The Otis Historical Commission has secured another $100,000 grant, pushing fundraising for the Otis Cultural Center past the $1 million mark. While the former church at the crossroads of Routes 8 and 23 may look quiet, a powerful transformation is happening behind the scenes.

The Otis Library has received a major grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Library Director Stephanie Skinner breaks down how this exciting project will unfold, what’s funded, and how the town is working to ensure a smart, sustainable future for this essential community space.

The Otis Revitalization Committee is launching an anonymous community survey and planning grants, events, and downtown upgrades—from summer food-truck nights to a 2025 Clean-Up Day—to shape a brighter future for the town. Join in and help make Otis “the place to be.”

By Sandy Balayan

For ten years, Linda Rocke was the editorial heart of the Otis Observer—quietly shaping each issue with skill, dedication, and an eye for detail. Though the torch has bee passed, Linda’s impact on the Observer—and the Otis community—will long be remembered.

Photos from an idyllic summer solstice evening in Otis!

The annual Otis Library Craft and Country Fair will take place this year on Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What do ointments, pigs, and Mark Twain have in common? In this witty and winding essay, Katharine Adams takes a folksy phrase—hogwash—on a surprising journey from the doctor’s office to the pigpen to the pages of literary history. With sharp insight and a good dose of humor, “The Rural Ethicist” reminds us that even the messiest words have roots worth digging up.

By Patricia Racine

What happens when the face of a beloved small-town shop finally steps away from the counter? Patricia Racine reflects on her years behind the register at Katie’s, sharing the real, raw, and often hilarious truth about life in retail. From burnout to finding joy again in a new chapter, “The Retail Diaries” offers a witty and insightful peek into the heart of small-town commerce—and the people who keep it going.

By Sandy Balayan

For longtime Otis dentist Jim Higgins, retirement doesn't mean slowing down—it means living life to the fullest. From volunteering with free dental clinics to ski patrol and global travel, Jim continues to serve, explore, and inspire. Discover how this local legend turned his "retirement" into a new chapter of purpose, passion, and adventure.

By Terry Gould

As summer arrives, the Otis Food Pantry faces shifting needs and new challenges—from rain-drenched gardens to reduced funding for fresh produce. With a growing demand for shelf-stable foods, the pantry leans on the unwavering generosity of the Otis community. Discover how local heroes are stepping up to nourish their neighbors and keep this vital resource thriving.

Three performances to check out this month, all with performances by Otis residents!

By Margie Klein

Fresh produce, community spirit, and a shared love for the land—Otis Community Garden is thriving thanks to dedicated volunteers and generous neighbors. As the harvest rolls in, so does a powerful reminder: it truly takes a village.

Growing up in a tight-knit neighborhood felt like having a second family—but today, that sense of community is fading. Otis resident Patricia Racine reflects on the joy of connected neighbors and the quiet loss when those bonds disappear.

July kicks off with cosmic fireworks as Mercury, Mars, and Uranus shake things up. Hilary Harley guides us through a month of emotional intensity and bold revelations, from Cancer’s deep waters to Leo’s blazing confidence. Expect surprises, reckonings, and a push to live your truth.

By Cynthia Fletcher

The Otis Revitalization Committee is charting a path toward a more vibrant, connected, and resilient town. With clear goals and seven focused work groups now in place, the committee is laying the groundwork for thoughtful, community-driven progress.

By Sandy Balayan

With heart, hustle, and an uncanny knack for connecting people with what they need, Karen Yvon’s “K’s Kloset” and her new role leading Otis’s Council on Aging are making a big impact. Read how one woman’s passion for compassion is transforming lives across our community.

By Sandy Balayan

A Revolutionary War-era tribute has landed at the Knox Trail Inn! Stop by to see the newly installed replica cannon—an homage to General Henry Knox—and enjoy the welcoming spirit and community hub owner Brooke Tame continues to cultivate.

Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Hall green in the center of Otis, MA (Routes 8/23)!