Nick Offerman presents third book in Minooka with father, brother

MINOOKA – Nick Offerman returned Sunday to his hometown of Minooka for what’s becoming almost an annual occurrence.

The accomplished actor, a 1988 graduate of Minooka Community High School, is now the author of three books.

And each time he writes one, he plans a stop in Minooka as part of his nationwide book tours.

Nearly three years ago to the day, in October 2013, Offerman signed copies of his first book, "Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living." In May 2015, he signed copies of "Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers."

Sunday afternoon was no different, as he introduced “Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop” to his hometown crowd. The book features contributions by members of his Los Angeles-based woodworking collective, as well as his father, Ric Offerman, and his brother, Matt Offerman, who craft in Minooka.

The book has how-to lessons for all levels of woodworking experience, written by woodworkers of all experience levels.

“Once I began to strategize the book itself, I realized it would be disingenuous of me to write it alone because my woodworking life depends on the fellowship of the members of my woodshop, and my dad and brother,” Nick said.

Some members of his shop are relatively new to woodworking, but two of the more experienced ones – Ric and Matt – joined him onstage to read excerpts from their chapters in the book and share a story or two.

Ric stepped to the microphone and put on a Cubs hat, saluting the team’s first trip to the World Series in 71 years. He then explained how the Offermans became a woodworking family, as he held up his first woodworking project.

When Nick was too short to use the toilet, Ric made him a wooden step stool. Nick couldn’t believe his father still had it.

“That thing is going to the Smithsonian,” Nick joked.

Tim Heier of Milwaukee brought his daughter and niece to the signing. Emily and Greta, both 15, grew fond of Ron Swanson – Nick’s most popular role so far – on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.”

They could have gone Saturday evening to Nick’s signing in Chicago, but Heier said seeing him in his hometown was more appealing.

“He came from a small town,” Heier said. “I wanted them to see him in a small town atmosphere. It’s been very welcoming.”

While Emily and Greta waited in line, Heier said he really appreciated the life lessons Nick speaks and writes about. He said it was apparent onstage the strong bond Nick has with his father, brother and the rest of his family.

Nick said he had a lot of fan requests to do a woodworking book, and he had become so busy entertaining he was missing out on quality time in the shop.

He said the compilation style of the book allows it to not only be about creating, but a neighborhood of creativity and a community of crafting for yourself.

“I don’t want people to just make things out of wood, I want them to improve their lives,” Nick said.

He believes consumerism has grown so much that people have lost touch with where goods come from and how they affect the planet.

“I don’t know who made my table, who grew the food I’m putting on it or where this rug came from,” Offerman said. “By extension, we don’t know what resources have been used or misused to make these things happen, and that’s something I want to try and alleviate.”

Offerman Woodshop uses only reclaimed and salvaged woods for projects. Even in a desert region such as Los Angeles, Offerman said the shop has more than enough wood to choose from.