Otis Observer is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the residents of the Southern Berkshires.

Sam Maher Sam Maher

In this month’s Otis Revitalization Update, Cynthia Fletcher reports on the town’s newly awarded planning grant, outlining the next steps in reimagining downtown Otis and moving long-discussed revitalization efforts forward.

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The Season Turns the Page
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Season Turns the Page

Stephanie Skinner reflects on Otis’s slow slide into winter and the library’s evolving plans—from building updates to cozy December programs—in a warm, thoughtful look at the season ahead.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

Terry Gould shares how the Otis Food Pantry continues to thrive through generosity, teamwork, and creative seasonal initiatives—proving once again that this community shows up for one another.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

In this month’s Rural Ethicist column, Katharine Adams reminds us how listening, empathy, and shared humanity ground even the most turbulent times.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

From festive workshops to family movie nights, December in Otis is packed with activities—proving once again that when it comes to holiday fun, this little town is the place to be.

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Insurance Woes
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Insurance Woes

Patricia Racine recounts her bumpy dive into the world of health insurance—complete with nonstop calls, fine-print surprises, and the hard-won lessons of navigating coverage on her own.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

Hilary Harley offers guidance for navigating the season with clarity, steadiness, and a little celestial push.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

In this month’s column, Peter Cameron unearths the remarkable journey of a Hessian soldier-turned-New Englander who brought the Christmas tree tradition to our corner of the world.

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Tourtière Trials
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Tourtière Trials

A family meat-pie tradition takes a hilarious turn as Patricia Racine navigates vague recipes, critter catastrophes, and generations of strong opinions in her quest to perfect the holiday tourtière.

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Open Mic at the Otis Library Redux!
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Open Mic at the Otis Library Redux!

Otis artists lit up the library again as Open Mic Night returned—an evening of music, stories, and local talent that proved too good to hold just once.

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AED in the Heart of Our Community
Sam Maher Sam Maher

AED in the Heart of Our Community

When AMVETS Post 77 teamed up with the Knox Trail Inn, a lifesaving device found a new home in Otis. Sandy Balayan shares how one AED—and a few dedicated neighbors—could make all the difference in an emergency.

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Town of Otis Revitalization Committee Update
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Town of Otis Revitalization Committee Update

Cynthia Fletcher reports on new efforts to strengthen Otis—from exploring community paramedicine and affordable housing to engaging local businesses and residents in shaping the town’s future.

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The Retail Diaries, Part 5
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Retail Diaries, Part 5

After years behind the counter, Patricia Racine reflects on friendship, trust, and the lessons learned from running a small-town store—where every customer has a story and community is the true reward.

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What’s New at the Library
Sam Maher Sam Maher

What’s New at the Library

From creative pumpkin painting to an inspired Open Mic Night, Stephanie Skinner shares how the Otis Library has become a lively hub for art, stories, and community connection—with more events on the way.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

From KnoxGiving to live music and community meetings, November is packed with ways to connect, give back, and celebrate small-town spirit. Check out all that’s happening in Otis this month!

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