Holidays In The Rogue Valley 2020

WINTER 2020

HOLIDAYS IN THE

ROGUE VALLEY INSIDE

Cut your own Christmas trees Gifts for the Garden Holiday recipes and wines Make your home look festive Grab a good book for cold nights Celebrating in stressful times Calendar of holiday events rosebud

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MEDFORD’S FIELD OF

CHRISTMAS DREAMS

U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm grows memories for many generations

By Cheryl P. Rose for the Mail Tribune

In

a forest of firs and pines, the little seedling will silently grow toward its destiny of glittering lights and a star on top.

One day voices will disturb the quiet of the field, and a family will surround the tree saying, “This is the one!”

The tradition of finding and felling a live Christmas tree brings out multiple generations of families.

Visitors number in the thousands during the selling season at U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm in Medford.

But long before these visitors can take home their perfect find, there COURTESY PHOTOS are many years of careful, patient U-Cut owner Larry Ryerson and his late brother-in-law, Mike Bursk, began researching ideas in 1979 for an agricultural crop to offset the propattention lavished on these trees. erty taxes on the family’s 10 acres on Camp Baker Road. They decided on Christmas trees, but it was five years before they sold the first one.

In 1979, U-Cut owner Larry Ryerson and his late brother-intakes work and patience. Ryerson a Nordmann fir that comes from law, Mike Bursk, began researching said he plants about 2,500 seedEurope and has dark green color ideas for an agricultural crop to lings every February. Throughout with heavier branches,” he said. offset the property taxes on the the year, he works on mowing, “People are finding those and family’s 10 acres on Camp Baker weed control, irrigation, trimming, coming back for them, saying the Road. They decided on Christmas and combating diseases and pests. needles last and the color remains trees, but it was five years before “We’re not an organic farm yet, good. I just started planting a corkthey sold the first one. but we’re just trying to do what’s bark fir, which is like a blue spruce U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm now right,” he said. “Several people but with soft needles.” sells about 1,000 Christmas trees have asked me if they can feed their One of Ryerson’s personal a year, with customers traveling trees to their goats after the holifavorites is concolor fir (a variety of from all over the Rogue Valley to day. I tell them the only pesticide white fir), which has silvery bluefind a natural tree for their celeI use is dishwashing soap, and I green needles. brations. In the early days, Ryerson spend a lot more time mowing than Ryerson was still teaching school remembers spending long days Kamron Kaufman, left, and Jared Loper carry weed spraying.” and coaching when the Christmas waiting for customers. trees at U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm.

Over the years, Ryerson has tree farm began. He’s now been “My sister Cindy and I would experimented with about 25 variet- retired from teaching for 22 years. In sit in an old blue pickup and hope Having been in business so long, ies, settling on 10 that he currently the early days of the tree farm, four someone would come by,” he said. U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm has grows. As the local climate warms, generations of the Ryerson family “Now we get a stream of people.” customers who are third generahe’s had to look for varieties that helped out. At 77, Ryerson gets help On Thanksgiving weekend last tion-loyal to live trees. can tolerate the heat. from his children and grandchildren year, U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm “We have some customers who “I’ve tried to grow noble firs, a to keep the tradition going. sold over 900 trees in three days. first came to the farm carried in variety Oregonians like, but they “It’s not so much about making Ryerson believes that the turnout arms as babies who are now out just don’t grow well in the valley money, but providing a service for last year was an especially strong because it’s too hot,” he said. the community,” he said. “If you’re show of support from the commu- of college and setting up homes of “Grand firs are also harder to grow going to make money, it’s not in nity, because earlier in the year, the their own,” Ryerson said. “People enjoy getting out in the woods and now.”

Christmas trees. I just enjoy people Ryersons’ home and most of their wandering the acres to find the Ryerson has a permit to cut coming up to the farm and seeing farming equipment was destroyed perfect tree as a family. We have noble firs elsewhere and sells them former students and the same by a fire. Larry Ryerson and his good views, and they know their people year after year.” precut. On his farm, customers wife, Sandra, had just rebuilt their tree will be fresh. Everyone has U-Cut Christmas Tree find familiar Douglas firs, Scotch home when they had to evacuate opinions on what they like in a tree. pines and blue spruces alongside Farm, 3132 Camp Baker Road, for the Almeda fire.

We have all kinds, from Charlie some experimental varieties Ryer- Medford, can be reached at 541“The fire came within a mile of 840-6893 and facebook.com/ son is trying. our property,” he said. “But thank- Brown trees to thick firs.”

UCutChristmasTreeFarm “We have a new variety called Achieving pretty Christmas trees fully, our farm survived.”

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KITCHEN GIFTS

FORGET GADGETS ...

GO WITH THE BASICS

By Sarah Lemon for the Mail Tribune

F

orget this year’s greatest gadgets. Holiday gifts for avid cooks are all about the basics.

Knives, cutting boards, skillets and Dutch ovens top Constance Jesser’s list of must-have kitchen equipment at The Culinarium in Ashland. Several blocks down East Main Street at Paddington Station, baking essentials, particularly items for baking bread, are the holidays’ hot commodities.

“We carry stuff that the company stands behind,” says Jesser. “You just get it once.”

So many cooks have never gotten a “decent knife,” says Jesser. She stocks Shun, a Japanese line that comes with free, lifetime sharpening at the customer service center in Tualatin. The blades start at $100 and go up to $200.

“It’s a tool that you will have forever.”

In the realm of ceramic knives, Kyocera offers a set of three for about $80, says Jesser. Keeping their edge for years, ceramic knives are lightweight to wield and don’t oxidize fruits and vegetables.

“They’re super, super, super, super sharp,” says Jesser.

Just be sure to cut on wood or polycarbonate boards to prevent breakage, she says. The same advice holds true for metal blades, such as Shun. The company even produces companion cutting boards of hinoki wood, a type of cypress prized in Japan’s construction of Shinto shrines and temples. The material, says Jesser, is naturally antimicrobial.

All-natural cane proofing baskets for bread dough have been in such high demand that Paddington Station

PHOTOS BY JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE

metal utensils, the GreenPan can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees and sears with little or no oil.

While the depth and breadth of $10. For stockings, Paddington has cooking equipment is available online, packets of sourdough starter at $7.50.

Ideal vessels for baking bread, Dutch including from specialty retailers such as Sur la Table and Williams Sonoma, ovens commonly are cast-iron and very heavy. Much lighter and easier to items don’t often come with an expert’s endorsement, says handle is GerKuzmitz. Shopmany’s BK line, pers still want the says Jesser. These “human connecenameled carbon tion,” she says, steel Dutch ovens of selecting gifts are dishwasher based on mersafe and come chants’ authentic with a price tag of recommendations. $160 for the 5-½“We are so quart size. happy to be able to The greatest have that relaadvance in everytionship with our day cookware, says customers.”

Jesser, is Black Paddington, Cube, which has a which in preprotective stainless vious years has steel web over its been packed with nonstick surface shoppers shoulthat metal utender to shoulder, sils won’t scratch. The greatest advance in everyday cookware, says Constance Jesser, owner of the Culinarwill indicate with Oven safe and ium, is Black Cube, which has a protective signs at the front dishwasher safe, door whether the the skillets include stainless steel web over its nonstick surface that metal utensils won’t scratch. store has exceeded limited lifetime capacity for warranties and are social distance. Both Paddington and priced from $75 to $130. Jesser says she The Culinarium offer internet sales, uses them in her kitchen. the former promoting free delivery in For cooks who want materials free Ashland, the latter in-store pickup — or of chemicals, says Jesser, there’s the GreenPan, which touts an eco-friendly, curbside service — to save on shipping.

See ashlandculinarium.com and padceramic nonstick surface at a price similar to Black Cube. Also compatible with dingtonstationashland.com.

The Culinarium in Ashland stocks Shun knives, a Japanese line that comes with free, lifetime sharpening at the customer service center in Tualatin.

can hardly keep them in stock, says Lindsay Kuzmitz, the store’s kitchen buyer. The 8-inch round basket is a bestseller for $24.95, but there’s also an oval basket for $34.95. Adding the cotton liner costs $5 extra.

“People are baking now more than ever,” says Kuzmitz. “At the end of the day, it’s a comforting thing.”

Cooks’ comfort levels grow with handy tools. A dough blade, also called a bench scraper, can be purchased for as little as $8.95 or as much as $29.95 for an American-made model that Paddington carries. A grignette, used for scoring loaves, makes a thoughtful gift for about

The BK line of Dutch ovens from Germany are popular for baking bread.

For cooks who want materials free of chemicals, there’s the GreenPan, which touts an eco-friendly, ceramic nonstick surface.

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GIFTS FOR THE MIND

CONGRATS!

YOUR BRAIN IS A MEMBER

By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune

As

you shop locally for that perfect gift, you might consider branching away from stuff and give your recipient(s) an experience that will enrich their lives.

Several nonprofits around the valley offer memberships for you to consider.

ScienceWorks

Southern Oregon Historical Society Local historians and curiosity seekers have plenty of options when it comes to membership levels at the Southern Oregon Historical Society, including monthly and annual options.

“Sustaining memberships,” billed monthly, range in cost from $5 to $100.

Depending one your selection, the benefits could include perks such as

MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO

A Mt. Ashland ski pass could make a great gift for the skier on your list.

five free scans of SOHS photographs, a private tour of the organization’s research library archives, a Hanley House tour for up to six guests, and a tour of the SOHS artifact collection, according to the SOHS website.

Annual memberships, which range from $35 (individual) to $3,000 (lifetime), offer a lot of the same benefits, with additional features that could include free library access and a free rental at Hanley Farm.

Benefits for every member include the SOHS Quarterly Journal and the monthly SOHS newsletter, sent via email.

Members also receive advance notice for organization events and volunteer opportunities, discounts at select events, early admission to the Hanley Farm annual Heritage Plant Sale, and a 10% discount on books and other SOHS library items.

Visit www.sohs.org/membership for more information.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon The former Kid Time Children’s Museum — now branded the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon — still hasn’t reopened following its COVID-19-related closure back in March, but officials are hoping for a summer reopening at its new location at 413 W. Main St. when construction is complete.

Memberships include a $45 option for three months, a $75 option for six months and $105 for a year.

Each membership includes up to four family members in the same household, and additional people can be added for $10, $15 or $20 each.

Visit www.kid-time.org/membership-registration for more information.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS ALL

Nov 27 - Dec. 31 T-Shirts • Sweatshirts • Coats • Jackets Vests • Shirts • Jeans • Belts • Lined Pants Socks • Shorts • Overalls • Rainwear Gloves • Scarves • Wallets Beanies • Hats

Men • Women • Infant • Toddler Carhartt Clothing in Stock

Mt. Ashland Ski Area What about when your brain needs a break or a recharge? The slopes of Mt. Ashland, and the hiss of your skis or snowboard on a layer of powder might be just the thing, and the park offers a season pass so you can enjoy it all season long.

The ski area will have limited

in Eastern Oregon and Ski Bluewood in Dayton, Washington.

Visit www.mtashland.com/season-passes for more information.

FOR MORE THAN DUNGAREES

HOURS: Monday-Friday 8-5:30 Saturday 8-Noon

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ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum has multiple membership options available, and they come with plenty of benefits, including free admission for 12 months, invitations to member-only exhibit previews and events, and discounts for camps — along with the opportunity to sign up for events before the general public.

Members receive advance notice of events and programs in the facility’s member e-newsletter, get a 10% discount at the ScienceWorks ExploreStore, and free or reduced admission to more than 300 participating Association of Science and Technology centers across the country.

Memberships cost $55 per person or $80 for a family or grandparent.

The family membership is “for parents and children under 18 in same household,” while the grandparent admission provides unlimited admission for grandparents “and all of their grandchildren,” the ScienceWorks website says.

“Your membership in an investment in science inspiration, learning and quality family time,” the site says.

ScienceWorks is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

Visit https://scienceworksmuseum.org/membership for more information, including COVID-19 protocols.

offerings this season due to the COVID-19, including no lodge access for restrooms, warming, storage, suiting up and night skiing.

Lodge use will be for employees, rental customers and ski school participants only.

Depending on how many people show up day to day, there could be caps on attendance.

That said, the slopes will be open, and season passes are available. The passes cost from $30 (for seniors and children up to age 6) to $424 for adults.

Discounts are available for college students and individuals with permanent physical or cognitive disabilities “that requires the use of adaptive equipment or adaptive techniques to ski or ride,” the website says.

The pass has no blackout dates and gets holders free perks at other ski areas “from Tahoe to Alaska,” with additional discounts at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort

541-772-7538 1321 North Riverside • Medford

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HOLIDAY CALENDAR GingerBread Jubilee The annual GingerBread Jubilee, one of the Rogue Valley’s most unique holiday traditions, will have a revised format this year. Entrants in the annual event make fantastical gingerbread creations to be judged and sold at an auction benefiting Craterian Performances. You can see the masterpieces this year from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 20-22, at the Collier Creative Center, 50 N. Fir St., Medford. The creations will be displayed in the windows of the center. A virtual tour will also be available. Admission to the tour and registration for the auction are free. See craterian. org or find @GingerBreadJubilee on Facebook.

Jacksonville Victorian Christmas Jacksonville continues to provide as much Christmas spirit as possible. The Victorian Christmas season will kick off with a virtual caroling

visitors can take family pictures with Father Christmas (no charge, but they ask that all those 5 and older wear a face covering and observe social distancing guidelines), and enjoy strolling carolerss.

Horse-drawn wagon rides will be available from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, starting at the new City Hall. You will find Father Christmas from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 155 N. Third St., in the Dan McGeorge Gallery.

Hanley Farm wreath-making

MT FILE PHOTO FROM 2018

This year’s Winter Lights Festival in Pear Blossom Park will be a COVID-safe, drive-thru event spread over two days, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5. (For a full description, see Page 18)

and tree lighting at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 28, available for viewing on Facebook @ JacksonvilleOregon and Instagram @visitjacksonvilleoregon. A drive-thru toy drive will be held from 4:30

to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. All unwrapped toys will be given to the Salvation Army to help those in need.

Entrance to the event begins on E Street. On weekends between Dec. 5 and 20,

Make your own holiday wreath from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, at Hanley Farm, 1053 Hanley Road, Central Point. Wreath-making kits will be available for $15 and include a base of grapevines or fruitwood, greens, cones, berries and wire. For that extra touch, bring your own ribbons, ornaments and trimmings.

Assemble your wreath at the farm, or purchase a kit and make it at home. Volunteers

will give wreath-making advice. Masks are required, and all OHA guidelines will be enforced. Reservations are not required. For details, see sohs.org/node/254135 or call 541-773-6536, ext. 202.

Providence Festival of Trees The annual event will be an online affair this year, allowing fans to participate from home. The annual gala and auction will run from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Register to bid by calling 541-732-5193 or online at pchfmor.ejoinme.org/festival. The trees can be viewed through window displays at the One West Main building in downtown Medford. For the first time, people can watch the decorators decorate their trees, Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Viewing days will be Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 2-6, at 1 W. Main St., Medford.

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Deck The Halls . . .

With lots of vino from some of the best wineries in the Rogue Valley! We carry wines from

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST

WINES OF THE SEASON

By Sarah Lemon for the Mail Tribune

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airing wines with festive foods often can be defined in a single word: Beaujolais.

“It’s kind of like catnip for sommeliers,” says Josh Kimball, owner of Kimball’s Artisan Wines in Jacksonville. “I think it’s the greatest value in the world.”

Opening bottles of Beaujolais at the holidays represents a bang for the buyer’s buck, says Kimball. The appellation generally designates wines made with gamay grapes in France’s Rhone and Burgundy regions. While Americans’ familiarity with gamay is hit or miss, the grape has always been grown in Oregon, primarily for blending with pinot noir, but it is becoming more popular on its own, says Kimball.

“It’s easy to farm; it’s easier to make,” he says, adding that he likes the Hundred Suns, Walter Scott and Pray Tell labels from the Willamette Valley.

“Silky, seductive and friendly” is how Margo Thurston describes Kermit Lynch 2019 Beaujolais, a European Import that makes a versatile holiday wine. The owner of Margo’s Wine Shop in east Medford recommends a side dish of butter-roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans and maple syrup to highlight this Beaujolais’ “foodfriendly structure.”

Among local vintners, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards near Ashland came out with a Beaujolais Nouveau last year, proving the style can be produced locally, says Molly Shaughnessy, assistant restaurant manager for Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine in Ashland. The wine, says Shaughnessy, “comes off as really light” and therefore treads the middle ground between rose and red. That characteristic, she says, suits Beaujolais to the wide range of rich and distinctive flavors, from turkey to cranberry sauce, from potatoes to pumpkin, commonly found on Thanksgiving tables.

Rose is another holiday staple, says

JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE

A charcuterie board from Margo’s Wine Shop on North Phoenix Road.

Kimball, although many associate it with warmer weather. Contrary to some customers’ expectations, his shop has a rose table year-round with an emphasis on French labels. And evoking Beaujolais, there’s also a rose of gamay, he says.

“It’s one of the things that goes with everything.”

Similarly, Champagne is a holiday mainstay, say Kimball and

Shaughnessy. Bubbly is the classic way to kick off celebrations but can be enjoyed for the duration of any event or gathering because Champagne goes with any and all food flavors, says Shaughnessy.

“We’re celebrating being alive; we’re celebrating being with our families.”

For the best Champagne at the best price, says Kimball, look for “grower’s

Champagne,” which means the estates that grew the grapes also produced the sparkling wines. For $37, Domaine Francis Orban pinot meunier is one of the bottles Kimball stocks that “over-deliver for the holidays” when there are so many other treats competing for guests’ attention.

“You don’t need to be popping $75 or $100 bottles of wine for people.”

Thurston skips bubbly with a starter course and instead offers Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2018.

Conveying aromas of fruit, balanced acid and minerality, the varietal is her pick for a cheese and charcuterie board combining Manchego, triple-crème Brie, salami, prosciutto, Spanish chorizo, olives, pistachios, fig compote and Asian pear. She prepares the platter for a price of $15, which guests can purchase for wine-tasting at her shop on North Phoenix Road or for take-home.

“Don’t be afraid to spend a little bit more to get a little bit more,” says Thurston of holiday wine shopping.

As the season and its feasts progress toward meaty main courses, such as prime rib, syrah is a go-to, whether from France or Southern Oregon, say Kimball and Shaughnessy. Thurston leans toward local grenache or — for an unconventional pairing — Napa Valley merlot with grilled salmon.

While Kimball says he simply polishes off with dessert whichever wine he opened for dinner, Shaughnessy recommends Port — ruby for berry pie, tawny for pumpkin pie — and another Portuguese specialty.

Madeira, she says, can be stored for years after opening and sipped on special occasions.

The main rule of thumb for dessert wine, says Shaughnessy, is it “should always be sweeter than your dessert.”

Unless the wine in question, she adds, is Champagne.

“It’s sort of the exception to everything.”

Find more information at margoswineshop.com and kimballs-artisan-wines.business.site Reach freelance writer Sarah Lemon at thewholedish@gmail.com.

Champagne is a holiday mainstay. Bubbly is the classic way to kick off celebrations but can be enjoyed for the duration of any event or gathering because Champagne goes with any and all food flavors.

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GIFTS FOR GARDENERS THAT

THEY’LL REALLY USE “Where gifts be given freely, in west, north or south, No man ought to look a given horse in the mouth.”

— John Heywood, “A Dialogue Containing the Number in Effect of All Proverbs in the English Tongue,” 1546

By Rhonda Nowak for the Mail Tribune

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ohn Heywood was a musician and playwright for Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I, although he is best remembered for his comprehensive collection of proverbs that were in use during England’s Tudor monarchy, which he set to verse in rhyming couplets.

The proverb “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” was already in common usage in 387 A.D. when Jerome, a Catholic priest and historian, fired back on critics in the prologue of his “Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians.”

The English translation of Jerome’s heated remarks goes: “I don’t translate Greek into Latin properly? Then either read the Greeks (if you have a knowledge of their language) or if you are only a Latin, don’t criticize a gift gratuitously bestowed, and, as the common proverb goes, do not inspect the teeth of a given horse.”

As an equestrian and horse caretaker, I have to disagree with this old adage. Anyone who has taken responsibility for a horse will tell you that the purchase price is negligible compared to all the expenses that come afterward.

A “free” horse can quickly turn into a hay-eating money pit. Since checking a horse’s teeth indicates its age and overall health, I say it’s always a good idea to take a look-see in a horse’s mouth (and have a vet do it, too), especially a horse that’s being offered “gratuitously.”

I also take exception with the notion that gift receivers should not be discerning. Of course we appreciate the thought and love behind the gift, but we shouldn’t feel guilty for saying “no, thank you” to gifts we don’t want or need.

In a world where there is far too much unused stuff lying around, we all need to do our part by choosing carefully the things we bring into our home and garden, and we must be equally judicious when gifting our family and friends.

Gifts for gardeners can be particularly problematic, even if you think you know them quite well.

The Lesche digging tool, similar to a Japanese hori-hori knife, is a handy gift idea.

As just one example, my husband and I have been married for 32 years and have gardened together for most of that time; yet, he recently bought me a pair of garden gloves that would fit the hands of a much smaller person.

That’s what I get for asking Jerry to buy me a pair of garden gloves!

Gardeners are often given plants, which seems like a no-brainer, and yet that gifted plant may not fit well into the receiving gardener’s growing space or thrive in their growing conditions.

Buying houseplants for gardeners can also be risky.

Just because I garden outdoors doesn’t mean I can keep a houseplant alive for longer than a few months. I know I am not alone.

Garden tools can be useful gifts, but be forewarned: some gardeners are rather persnickety about their tools.

Once they find a brand of tools they like, they tend to stick to that label like glue.

On the other hand, after I’ve lost yet another pair of pruning shears, I typically run to the garden center and buy whatever’s in stock, which may be quite limited.

I would certainly appreciate a tool that has been finely crafted in the USA. All American Reviews provides recommendations for several types of high-quality tools made in America.

The reviewers list the pros and cons of each tool they research and provide a link to Amazon for price checking and ordering.

Garden tools can be useful gifts, but be forewarned: some gardeners are rather persnickety about their tools. Once they find a brand of tools they like, they tend to stick to that label like glue.

The digging fork is an especially useful tool for loosening compacted soil in no-till gardens.

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“If you want to know when to sow, take your trousers off and sit on the ground.”

— “Tips from the Old Gardeners”

Gardening books offer the gift of gardening knowledge, whether it’s wisdom handed down through the centuries or new ideas for sustainable, climate-smart gardening.

The American Garden Tool Co. is an online source for high-quality tools made in the U.S. Two multipurpose tools I would love to have are the Lesche digging tool, similar to a Japanese hori-hori knife, and a digging fork ($43).

The digging tool has a serrated edge on one side, which should be on the opposite side of the gardener’s dominant hand. In other words, I’m left-handed, so I would use a digging tool with a serrated edge on the right side. The digging fork is an especially useful tool for loosening compacted soil in no-till gardens. It’s 42 inches high, and has four tines and a foot pad that provides gardeners with greater leverage ($68).

A third gardening tool that would make a useful, inexpensive gift is a hand-held tool sharpener. Gardening Products Review provides a helpful guide and recommendations for sharpeners that work for a variety of gardening tools. I particularly like the Corona carbide sharpener with a 5-inch blade and non-slip handle ($10).

I wouldn’t lose my pruning shears so often if I had a proper tool caddy.

The Duluth Trading Company’s Bucket Master tool organizer is one of the sturdiest caddies I’ve seen that fits over a 5-gallon bucket. It has 36 pockets and rope handles ($60).

Gardening books offer the gift of gardening knowledge, whether it’s wisdom handed down through the centuries or new ideas for sustainable, climate-smart gardening. “Tips from the Old Gardeners” (Crosbie, 2005)

is full of gardening folklore, some of which has been substantiated through scientific research. Although not very scientific, one of my favorite tips from the book is: “If you want to know when to sow, take your trousers off and sit on the ground.”

I have two top picks for climate-smart gardening books.

“The Climate Change Garden” (Morgan & Stoddart, 2019) provides practical advice for growing resilient gardens in a warmer world.

“The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments” (Palmer, 2020) is packed with information about improving garden soil with locally sourced amendments and how to create a sustainable garden ecosystem.

John Heywood’s book of proverbs includes many quotes suitable for gardeners, two of which speak to the fact that gardeners often appreciate help with gardening tasks.

The expression “Ill weed groweth fast” has apparently held true in the minds of gardeners for many centuries, as has “A friend is never known till a man have need” (or “A friend in need is a friend indeed”). Perhaps one of the best gifts for gardeners is the gift of your time (with safe practices in consideration of COVID-19).

COURTESY PHOTO

The Duluth Trading Company’s Bucket Master tool organizer is one of the sturdiest caddies I’ve seen that fits over a 5-gallon bucket. It has 36 pockets and rope handles

Rhonda Nowak is a Rogue Valley gardener, teacher and writer. Email her at Rnowak39@gmail.com. For more about gardening, check out her podcasts at https://mailtribune.com/ podcasts/the-literary-gardener and her website atliterarygardener.com.

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| Friday, November 20, 2020

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HOLIDAY RECIPES

JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE

Mia Schoen is pastry chef at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites.

HOLIDAY CHEER ...

STRAIGHT FROM THE KITCHEN “As you make them, you’re thinking of the people you’re giving them to. ... This is a labor of love.”

Emily Moore, Emily’s Kitchen in the Applegate

By Sarah Lemon for the Mail Tribune

P

reparing festive recipes for giving yields more than presents for friends and family.

Cooks also share in the gift.

“As you make them, you’re thinking of the people you’re giving them to,” says Emily Moore, who operates Emily’s Kitchen, a catering company that also hosts cooking classes in the Applegate.

“This is a labor of love.”

Mia Schoen, pastry chef at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, agrees. That’s just one reason she involves her 8-year-old daughter in the annual exercise of cooking up sweets and treats in lieu of shopping for holiday gifts.

“I want to teach her that it’s not all about things,” says Schoen, explaining that the lessons go beyond reading recipes and measuring ingredients.

“You can include the whole family and make it feel like a real event.”

Starting in the fall, Schoen and her family may pick local apples and preserve them as

applesauce to bestow a few months later in pretty jars.

As winter approaches, she may concoct batches of hot fudge and salted caramel sauces to give with an ice cream scoop as a sundae kit.

Another of Schoen’s favorite gifts combines popcorn seeds, nuts and a candy thermometer with instructions for making caramel corn.

“I love to put together a basket,” she says.

“Package it really cute. I also like to include the recipe with any kind of homemade thing.”

Baskets of goodies can help recipients with their own holiday entertaining, says Moore, who recommends specialty condiments that are expensive to buy but much more affordable to make.

Wine jellies, flavored ketchups, relishes, chutneys, marmalades and barbecue sauces, she says, are hard to justify purchasing at more than $5 per container.

Yet these little luxuries appeal to just about everyone, particularly when adorned with a piece of holiday-themed fabric under the jar’s screw band and tied with ribbon, she adds.

“I think food gifts are some of the more appreciated.”

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Appreciation spreads throughout the recipient’s circle when one of Moore’s port wine sauces is opened for a celebratory meal.

Or perhaps it’s a pepper jelly or fruit compote to accompany locally produced cheese, arranged on a platter with some of Moore’s homemade crackers.

“Crackers are really, really cool,” says Moore, who touts ginger crackers and cheddar shortbread. “You can’t find very many unusual crackers (in stores).

“Holiday cookies and Christmas cookies … there are a jillion recipes,” says Moore.

So Schoen sticks with cookies that really make an impression, preparing big batches of dough, freezing them and baking them in smaller portions as needed. People love gingerbread men, says Schoen, especially when she personalizes the faces and clothing of each.

“A lot of people aren’t making gingerbread men anymore,” she says. “I personally like nostalgia.”

To that end, Christmas mornings are extra special for lucky households who receive some of Schoen’s cinnamon rolls.

HILLARY LEVIN/ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH/TNS The recipe intimidates so many Emily Moore, who operates Emily’s Kitchen, a catering company that also hosts cooking classes in the Applegate, likes to make food gifts, includhome cooks, says Schoen, but it ing homemade crackers. actually represents an investment of time, rather than a difficult technique.

In a separate bowl, dissolve the malt and crisp, for 8 to 15 minutes, depending puree), using some of the vinegar as If Schoen doesn’t bake the rolls and syrup in the water and add the shortenon thickness of dough. Check crackers liquid. Scrape peppers into a nonreactive deliver them shortly before Christing.

Form a well in center of flour; pour frequently so they are not baked beyond pan. Add remaining vinegar and the salt. mas, she freezes them and presents in liquid with shortening.

Blend with a where you want them.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium them with the baking instructions, wooden spoon; mixture will be quite Remove from oven and immediately heat; lower heat and simmer, uncovallowing recipients to choose the heavy. brush with the melted butter. Cool on ered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. occasion for a sweet treat, fresh from On a work surface, knead by hand until wire racks. Repeat with remaining dough. Remove from heat. Measure mixture and the oven and seasoned with holiday smooth, for about 4 minutes, adding These crackers will stay fresh in an airreturn 3 cups to pan. If you have less than cheer. sprinkles of flour if dough is wet.

Place tight container for 3 to 4 weeks.

3 cups, add water to make up the differTry these recipes for cheddar Makes 6 servings. ence. Stir in the sugar. crackers and pepper jelly for giving or dough in a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to relax for Recipe from “Bernard Clayton’s New Bring mixture to a full rolling boil (a savoring in the season’s feasts.

Cheddar Cheese Crackers 1-½ ounces cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more if needed ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon malt syrup 1⁄3 cup plus 2 tablespoons tepid water 2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening, room temperature Butter, melted Grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, 1 cup flour, the salt, cream of tartar, baking soda and cayenne pepper. Stir to mix well.

at least 1 hour or — tightly wrapped — for up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Divide dough in half, keeping one half covered.

With your hands and a heavy rolling pin, press and roll dough into a rectangle no longer than length of baking pan. Dough should be no thicker than one-sixteenth inch. Fold dough from ends to make 3 layers. Turn dough and roll again into a one-sixteenth-inch rectangle.

Lift dough from work surface and lay on prepared baking sheet. Prick (dock) entire surface with tines of a fork. With a rolling pizza cutter, cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut dough into crackers of desired size. Crackers will be broken apart after baking.

Sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake in center of preheated oven until browned

Complete Book of Breads” by Bernard Clayton Jr.

Hot and Sweet Red Pepper Jam 2 cups coarsely chopped, seeded and de-ribbed sweet red peppers ¼ cup coarsely chopped, seeded and de-ribbed hot red peppers (red jalapenos or red serranos or 1 tablespoon hot Thai chiles) or ¼ cup canned whole, chopped jalapeno peppers 1-½ cups cider vinegar 1 teaspoon salt 6-½ cups sugar 1 bottle liquid pectin (or 2 pouches dry; 6 ounces total) Hot pepper sauce, to taste (optional) In two or more batches, using a blender or food processor, chop the sweet and hot peppers to a fine texture (or a coarse

boil that cannot be stirred down) over high heat, stirring continuously, and boil it for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Add the pectin, mixing well. Taste jam mixture for spice and add drops of the hot pepper sauce, if desired. Skim off any foam. Cool jam for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent bits of pepper from rising to the top.

Ladle jam into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.

Seal jars with sterilized, new, two-piece lids according to manufacturer’s directions. Cool, label jars and store at room temperature or in a cool place.

Makes about 7 cups.

Recipe from Emily’s Kitchen.

Reach freelance writer Sarah Lemon at thewholedish@gmail.com.

“A lot of people aren’t making gingerbread men anymore.

I personally like nostalgia.”

Mia Schoen, pastry chef at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites

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| Friday, November 20, 2020

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COPING WITH COVID-19 AND DEVASTATING FIRES

HOLIDAYS FROM A DISTANCE

MERRY, BRIGHT ... AND SAFE

By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune

W

ith the threat of COVID-19, many people are reconsidering activities they traditionally enjoy during the holidays.

Advance planning can help holidays remain meaningful for the whole family — even if they look different, says mental health advocate Asha Tarry, author of “Adulting as a Millennial: Everything Your Parents Didn’t Teach You.” “It’s important to start contemplating now what’s possible and be creative. It’s important to awaken ourselves to the experiences we want to have,” she says. “We’re creating a new normal.”

After a tumultuous year of COVID19, fires, protests and politics, many people rare feeling tired, Tarry said.

Think about what steps you can take to give yourself and others the gift of rest and relaxation.

“Maybe you want a rest from planning, talking about politics, or doing work and school in the same place at the same times. Find a way to take breaks from that,” she says.

Some people will forgo travel and large get-togethers for the holidays.

Video conferencing services like Zoom can help bridge the gap. Consider eating brunch and talking via Zoom with those you care about, or plan a themed Zoom party, Tarry says.

For a fun evening, try playing games like Pictionary, Family Feud or Scattergories. Many popular games have online versions as well as card and board game versions.

Tarry says little kids especially want to have fun and spend time with those they love during the holidays.

If your family finances have changed because of the pandemic, have an age-appropriate conversation with kids so they have realistic expectations about presents this year, she advises.

If kids are separated from their grandparents, have them make and mail cards, talk on the phone or connect in other ways.

Many teens feel trapped at home and socially isolated at a time of life when they would be gaining independence and spending time with friends.

While parents should try to help fill some of the gap with family activities, they should also give teens some space, Tarry says.

123RF.COM

Some people will forgo travel and large get-togethers for the holidays. Video conferencing services like Zoom can help bridge the gap.

“It’s important to start contemplating now what’s possible and be creative. ... We’re creating a new normal.”

Asha Tarry, author, “Adulting as a Millennial: Everything Your Parents Didn’t Teach You.”

“Having family time and time to detach from family is important.

Teens need peer-to-peer interaction,” she says.

Consider letting kids and teens play sports with COVID-19 safety precautions in place, see a friend who has been isolating, or play online video games where they can all chat, Tarry says.

She noted that teens rarely talk on the phone with each other, preferring to text or use social media. Encourage them to call their friends occasionally and talk.

With an uptick in depression and anxiety accompanying the pandemic,

watch for warning signs like low mood, spending more time alone and lack of interest in activities, Tarry says.

Try to keep kids and teens on a schedule of getting up, eating and engaging in a routine.

Many Rogue Valley residents are facing not just the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions, but the aftermath of September wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes.

“After a disaster, there’s a mix of emotions people go through. Be patient with people as they heal. Some may want to talk, and others may not,” Tarry says.

Fire evacuees who are living in new places should try to get out, walk around and meet their new neighbors.

Reminding yourself that you are safe can help settle the flood of emotions and sense of always being on alert that follows a traumatic event, she says.

Tarry says the outpouring of support from the community for fire survivors can help in the healing process. Survivors of hurricanes and other traumatic events have been helped by such efforts.

“When people showed up, pitched in and helped people get back to everyday life, that really helped people heal,” she says.

Where to find help People recovering from disaster trauma can call the Safe+Strong Helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or see safestrongoregon.org/ mental-emotional-health.

First responders may be experiencing stress in the wake of the wildfires.

The Oregon Behavioral Health Support Line 1-800-923-4357 provides immediate no-cost behavioral health screening, counseling services and referrals to available providers using a statewide directory tool.

For help with alcohol and drug issues, call 1-800-923-4357.

For teen-to-teen support, call the YouthLine at 1-877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839-863.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.

To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255.

| Friday, November 20, 2020

|

CALENDAR From Page 6

Medford Winter Lights Medford will hold a special twoday, drive-thru version of its annual Winter Lights Festival at Pear Blossom Park, which features the lighting of the city tree. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, the streets will be open around the park so revelers can view the tree, hear music and view the holiday lights display. Winners of the annual coloring contest will be announced, and Santa will be there with goodie bags.

Events occur on the streets surrounding Pear Blossom Park (enter from E. Sixth Street). To enter the coloring contest, go to playmedford.com and print the holiday coloring sheet.

Email a picture of the finished sheet to parks@cityofmedford.org or drop it at Santo Community Center by Dec. 2.

Winners will receive a bike and have their sheets displayed at the festival.

Letters to Santa Does your child want to receive a return letter from Santa? If so, take your child’s Santa letter and drop it into the Special Delivery North Pole mailbox at the Santo Community Center, or mail it to: Medford Parks

& Rec, attn: Santa, 701 N. Columbus Ave., Medford, OR 97501. Or give the letter to the big elf himself Dec. 4 or 5 at the Winter Lights Festival. Santa and his elves will be giving a free goodie bag for each letter received.

Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope, and Santa will mail back a personalized letter in time for Christmas.

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Central Point Community Christmas Lights Show Central Point’s annual Christmas parade is getting a makeover this year. Organizers are assembling a lineup of lit-up vehicles, at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5. The city will stage decorated vehicles around City Hall so spectators can drive through and view. Children will be able to wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus and get a free Christmas bag (while supplies last).

Want to join the show? Organizers are looking for community members with lots of Christmas cheer. See centralpointoregon.gov/Christmas for details and to learn how to register.

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BOOKSTORES HOPE FOR RESURGENCE

TURNING THE PAGE ON SALES events on its website, bloomsburyashland.com. There, you can also check out the store’s book club selections, staff honest critique picks and “Children’s Corner” of the latest Barselections. bara Kingsolver. A familiar Working the front counter face, or faces. Book scent. at Rebel Heart Books on a There are plenty of reasons chilly day in late October, to buy at a local independent Bobek stressed the imporbookstore this holiday season tance of the window between that don’t require a philosophearly December and mid-Janical stance favoring community uary to small businesses. over the Amazon takeover, and “The Christmas season, Eileen Bobek believes those particularly if you live in an who take the time to experiarea that’s dependent on ence them will be won over. tourist or season traffic, is Bobek opened Rebel Heart (crucial),” she said. “JacksonBooks in Jacksonville in July ville kind of goes dormant in 2017, ready and willing to January. There are some stores brace herself against the harsh that have even closed outright climate of today’s bricksfor the month. So for Jacksonand-mortar bookstores, a ville in particular, you are very world that includes the aforedependent on summertime mentioned indestructible and the holiday season to kind competitor, razor-thin profit JAMIE LUSCH PHOTOS / MAIL TRIBUNE of carry you through some margins and a convenience very quiet, lean times after Eileen Bobek, owner of Rebel Heart Books in Jacksonville, above and below, takes a break to chat about books. disadvantage against ebooks.

Christmas. So people buying about half-price, and one out locally, particularly right now, Then, in March, COVIDof every five will include a 19 began picking up steam in is more critical than it’s been special prize valued up to $50. since I don’t know when.” the United States, making life The comic book store also for small business owners, Before attempting to make sells books and toys, some of including indie book shops, her case for why book lovers which will be marked down that much tougher. A former should shop locally rather during the holidays. emergency room doctor, than go the Amazon route, Christian Discount Books, Bobek, like other bookBobek was interrupted by a 225 W. California St., in Jack- shopper who stopped in to sellers in the Rogue Valley, sonville, will be selling all of did everything she could to pick up a book by Kingsolver. its new merchandise at 20% minimize the damage to her The purchase sparked a off over the holiday season. bottom line. conversation about another The store, which specializes in Kingsolver book, “The Poi“We closed to browsing, used and new Christian books sonwood Bible,” which the but then we continued doing and DVDs, also imprints Bibles customer enjoyed. Before deliveries — essentially book and prayer journals for free. deliveries to peoples’ homes,” heading out the door, the cusThe Book Exchange in she said, “or we converted to tomer promised to offer her Ashland, one of the oldest curbside pickup, where people specializes in hard-to-find To that end, local bookreview of the new purchase bookstores in the valley (it couldn’t come into the store classics and bestsellers. stores in the coming weeks the next time she stopped in. but they could order books. will be looking to make TreeHouse Books, located in opened in 1971), won’t be “When you come into an I was driving books all over up some ground via holithe heart of the Ashland Plaza offering much in the way of independent bookstore, in holiday deals but is taking the place … almost kind of day shoppers, who provide at 15 N. Main St., is hosting general, it’s not just about donations for The Hermeticus the book,” Bobek said. “It’s doing this ding-dong-ditch of walk-in business that’s a gnome treasure hunt in books, where it’s like you have crucial to the survival of indie downtown Ashland and Lithia Book Shop, a Talent store that about the space, it’s about the burned down in the Almeda a book, you ring the doorbell bookstores. Some will try to Park throughout December. place that you’re in, it’s about and you leave the book there. lure customers in with holiAccording to store owner Jane fire. Located at 90 N. Piosomebody who actually knows neer St., The Book Exchange So there was a lot of that going day deals and discounts, and Almquist, shoppers can pick you and recognizes you. does exactly what its name on in the very beginning.” at least one hopes to attract up a “Gnomecoming” map at “It’s an experience that is Rebel Heart Books didn’t customers with a famithe store and start hunting for suggests, offering credit for not replaceable in an online used books — every book on reopen its doors to walk-in ly-friendly scavenger hunt. the “30 entrances into their setting. … It’s kind of funny, its shelves was brought in by a but having been an ER doctor business until mid-October, a Village Books, which has magical world to discover gap that represents a masa large selection of OreGnome traditions, recipes and customer. The Book Exchange I would spend my days lisalso has a fascinating backsive revenue hole from which gon-related history books, artifacts.” tening to people’s stories, story, which can be viewed at and honestly I do the same Bobek and other local bookis offering a selection of new Rogue City Comics, at 32 www.roylaird.com. store owners — and there are titles at 10% or more off the N. Central Ave., in Medford, thing here. It doesn’t involve Bloomsbury Books, 290 E. many of them in the valley original retail price. Located will be offering holiday “grab the same kind of thing, but — may be attempting to scale on East Barnett Road in boxes.” Each box will include Main St., in Ashland, will list I’m still listening to people’s any special holiday deals or for years.

Medford, Village Books also comic books, available at stories.”

By Joe Zavala Mail Tribune

An

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Friday, November 20, 2020 |

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HOLIDAY DECOR

PHOTOS BY DEVANIE SWIER

“Lighting (left) is hot, hot, hot,” says Carol Lowenberg of Penny & Lulu’s in Medford. “Put them outside; put them inside.” This is the year of the “statement branch” (center) — perhaps birch or aspen, say Lowenberg and co-owner Susi Penwell. Organic materials (right) benefit from flattering light.

LET NATURE SUPPLY

INSPIRATION popular as softening some shades on the spectrum by bleaching.

The clichéd red and green color scheme is giving way to burgundy, ring the outdoors inside, then navy blue, forest green and cinnamon, “bring out your treasures.” with grays and browns as neutrals, That’s the way to welcome 2020’s say Penwell and Lowenberg. The holiday season, say two local designtones are echoed in foliage beyond ers, and to sustain its spirit well into evergreen — ferns, lichens, eucalypthe coming year. tus and moss-covered twigs — even in Anchoring Penny & Lulu’s winter feathers and shed antlers. interiors are bare limbs and bull pine “We forage all the time,” says PenAt Penny & Lulu’s they use natural materials and well. “Whatever’s out in our yards.” from the Southern Oregon landforage from the Southern Oregon landscape. scape, say co-owners Susie Penwell Decorators also can forage local and Carol Lowenberg. The Medford thoughtfully selected items that con- supermarkets for attractive edibles design studio and florist plans to jure romance. Similarly, wreaths that that never go out of style. Arrangestock arbors and swags for purchase ments and table runners gain vibrant span the season aren’t stereotypical that can be adorned with keepsakes color, not to mention aroma, from circles but rather asymmetrical with and other baubles — so long as it’s not subtle flourishes. pomegranates, citrus, cinnamon “overdone.” sticks and nutmegs, says Penwell.

“You can spray it a dull gold,” says Sophisticated nostalgia should be “Produce is beautiful.”

Penwell. “You can spray a touch of this year’s holiday theme, say Penwell snow on it.”

Timeless appeal aside, organic and Lowenberg. materials still benefit from flattering The visually engaging lines of bare “It’s keeping it simple,” says Penlight. And supplemental lighting is branches can mimic vistas from a well. “Maybe not so bright and glitzy.” home’s windows, says Lowenberg. so vital during winter’s darker days, Toning down holiday color palsay Penwell and Lowenberg. Whether Decor that blurs the separation ettes and sheen ensures the longevity the sparkle comes from fairy lights, between interior and exterior spaces of decor through the winter. The does more than improve aesthetics by twinkle lights or candlelight, this is approach proves its worth as many elevating the viewer’s own mental and one realm where the setting “can’t people anticipate spending more emotional outlook. have too much.” time at home and making more frugal “It’s clean, and it’s calming,” “Lighting is hot, hot, hot,” says purchases this holiday. “Organic and says Lowenberg. “That’s the trend Lowenberg. “Put them outside; put sustainable” items touted by Penny nationally.” them inside.” & Lulu can entail minimal investment Also on trend is tarnish — in a No matter which direction holiday when nature furnishes the inspiration. tasteful context. The “aged glow” of decorating takes, involving loved ones This is the year of the “statement patina, rust and oxidized metal lends reinforces the purpose behind all the branch” — perhaps birch or aspen, a warmer, “textural” feel to holiday preparations. say Penwell and Lowenberg. Bedeck decor, say Penwell and Lowenberg.

“Traditions are so important, espeit with Christmas ornaments, then Instead of silky ribbons, the duo cially right now,” says Lowenberg. redecorate it for New Year’s. The favor natural jute with their florals.

“People are craving normal.” piece remains relevant through Enhancing colors from nature with Penny & Lulu is located at 18 StewValentine’s Day, hung with some richly hued dyes, however, is as art Ave. See pennyandlulu.com.

By Sarah Lemon

for the Mail Tribune

B

Sophisticated nostalgia should be this year’s holiday theme, say Penwell and Lowenberg.

This year’s tones are echoed in foliage beyond evergreen — ferns, lichens, eucalyptus and moss-covered twigs — even in feathers and shed antlers.

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| Friday, November 20, 2020

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FAMILY TRADITION

TIPS FOR CUTTING A WILD TREE

PERMITS, SAWS & THE RULE OF 12

By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune

C

OVID-19 restrictions could mean your 2020 Christmas-tree-hunting experience could be a bit easier this year, as long as you are plugged in to the World Wide Web. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is selling Christmas tree permits online through a new avenue that will cost you a tad more but help make the family search easier, Forest Service officials say.

Permits have been available since Nov. 8 through recreation.gov, the same website used for campsite reservations throughout the country.

The permits cost $5 apiece, and up to five are available per household, but this year there is a $2.50 transaction fee.

Just buy them with a credit card and print them out at home.

The same fee applies whether you buy one or five, forest spokeswoman Chamise Kramer says.

Thousands of people are expected to take advantage of the online format, because Forest Service offices are not open to the public due to COVID-19 precautions, Kramer says.

“That will be different and frustrating for some because we sell thousands of permits through our offices,” Kramer says.

However, there remains a group of vendors in small communities that will continue to sell paper permits for $5 apiece, without the online transaction fee. Find a list of those at www.fs.usda. gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd683994.pdf.

Also, maps for where you can legally cut a tree are available at Avenza maps (avenza.com).

Be it a Shasta or a white fir, the family tree is always that much better when you cut it

COURTESY PHOTO

Ashland’s Gabe Howe and his family are regular Christmas tree cutters on Mount Ashland.

And remember, trees look much smaller in the woods than they do in your living room, so bringing a tape measure and knowing the height or your ceilings is helpful. yourself on a forest foray.

More than 7,000 families trek into the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest each year to cut their own Christmas trees between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, making it the second-most visited forest in the Pacific Northwest by those with yuletide intentions.

Regardless of where families get their permits, the method for finding the family tree is about as basic now as it has been for decades.

Pile the clan into the family truckster and follow the online map that comes with the permit to find recommended places to cut trees.

Many Ashlanders trek toward the ski area, while others drive up mountain roads like Tolman Creek Road beyond the snow-line before heading down trails or simply bushwhacking through the brush.

Most areas are open except for national monuments and tree plantations, as well as trees within 150 feet of a state highway and within 300 feet of a stream or lake.

That means you can cut close to Forest Service roads without having to haul your tree too far through the forest.

Then there’s the rule of 12.

Only cut a tree that’s within

12 feet of another tree, cut only trees under 12 feet tall, and leave stumps no more than 12 inches tall.

And remember, trees look much smaller in the woods than they do in your living room, so bringing a tape measure and knowing the height or your ceilings is helpful.

Most hand saws will do, with sharp, mid-sized saw teeth the best. Cut low and evenly at the base. But don’t sweat the cut. You can straighten the cut at home before you put it in the stand.

Axes look quite Norman Rockwellian, but they really aren’t great for whacking down Christmas trees.

For those with pickup trucks, ye olde tannebaum can roll home in the bed with the top sticking out the back.

Those without that luxury can stick it in the back of their Subarus with the tree sticking out the back or through the rear window.

Most, however, will tie it to the roof of their car. That means twine wrapped around the tree trunk and tied to the roof rack or inside the doors.

Don’t forget to point the base of the tree forward, then secure the base and tie it off to the middle of the front bumper. That will keep the tree from sashaying on the roof as you zig-zag down the mountain road to hot cocoa or hot totties waiting at home.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Mark Freeman at 541776-4470 or mfreeman@ rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MTwriterFreeman.

Photo by Sean Bagshaw | Outdoor Exposure Photography

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