Laurel Ridge Camping Area isn’t just a campground—it’s a summertime community full of traditions, activities, and friendships that last well beyond the season. Sandy Balayan takes us inside the gates for a glimpse of its lively spirit and quiet charm.

On this special evening benefitting the Otis Library, two internationally acclaimed pianists will perform together on two grand pianos, filling the room with classical music, jazz, and spirituals celebrating America.

After a setback with the original site, the Select Board has chosen a new town-owned location for the proposed Otis Library. Residents will soon see design concepts and have a chance to weigh in before a final funding vote next May.

Otis residents will decide the future of the library project at a Special Town Meeting on October 21.

Sandy Balayan takes us inside Thursday night Trivia at the Knox Trail Inn, where locals gather for laughs, good food, and a little friendly competition. With rotating categories and bonus rounds, it’s a fun, brain-teasing way to connect with the community.

Katharine Adams welcomes cozy season with humor and reflection, trading sandals for her favorite quirky boots. As autumn settles in, she muses on the small rituals—like soup, mums, and even salt rings—that mark life in the country.

Patricia Racine reflects on the daily rhythms of running a small-town business—knowing customers’ routines, sharing trusted recommendations, and guarding her own privacy.

Otis’ summer food truck series was a hit, drawing big crowds and plenty of online buzz. The success is fueling plans for future business growth and more community gathering spots downtown.

October is packed with things to do in Otis! From the last food truck and farmer’s market of the season to concerts, pumpkin painting, ghost stories, and Halloween parties, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to gather with neighbors and celebrate the season.

Take a trip through history with key events that shaped October—from the Model T’s debut to the Battle of Saratoga. Peter Cameron connects these moments to how they influenced America—and even life in Otis.

With harvest season wrapping up, the pantry shelves are full thanks to generous gardeners and community support. As winter approaches, the team is preparing for holiday needs and planning a fun Trunk or Treat theme—reminding us that neighbors helping neighbors makes Otis stronger.

Otis Creatives spotlights local makers, artists, and innovators keeping creativity alive in the Berkshires. This month’s showcase highlights fresh projects, collaborations, and the inspiring people behind them—proving that Otis is brimming with imagination and talent.

As the season winds down, Otis gardener Margie Klein reflect on a summer of teamwork, fresh harvests, and shared purpose. From towering sunflowers to pantry donations, the garden proves once again to be a gift that nourishes both body and community spirit.

Find your calm at Otis Library’s monthly guided meditations with teacher Viktoria Seavey. These sessions offer a chance to relax, reconnect, and share your experiences with others while tapping into your inner light.

By Hilary Harley

October brings balance after September’s double eclipse shake-up. Libra season invites us to choose wisely, realign our lives, and plant powerful intentions under the New Moon. This month’s cosmic energy pushes transformation, asking you to shed what no longer serves and step boldly into what’s next.

A listing of some of the events taking place in Otis in September 2025.

By Stephanie Skinner

After much debate and community input, the Select Board has chosen East Otis as the future home of the town’s new library. The decision follows months of weighing pros and cons of multiple sites, marking a big step forward for this long-anticipated project.

By Sandy Balayan

From ski slopes to garden centers to movie nights and haunted houses, Otis Ridge manager Eric VanOostveen keeps it all running year-round. Always ready to lend a hand — and often joined by his whole family — Eric’s energy and dedication make him a cornerstone of the community.

By Cynthia Fletcher

From food trucks and new library plans to exploring grants and walkability, the Otis Revitalization Committee is busy shaping the town’s future. With community input and fresh ideas, their work is paving the way to make Otis an even better place to live, work, and gather.

From dozens of phone alarms to the nostalgia of old clock radios, Katharine Adams explores our quirky relationship with how we wake up. In this witty Rural Ethicist column, she asks: are our alarms helping us stay on track — or just cluttering our lives with noise?