Welcome to
The Otis Observer
We’re happy you’ve joined us! Please browse and enjoy. We love to write and report on what’s up lately in Otis.
The Otis Observer is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the residents
of South Berkshire County.
Thank You to Our Generous Donors
We are deeply grateful for recent donations from:
Anonymous (1), Robert J. Bailey, Carol & David Fishman, Alice Giarrusso, and Diane Saunders.
State Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. This handy guide from Town Clerk Lyn O’Brien includes registration and early-voting dates, absentee and mail-in ballot deadlines, and important polling information.
Help Wanted for Sci-fi comedy to be filmed in Otis!
Help Wanted for Sci-fi comedy to be filmed in Otis!
If interested, contact Frank Durant at 617-595-3918 or visit https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1034481/
Farmington River School District News
Farmington Regional River School District News
Farmington River Elementary Seeks Substitute Employees! For more information, visit frrsd.org/district-information/employment/ or call (413) 269-4466 during school hours. Additional resources: school calendar, citizenship volunteering opportunities, parent workshops, holiday activities, robotics, and PTA events.
Trail Mix and Sass Hiking Column
Stick Season
Leaves are falling, bugs have fled, and hunting season is in full throttle—but don’t give up the trails! Patricia Racine shares a little humor and practical advice for enjoying Stick Season safely.
Farmington River Elementary Updates
Elementary School PTA Chili Cook-Off Brings Community Together
Twenty-eight chili recipes, a student winner, and a whole lot of community spirit made this PTA cook-off a delicious success! Katie Meehan shares how neighbors came together to support Farmington River students.
Ode to Pickleball
Looking for a little exercise and a few good laughs?
Margie Klein celebrates Otis pickleball, where all ages and skill levels are welcome, and community spirit is always in play!
Astrology: Your November Update
The Reckoning
November’s stars suggest it’s time to slow down and resist the urge to force things forward. Hilary Harley explores a month of fresh perspectives and a welcome return to smoother sailing, just in time for the holidays.
In These Times: Resources for South County Residents
Your Otis Library Card—the Most Valuable Card in Your Wallet
Discover a world of free library resources—movies, museum passes, e-books, audiobooks, and more—right at your fingertips.
Otis History: The American Revolution
Finally, The United States of America
Creating a nation took heated debates, hard-fought compromises, and a whole lot of give and take. Peter Cameron explores the rocky road to ratifying the Constitution.
Communication Corner: A Column Dedicated to Improving Communication Skills
Repairing Relationships After Disagreements
Disagreements happen, but they don’t have to leave lasting damage. Richard Scaglio shares simple ways to apologize, listen, rebuild trust, and get relationships back on track.
The Rural Ethicist: A Column about the Culture of the Daily Mundane
The Dress Code
When it comes to frocks, Katharine Adams flocks to tops that avoid static flops.
Otis Community Garden: November
Arlene Tolopko: Unstoppable
Margie Klein celebrates the vision of Arlene Tolopko, whose determination and community spirit planted the seeds of the Otis Community Garden and helped it flourish.
The Snack Social: Simple Slices for Happy People
A Bounty of Thankfulness
Patricia Racine serves up a delicious helping of Thanksgiving history and seasonal inspiration, reminding us that life’s simple pleasures are worth celebrating—and that there’s always room for more cheese!
Otis Community Events: November
Otis is the Place to Be!
From library gatherings and holiday giving to line dancing and meditation, cheers to community life in Otis!
BRTA Receives MassDOT Funding, Offering Transportation to Rural Seniors
Good news for local seniors! MassDOT has selected Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) to receive funding to extend transportation for seniors in rural areas, for FREE!
Otis Food Pantry: November Update
The Otis Food Pantry is back!
After a little outdoor adventure during Town Hall’s roof repairs, Terry Gould thanks everyone who helped and offers a peek at the holiday’s upcoming recipe giveaway.
Knoxgiving 2026
Donate a Thanksgiving Dinner
Donate a Thanksgiving dinner for someone in our community who could use a little help. Call 413-269-4400 for info on donating a meal.
Gen X Musings: The Bridge from Analog to Digital
Focusing On The Moment
What if the secret to a happier life isn’t chasing big moments, but truly seeing all the little ones? Patricia Racine draws on lessons from history’s great thinkers to slow down to see the extraordinary in everyday moments.
The Snack Social: Simple Slices for Happy People
The Samhain Wheel
What do cheese, Halloween, and fortune-telling have in common? Patricia Racine explores the ancient Samhain traditions behind the season, including the wonderfully weird practice of reading your future in a wheel of cheese.