By Katharine Adams

Some terms survive, while others fade, in a language that evolves in playful ways beyond just practical communication.

By Sandy Balayan

Even in the quiet season, life in Otis doesn’t slow down—it just shifts. While snow fell and woodstoves burned, neighbors were busy behind the scenes: creating, building, planning, and showing up. Here’s a look at what’s been happening around town while we were all hibernating.

By Sandy Balayan

Candles are more than just decorative—they set the mood, mark the seasons, and bring comfort to any space. In this feature, we take a look at a local company with a story behind each scent.

By Tom Burke, Treasurer, Otis Library Board of Trustees and Building Committee

A library isn’t just a building with books—it’s a community hub, a meeting place, and a gateway to learning. From 3D printing and book clubs to an upcoming new library building, Otis Library is expanding what it means to serve the town. Find out what’s next for this local treasure.

By Stephanie Skinner, Director

What do three Pulitzers, a secret society, and the Librarian of Congress have to do with tiny Otis, MA? Library Director Stephanie Skinner dives into the surprising literary connections of Archibald MacLeish and why libraries—especially ours—stand as monuments to civilization. Plus, check out new arrivals and the next book club pick!

By Peter Cameron

The Otis Historical Commission is launching a new program to spotlight the town’s historic properties, complete with research, signage, and an interactive website. Soon, residents and visitors will be able to scan QR codes at key sites to uncover their rich past. Learn how this project will bring Otis’s history into the present.

The article showcases two photos from the from the event taken by Ellen Dilts.

In this month’s column of The Rural Ethicist, Katharine Adams breaks down how March is when the Barred Owls of New England begin their courtship, filling the night with an eerie mix of hoots, howls, and even monkey-like calls and explains that now is the perfect time to catch a glimpse—or simply listen—to one of nature’s most captivating nocturnal hunters.

By Terry Gould

The Otis Food Pantry has seen an increase in families needing assistance this winter, but the community has stepped up with generous donations. From locals filling trucks with supplies to friends shipping contributions from miles away, support has been strong.

By Lyn O’Brien

The Otis Town Clerk provides key updates on local elections and voting procedures. Several town offices, including Selectperson, Town Clerk, and Finance Board positions, are up for election this year.

by Lyn O’Brien

The town is introducing electronic voting clickers at meetings to encourage participation and ensure anonymous voting. Residents can visit the town clerk’s office for more info or to see the clickers in action.

Westfield’s own Isabel Marcheselli brings a fresh mix of classical, jazz, and pop to the Brightwood Library in Springfield this month. Featuring her latest work and a soundtrack from an award-winning film, this free concert is the perfect way to welcome the season.

By Terry Gould

The Otis Food Pantry reflects on a busy and impactful year, continuing to serve 50+ households weekly with fresh produce, non-perishable items, and special meals, thanks to community generosity. Highlights include providing Thanksgiving meals, holiday gift cards, and a Recipe Sack Campaign to foster connection and support. Despite challenges, like closing for Christmas, the pantry remains steadfast, with plans to navigate uncertain food access in 2025. Gratitude abounds for the incredible support of local farms, organizations, and donors who make this vital work possible.

by Diane Provenz

Big news for Otis! The Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the transformation of St. Paul’s Church into the Otis Preservation Trust!

by Stephanie Skinner

Learn how the Otis Historical Commission (OHC) and the Otis Preservation Trust (OPT) are teaming up to preserve Otis’s rich history, from restoring the East Otis Schoolhouse to transforming St. Paul’s into a vibrant Otis Cultural Center.

by Lyn O’Brien, Town Clerk

Stay informed in Otis! Sign up for emergency phone notifications and daily email updates to get the latest on town news, events, and alerts. Don’t miss out—stay connected with your community!

Otis families and revelers join to light the Christmas tree and greet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Carolers shared holiday songs led by Larry Southard.