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

News from Brandi Page, Town Administrator
Sam Maher Sam Maher

News from Brandi Page, Town Administrator

Town Administrator Brandi Page breaks down how Otis uses taxpayer dollars—from education and public safety to parks and administrative services—and explains how residents can access town resources efficiently. Stay informed and see how your tax dollars work to support the community.

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Michael B. Provenz Memorial Fund
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Michael B. Provenz Memorial Fund

Diane and Artie Provenz honor their son’s memory by establishing the Michael B. Provenz Memorial Fund for Oncology Research through Cancer Commons.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

Terry Gould shares how the Otis Food Pantry is blooming this spring, serving over 50 households weekly and inviting gardeners to share their harvest overflow. Join the community effort to grow, give, and nourish neighbors in need.

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Love, Mud & Snowdrops
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Love, Mud & Snowdrops

In this month’s The Rural Ethicist, Katharine Adams’ Love, Mud & Snowdrops celebrates the resilient beauty of spring’s first blooms, from muddy boots to delicate snowdrops. Discover how these tiny flowers embody persistence, teamwork, and the joy of seasonal renewal.

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The Snack Social: Caring Is Sharing
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Snack Social: Caring Is Sharing

In this month’s The Snack Social, Patricia Racine’s Caring Is Sharing teaches how to keep your cheese at its flavorful best—from storage tips to mold tricks—so every bite is worth savoring. Don’t let your prized cheese go to waste; learn to nurture it like the living food it is.

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Otis History - The American Revolution: The Colonies React
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Otis History - The American Revolution: The Colonies React

In this month’s Otis History column, Peter Cameron recounts how colonial protests, secret societies, and escalating tensions with Britain set the stage for revolution. From the Boston Massacre to the Tea Party, discover the sparks that ignited a nation.

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The Lost Art of Listening
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Lost Art of Listening

Richard Sgaglio’s The Lost Art of Listening shows how pausing and truly paying attention can transform every conversation. Focus on understanding, not just responding, and make your interactions more meaningful.

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Recipe: The Forager’s Luncheon
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Recipe: The Forager’s Luncheon

Celebrate spring with Patricia Racine’s Wild Ramp and Chèvre Quiche, paired with a crisp Shaved Asparagus and Pea Salad—fresh, flavorful, and irresistibly seasonal. Her vibrant luncheon turns foraged ramps into a gourmet experience you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

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Endless Possibilities
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Endless Possibilities

Sandy Balayan explains how a simple deck of cards reveals endless games, timeless strategy, and surprising lessons about life itself—shuffle, deal, and explore the possibilities.

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Rushing in Where Angels Know Better
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Rushing in Where Angels Know Better

April’s fiery Aries energy is pushing everything into motion—but not without consequences. Hilary Harley’s April forecast explores how to balance impulse with intention as the pace of life accelerates.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

As the growing season begins, the Otis Community Garden invites residents to dig in, give back, and be part of something shared. Learn how you can help grow fresh food for neighbors in need while enjoying the rewards of community teamwork.

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The Empty Seat
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Empty Seat

When a woman vanishes mid-flight, her husband’s search turns into something far more unsettling. David Mittler crafts a haunting story that blurs the line between reality and memory.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

Dog licenses are due March 1, and the Town Clerk’s office is ready to help you get yours—online or in person. Plus, learn about upcoming caucuses, town meeting voting, and how to run for office in Otis this year.

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Honor Bestowed
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Honor Bestowed

Otis’s own Lesley Rosenthal has been named one of Musical America Worldwide’s Top 30 Professionals of the Year. From leading Juilliard to playing fiddle with a local band, Lesley brings artistry, leadership, and community spirit to every stage she touches.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

March is packed with fun and community events in Otis! From paint-and-sip parties and line dancing at the Knox Trail Inn to ski adventures at Otis Ridge and storywalks at the library, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

In this month’s Otis Creatives column, Havana-born photographer Luis Miguel Milian Echarte captures the poetry of everyday life in Otis and Great Barrington, turning candid moments into striking portraits of people and place. His work invites viewers to see the character, rhythm, and quiet beauty of ordinary spaces through a keen, observant lens.

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The Rural Ethicist: The Wise Orchid
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Rural Ethicist: The Wise Orchid

Katharine Adams finds life lessons in the quiet bloom of her orchid, exploring patience, forgiveness, and the subtle art of listening. Through her whimsical reflections, a single plant becomes a mirror for resilience, care, and gentle connection in a hectic world.

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