase its health.

Giant beds of what eventually will be 200 million worms that will recycle 80 million gallons of water

Photo provided

Former NFL star Charles Woodson, who also won the Heisman Trophy when he was at University of Michigan, is a partner in Intercept Wines. to be used for irrigation sounds like science fiction, but it’s a way to help reuse water, a scarce natural resource in California.

When it comes to wine, O’Neill has continued to offer a wine array of reasonably priced everyday wines. As on-site sales came to a halt, retail business is up, and e-commerce, a delivery mode Moll said the wine “industry is behind the eight ball in,” also has risen to the point that 80 percent of wine consumers have had shipments sent to their homes. Harken Chardonnay has embraced the oaky, buttery style.

Robert Hall showcased Paso Robles with a mix of both everyday and moderately priced wines.

“A lot of success we’ve seen is work that was done pre-COVID,” Moll said. “We always want to have a more meaningful relationship with consumers. When they trust you will deliver, it’s easy to come back to that. It’s hard to pivot to building that during a pandemic, but the groundwork we’ve done the last five years has paid off. We want to make sure we are still available for consumers.”

• James Nokes has been tasting, touring and collecting in the wine world for several years. Email him at jamesnokes25@yahoo.com.

WINE WITH A CAUSE Bob Cabral Wines: Proceeds from the legendary winemaker go to children’s charities throughout Healdsburg, Sonoma County and beyond.

Melville: Small restaurants and bars are in dire need of help to stay in business. Chad Melville has done his part with a 240-case project in which 100% of the proceeds from the Sta. Rita Hills winery’s “Save Restaurants” Syrah 2019 ($19.99) will go to the Independent Restaurant Coalition.

Sleight of Hand: It’s no surprise co-owner and winemaker Trey Busch unloaded 300 cases of “Restaurant Relief” Syrah from Lewis Vineyard in Yakima Valley to Seattle and Walla Walla restaurants at cost, since it’s illegal to give away wine in Washington. Bush previously has used wine to raise money with his favorite band, Pearl Jam, and has supported Stax Music Academy in Memphis, Tennessee, with the Heart Full of Soul dinner, concert and wines in the past.

STARVED ROCK COUNTRY

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Rip’s Tavern serves legendary fried chicken

By RYAN SEARL

rsearl@shawmedia.com

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ood food is worth driving for, but great food is worth embarking on a road trip to experience for yourself. Today, we take a trip to Ladd’s own Rip’s Tavern, the iconic fried chicken restaurant that now offers convenient curbside pickup.

Rip’s Tavern, located off Interstate 80 in the small town of Ladd (population 1,200), has been a magnet for fried chicken fanatics for several generations. The unassuming tavern has made appearances on culinary television shows, been favorably written up in major food blogs, and built a dedicated base of fans who drive from states away just to enjoy their truly classic fried chicken.

In 1934, one year after the repeal of Prohibition, Silvio “Rip” Gualandri and his wife, Emma, opened up a small bar called The Old Tin Front in Ladd, then a bustling coal mining town. To differentiate themselves from competing saloons, Gualandri began offering free deep-fried chicken with the purchase of every drink.

Soon, the popularity of the signature dish was bringing in too many customers for The Old Tin Front to accommodate, so Gualandri moved the business to a larger building across the street in 1936. He gave the operation its new name, Rip’s Tavern, and a new focus, their signature deep-fried chicken.

So what separates Rip’s from other fried chicken destinations? Authenticity and atmosphere. While the entire food industry and supply chains have changed drastically over the near century the restaurant has been in business, Rip’s has been dedicated to keeping every ingredient and prep step strikingly similar to what was implemented back in the ‘30s.

They use fresh – never frozen – chicken that’s trimmed, hand cut and brined, all before it reaches the battering stage. This is a labor-intensive process that hearkens back to the era before fast food.

The original fry oil used at Rip’s is no longer manufactured, so to retain that signature taste, they’ve concocted a house combination of three oils to perfectly replicate the flaky golden exterior that Rip’s chicken is so well known for. This special concoction, and their hand-blended flour, are just a few examples of the many ways Rip’s has steadfastly stayed true to its roots.

Ryan Searl photos- rsearl@shawmedia.com

Fried chicken and fries comprise the signature dish at Rip’s Tavern.

Rip’s Tavern dates to 1936 in Ladd.

All this effort is on full display in the final product. Each piece of chicken has a substantial crust that lends a pleasant crunch to every bite.

One taste and it is clear why Rip’s legions of fans rave about the delicious ridges of crispy crust (so much so that you can get a side order of just “crust crispies”).

This savory exterior gives way to the impossibly moist and flavorful chicken inside, capitalizing on the brined and never-frozen goodness. On

each plate, you’ll also find a generous helping of crispy french fries. Forks are available, but it’s customary to enjoy Rip’s chicken by hand, off the paper plate it’s served on.

The dinner menu at Rip’s is simple and efficient: six varieties of chicken and a few delicious signature appetizers. The lunch menu, available only on the weekends, features an array of sandwiches such as the deep-fried burger and pork tenderloin, along with wings and house-made chicken

strips. For another treat, drop by Rip’s on a Friday night, when they’ll be serving their catfish and whitefish specials.

Rip’s is legendary for one other thing as well: its lines. It’s not uncommon to see a queue of hungry customers waiting to get a peek at the classic tavern decor and to savor the delicious aromas inside the restaurant. This year, due to the restrictions of COVID-19, Rip’s has made the curbside pickup process simple and convenient.

The lighter crowds make 2020 the ideal time to plan your trip to this iconic dining destination. No matter where you choose to tuck into your meal, you’ll still get to enjoy that sumptuous, deep-fried, traditional chicken that’s earned Rip’s such a lasting reputation in Starved Rock Country and far beyond.

Rip’s Tavern is at 311 N. Main Ave. in Ladd. Hours are 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday; 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, call 815-894-3051, visit www. ripschicken.com or go to Facebook.

SHAW MEDIA Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Saturday, December 5, 2020

Dedicated to growing the awareness of everything the Starved Rock area has to offer

Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Saturday, December 5, 2020

SHAW MEDIA

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Plainfield alum in delightful holiday show REVIEWS

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Regina M. Belt-Daniels

ou are in store for a wonderful holiday treat, “Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical,” streaming now through Dec. 27.

It’s a delight for all ages and available in two options: $25 per household viewing, or the party box ranging from $45 to $60, which includes a copy of the book the musical is based on, an ornament, and special stationery, sent directly to your door.

Lasting slightly over an hour, “Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish” is based on the children’s book written

by Chicagoan Denise McGowan Tracy, who also serves as executive producer of the musical. It is the story of a rag doll named Eleanor who lives in the magical world of the North Pole with Santa, Mrs. “Cookie” Claus, elves Twinkle, Sprinkle and Sparkle and Santa’s cousin Clara who just happens to be in charge of the Naughty and Nice List (and unscuffed white boots). Every Christmas, Eleanor sadly watches as toys depart for new homes and wonders why she doesn’t. She wishes for a best friend and a home of her own and consequently writes a letter to Santa.

Directed and choreographed by Zachary L. Gray, the musical is wellpaced and involves audience interaction – the excitement is palpable. And this is a full-scale musical complete with sparkling, joyous holiday costumes by Tatjana Radisic and a very functional and clever Christmas package scenic design by Kehoe. The original music and lyrics by Kathleen Butler-Duplessis, arranged by David Fiorello, are fun, bright, charming and cheery. The ensemble’s singing is exceptional. The opening number, “The North Pole Is a Magical Place,” introduces the characters and the plot; and the “Wrap It Rap” and finale “Make Your Wish” are two other outstanding pieces to watch out for.

The 10-member ensemble bubbles and engages. Samantha Bonzi is an endearing, eyeglasses-wearing Eleanor.

Her singing voice is incredible, and I believe her gratefulness, her dreams and her character’s ability to spread happiness. In other words, she’s not a mopey rag doll. She loves Christmas. David Turrentine is the Santa of perfect voice and stature. He gets applause the second he walks onstage.

Also enjoyable is Lindsey Jane Bullen as Twinkle, the sprightly narrator, who keeps the audience involved with questions and comments.

(I chuckled as she noted adults on the

Photos provided

The cast poses with author Denise McGowan Tracy (back right).

IF YOU GO ■■ WHAT: “Eleanor’s Very Merry Christ-

mas Wish – The Musical”

■■ WHEN: Streaming through Dec. 27 ■■ COST: $25 per household, or party

boxes ranging from $45 to $60

■■ INFO: www.eleanorswish.com

Plainfield North High School alum Sydney Swanson (from left) plays Noelle, and Samantha Bonzi portrays Eleanor.

Naughty List because they make kids eat broccoli and are always on their cellphones.)

Plainfield North High School alum Sydney Swanson portrays Noelle, the perfect hopeful match for Eleanor.

Noelle has a letter-writing duet with Eleanor in “Dear Santa” that is most

Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical” is a story about family, friendship, hopes, dreams and love.

I easily can envision it becoming a holiday classic.

As McGowan Tracy said, “Our wish is to keep the magic of the holidays sparkling in the eyes of children no matter what challenges we face this year.”

Theaters may be dark and shuttered right now, but this spirited, whimsical production shines.

satisfying.

• Regina Belt-Daniels hopes she’s And wait till you meet Emily on Santa’s Nice List this year. InRohm, double cast as Holly and Clara. volved with theater since the first Clara is perhaps the too brief comic re- grade, she hopes to soon resume the lief – she’s Santa’s cousin in charge of things she loves best: live theatrical the Naughty and Nice List who dares events with live audiences, acting, to disagree with him. teaching, directing, and traveling with From page to stage, “Eleanor’s her husband.

Christmas spirit is still burning bright

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SHAW MEDIA

ow do you celebrate the holidays? Do you have a tradition that makes it just feel like Christmas?

Well, if any of those traditions involve Christmas tree lightings, trolley events or visits with Santa, you’re in luck – communities have reimagined their time-honored celebrations to fit the moment.

Check online before attending to view up-to-date information and COVID-19 guidelines.

DeKALB COUNTY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND CHRISTMAS CRUISE 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 Downtown Shabbona Destination Shabbona’s second annual Christmas event kicks off from 2 to 4:45 p.m. with an outdoor holiday farmers market. Families then are encouraged to visit the pre-lit Christmas tree and see festive downtown decorations.

Santa and his helpers will be at Water Tower Park from 5 to 7 p.m. The Shabbona Lions Club also plans to sponsor a Christmas decorating competition, with prizes for both the best decorated house and business/organization. For additional information, go to Destination Shabbona’s Facebook page.

GRUNDY COUNTY AN EVENING WITH SANTA 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19 Canal Port Plaza, 111 E. Illinois Ave., Morris

Matthew Apgar file photo - mapgar@shawmedia.com

Mo oseheart, 2 miles north of I-88 on west side of Route 31

Starved Rock Lodge One Lodge Lane, Oglesby

Mc Henry County Historical Society and Museum, 6422 Main St., Union

Returning for the 11th year, Mooseheart Holiday Lights offers an almost 2-mile driving tour of sparkling light displays. Kids who wish to mail a letter to the North Pole can do so from a special Tommy Moose Mailbox – and delivery to Santa is guaranteed. A suggested donation of $20 is requested for Holiday Lights – but visitors are encouraged to come and enjoy the show and give what they can. All proceeds benefit Mooseheart. For details, visit moosecharities.org or call 630-966-2200.

The Christmas Lights Trolley Tour is a wonderful way to experience the area’s fabulous light displays from the warmth of a heated trolley. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket. Visit www.StarvedRockLodge.com or call 815-220-7386.

Guests can take a walk down memory lane to the days of Christmas catalogs. Antique toys and animated decorations bring to life the 1969 Sears Wish Book. The scene includes plastic reindeer, a snowman, angels, buildings and other vintage items.

The display also features the lifesize Santa that decorated Brandt’s Pharmacy in Marengo for many years and a collection of rocking horses.

For more information, visit mchenrycountyhistory.org/christmas-displayquilt-show.

LEE COUNTY CHRISTMAS IN DIXON Month of December • Downtown Dixon

Visit with Santa and your favorite characters while enjoying the holiday music of Tony DeBois. The event offers hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, Mickey and Minnie, Grinch, Frosty and donkey reindeer among the festivities. Learn more at shawurl. com/3eca. And don’t miss the elaborate lighting that has turned Chapin Park into a magical setting at 216 W. Benton St. in Morris.

An imaginary train takes guests to Mrs. Claus’ Cookie House for refreshments from The Village Grind and Pearce’s kitchen. Activities at the drive-thru attraction include visiting with Santa, meeting a snowman and a reindeer, and more. Visit www.OswegoLandParkDistrict.org to register.

The Dixon Chamber of Commerce has plans for a month-long celebration of Christmas, all following safety guidelines. Until Dec. 14, drop off your letter to Santa at the mailbox in front of the Plan to Prosper building for a chance to win a visit from Santa, who also will be out and about throughout December.

For outdoor fun, view ice sculptures on the riverfront all day Dec. 5. If food is your preferred way to celebrate the season, Cliff’s Donuts will serve sweets out of its food truck from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 5 and 12. And lastly, follow along on Facebook to participate in a 12 days of Christmas event that begins Dec. 7.

KANE COUNTY MOOSEHEART HOLIDAY LIGHTS 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31

LaSALLE COUNTY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TROLLEY TOUR 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11-13 and 18-20

McHENRY COUNTY CHRISTMAS DISPLAY AND QUILT SHOW 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday through Jan. 4

KENDALL COUNTY OSWEGO HOLIDAY EXPRESS Varied times Dec. 10, 12, 13 Pr airie Point Center 313 E. Washington St., Oswego

WILL COUNTY CHRISTMAS IN THE COMMONS 4 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20 Village Commons in downtown New Lenox The fun is all set outdoors for this year’s Christmas in the Commons presented by the village of New Lenox. Activities include visits with Santa, a holiday market, ice skating, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Souvenir mugs and hot cocoa will be available for sale.

Food trucks also will be on hand each day. For details, visit shawurl. com/3ec6.

SHAW MEDIA Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Saturday, December 5, 2020

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

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Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Saturday, December 5, 2020

SHAW MEDIA

6 STREAMING THIS WEEKEND

Selena, ‘Shameless,’ Shawn Mendes on tap

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.

Movies

Film history fans will get a meal out of David Fincher’s “Mank,” about “Citizen Kane” screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, who is masterfully played

by Gary Oldman. Shot in gorgeous black and white, “Mank” transports you into the Depression-era studio system, Upton Sinclair’s bid for governor, William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies’ elegant parties and that bungalow in Victorville where the first draft of the classic Orson Welles film was composed. Available on Netflix, “Mank” is one of the year’s very best films and both a tribute to and searing critique of Hollywood’s golden age.

Another film full of excellent performances is “Sound of Metal,” starring Riz Ahmed as a punk metal drummer who experiences sudden severe hearing loss. The film, which is captioned in English, dives into the world of the

deaf community with Ruben (Ahmed) in a way you’ve never seen or heard before. It’s the directorial debut of Darius Marder (a writer on “The Place Beyond the Pines”).

If $30 was a little steep for your tastes to rent the new live-action “Mulan,” it’s finally free for Disney+ subscribers. From director Niki Caro, this adaptation of the Chinese folk tale about a young woman who disguises herself as a man and takes her father’s place in the army, is breathtakingly beautiful, from the stunning landscapes to the colorful costumes.

– Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

Music

A house is not a home during the holiday season if Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is not blasting – daily! During a normal, non-pandemic year, Carey and her Christmas craziness would be on a holiday tour, bringing joy to fans and lambs in person. Because live shows aren’t really a thing in 2020, she launched a holiday TV special on Apple TV+ on Friday. “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special” includes a mix of musical performances and

dancing with animation. Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Tiffany Haddish, Misty Copeland and Carey’s 9-year-old twins make special appearances.

Shawn Mendes released his debut album in 2015, and dropped his fourth effort Friday. “Wonder” continues to showcase Mendes’ growth as a singer, songwriter and performer. The album features the singles “Wonder” and “Monster” with Justin Bieber, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot chart this week. Along with the album is the Netflix documentary called “Shawn Mendes: In Wonder,” which is available for streaming and follows Mendes’ rise and journey over the last few years.

– Music Editor Mesfin Fekadu

Television

“Selena: The Series” is described by Netflix as a coming-of-age drama that follows Selena Quintanilla from talented youngster to musical phenom, aided by her family. A breakthrough star in male-dominated Tejano music, the singer was just shy of her 24th birthday in 1995 when she was fatally shot by a former business associate.

The two-part series debuted Friday

with Christian Serratos (“The Walking Dead”) as Selena, and Gabriel Chavarria (“East Los Angeles”) and Ricardo Chavira (“Desperate Housewives”) among the cast members.

The 11th and final season of the Showtime dramady “Shameless” debuts at 8 p.m. Sunday, weaving the pandemic, urban gentrification and personal pressures into the lives of the Gallaghers of Chicago’s South Side.

Aging patriarch Frank (William H. Macy) is facing the toll of longtime alcohol and drug abuse, while Ian and Mickey (Cameron Monaghan, Noel Fisher) struggle as newlyweds.

Two respected veterans are behind “A Suitable Boy,” a limited series directed by filmmaker Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding,” “The Namesake”) and written by Andrew Davies (“Pride and Prejudice,” “House of Cards”). An adaptation of Vikram Seth’s 1,300-pluspage novel of the same name, the 1950s, India-set drama revolves around a university student who’s shaping his identity as his newly independent country does the same. The series debuts Monday, Dec. 7, on Acorn TV. – Television Writer Lynn Elber

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By PAM OTTO

Taking interesting dives into the natural world around us, Pam Otto opens new avenues of exploration.

Witch hazel known for ‘magical’ properties

W

itch hazel and I have had an on-again, off-again relationship for more than 50 years.

A wee bit accident prone, I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve used the medicinal form of this plant to treat various bumps and bruises. The big egg on my forehead when I was 6; the rich hues from assorted bike crashes; the chigger bites that Would Not Stop Itching.

Provided I stay upright and itch-free, I may go months without thinking of this magical potion, as well as the native shrub from which it is derived. But then November rolls around and bam! Witch hazel is front and center again … and not because I tripped and fell.

A few weeks ago I was walking to work, drinking in the sights and sounds of a sunny, crisp morning, when I noticed a flash of color amid the browns and grays that this time of year is known for. I squinted, then headed towards the cheery yellow blooms waving in the light breeze.

I tell you, I was so happy I almost waved back.

At a time of year when most plants are shutting down, our native Hamamelis virginiana is just getting started. Its flowers are small, maybe an inch across, but brightly colored in shades of lemon, gold and amber. The narrow petals curve and twist, like teeny streamers shot from wee party poppers.

They’re a party waiting to happen.

And you know who’s on the invite list?

Well, besides nature nerds?

Owlet moths. Namely certain sallows, brownish-drab moths that have the somewhat rare ability, among insects anyway, to warm themselves by shivering. As long as the air is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) or above, these winter moths can heat their bodies as high as 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and go about their nocturnal business of feeding and procreating.

For sustenance, they seek out the sap oozing from wounded trees. They can do just fine on this food alone. But if they’re lucky enough to flutter by a witch hazel in bloom … well, how can they resist? And so it is that the witch hazels lure in these vital pollinators.

The plant gets what it needs and moths get a little reward, in the form of nectar, for stopping by.

(Side note: These Eupsilia moths are pretty awesome in their own right.

They’re neither large, nor colorful, but their strategy of flying when most

Photo provided

Yesterday, today and tomorrow – the yellow blooms of witch hazel, appearing now, glow next to a seed capsule that resulted from successful pollination of last year’s flowers. When it opens, the capsule will send its seeds flying 10 to 20 feet, and future witch hazel shrubs will get their start. other insects are not is genius. It frees them from the threat of predation by bats, which in summer consume moths by the mouthful but in winter are hibernating. The moths take shelter in leaf litter on extremely cold nights but otherwise carry on throughout the season. Watch for them when nighttime temps are 32 degrees and above.)

Now, flowers in November aren’t the only trick up witch hazel’s colorful sleeves. Thanks to the moths’ pollination efforts, last year’s blooms have become this year’s seed capsules, ready to burst forth at any moment and release the seeds that will become next year’s new shoots. And I do mean burst. When ripe, witch hazel’s seed

pods literally explode, flinging seeds as far as 10 or 20 feet away from the parent shrub.

Unable to resist the chance, slim though it was, to witness this amazing sight, I brought home a twig of witch hazel, stuck it in a bud vase (OK, a shot glass) and set it on the shelf above the kitchen sink.

It took about a week for the capsule to open, and of course it happened when I wasn’t there. Sometime between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the sides of the tiny case popped apart and flung two shiny black seeds into the air.

One, thankfully, must have hit the ceiling or wall and came to rest just 2 feet from the open capsule. But where

the other one landed, however, will remain a mystery, at least to me. (I suspect my cat Jimmy may be able to shed some light on the matter, but he’s so far kept mum.)

At any rate, I’ve saved the one seed and am now researching what I need to do to get it to germinate. But I suspect it will be many months before the growing will commence, and in that time my relationship with witch hazel will switch back to off.

Unless – er, make that until – I trip and fall again.

• Pam Otto is the outreach ambassador for the St. Charles Park District.

She can be reached at 630-513-4346 or potto@stcparks.org.

SHAW MEDIA Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Saturday, December 5, 2020

GOOD NATURED

Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Saturday, December 5, 2020

SHAW MEDIA

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