The Otis Community Garden is bursting with fresh produce thanks to dedicated volunteers who nurture everything from lettuce and beans to herbs and blossoms. Bonus: don’t miss Margie Klein’s zesty lemon vinaigrette recipe—perfect for your next homegrown salad!

By Terry Gould

As the Otis Food Pantry enters its sixth year, fluctuating funding and rising food costs have made community support more vital than ever. With back-to-school season approaching, the pantry is collecting school snacks and supplies in partnership with the Otis Police Department, while also continuing to rely on generous local donors, gardeners, and volunteers.

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

By Riley Bailey

The 4th Annual Smile Like Jack Road Race brought over 700 participants together on July 12th to honor the memory of Jack O’Brien, a beloved Otis native whose legacy lives on through a memorial fund supporting education and the trades.

In this month’s The Rural Ethicist, Katharine Adams wittily captures the joys and quirks of summer survival with a chorus of electric fans, furry pets, and a long-awaited leap into air conditioning. Balancing humor and practicality, she honors the unsung heroes of hot weather—those loyal little fans that hum through the haze with dignity and grit.

By Cynthia Fletcher

The Otis Revitalization Committee is driving progress through community input, local business support, and public safety improvements—like the new 30 mph downtown speed limit. From launching a town-wide survey to hosting Food Truck Tuesdays and business focus groups, the committee is building momentum toward a more vibrant, connected Otis.

Patricia Racine reflects on the joys and chaos of managing young employees at Katie’s, where the most unforgettable moments came not from customers, but from the laughter, mishaps, and growth shared behind the counter. From surprise ice cream spills to prank-filled shifts, she fondly recalls the bonds built and the pride she feels watching her former staff grow into amazing adults.

The Otis Pickleball Committee is excited to announce the launch of their new website to help players book courts, connect with others, and improve their game. The site features booking tools, local info, and monthly tips and rules via YouTube.

A new Otis Library will be more than just a place for books—it will be a welcoming hub for creativity, connection, and community growth. With programs for all ages, a makerspace, and accessible gathering areas, it will be designed to bring people together and help Otis thrive.

By Sandy Balayan

At just nineteen, Otis-born Will and Charlie Loring have built a thriving property services business while also working full-time plumbing and electrical jobs. Raised on hard work and family values, the brothers have quickly grown from mowing lawns to managing over 130 properties, proving that determination and community roots can launch big dreams.

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.