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

Christmas Comes to Farmington River School
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Christmas Comes to Farmington River School

From a $10,000 grant to a full-blown Santa’s workshop, discover how Otis neighbors came together to bring bikes, scooters, and smiles to every child at Farmington River Elementary.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

From dog licenses to the 2026 street list and key election dates, here’s information Otis residents need to know this winter from the Town Clerk’s office.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

From tireless volunteers to dedicated staff and generous patrons, discover how the Otis Library community is building a brighter future—one grant, program, and smile at a time.

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Trail Mix & Sass with Rainbow Bright
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Trail Mix & Sass with Rainbow Bright

Discover the peaceful beauty of Otis in winter! Join Patricia Racine as she shares her favorite frozen trails and inspires you to get outside, snow or shine.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

From torch runs at Otis Ridge and cozy book clubs at the library to Valentine’s tributes and creative workshops, Otis is the place to be this winter—discover what’s happening in January and February!

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

On January 22, step inside the mind of acclaimed author David Cohen as he brings his latest work to life—an evening of storytelling, insight, and surprises you won’t want to miss.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

Thanks to community generosity, the Otis Food Pantry heads into 2026 stocked, steady, and grateful.

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Otis History: The American Revolution
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Otis History: The American Revolution

As Otis marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, this new yearlong Otis History series by Peter Cameron begins with how colonial culture shaped revolution.

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“Potasheema”
Sam Maher Sam Maher

“Potasheema”

A humble Shepherd’s Pie, a family nickname, and a few flavor upgrades turn Patricia Racine’s Potasheema into comfort food perfection.

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Astrology: Pivot Point
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Astrology: Pivot Point

January and February bring clearer skies and powerful change, according to Otis astrologer Hilary Harley.

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Otis Creatives: The Doing - Chapter One
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Otis Creatives: The Doing - Chapter One

For Otis Creatives, we launch a new serialized feature by local author Eric Bass with the first installment of The Doing, a reflective story of solitude, purpose, and meaning.

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Mindful On Greylock
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Mindful On Greylock

A winter hike on Mount Greylock promises mindfulness—but not quite in the way Patricia Racine expected

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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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