A forgotten collection of letters and journals has brought to life the extraordinary story of Sue Moody — a journalist who braved war, hunger, and danger without losing her voice. Gail Gelburd’s new book uncovers a life of resilience and courage that still inspires today.

Running a small-town shop isn’t all charm and friendly faces — sometimes it’s messy, stressful, and full of tough choices about staff. In this candid installment of Retail Diaries, Patricia Racine shares the behind-the-scenes struggles (and a few wins) of keeping a business afloat

As America nears its 250th birthday, Peter Cameron reflects on how history’s lessons can guide us through today’s uncertainties. From the Revolution to the present, he reminds us that understanding the past is the surest light for moving forward.

By Terry Gould

At the Otis Food Pantry, summer brought an outpouring of kindness — from neighbors sharing garden bounty to families pitching in for school supplies. As fall approaches, that spirit of generosity continues to nourish the whole community, one shelf and one smile at a time.

By Margie Klein

The Otis Community Garden is bursting with late-summer abundance — from tomatoes and peppers to pumpkins and sunflowers. As members share their harvest with local food banks and prepare for a new season of planning, the garden continues to thrive as a true community effort.

By Peter Cameron

After a decade of preserving Otis history, Diane Provenz is stepping down from her role as Co-Chair of the Historical Commission. From saving St. Paul’s Church to restoring the East Otis Schoolhouse, her legacy of dedication will leave a lasting mark on the town.

Big changes are in the stars this September. Hilary Harley breaks down what it all means for your daily life — and how to stay grounded while the universe pushes for transformation.

Sandy Balayan spotlights the heartwarming success of the new Blueberry Hill Farm Stand, a community-focused venture by locals Jake Tonlino and Dave Ripley. Offering fresh produce, local goods, and ice cream, the stand is more than a business—it’s a welcoming space where neighbors gather and family traditions thrive.

Sandy Balayan reflects on the powerful visit of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Lenox, offering local families a chance to honor loved ones lost in service. Otis veterans played a meaningful role in escorting and assembling the wall, a moving tribute to the sacrifice of over 58,000 Americans. 

In The Great Shift, astrologer Hilary Harley explores the intense energetic tides of early August 2025, urging us to rest, reflect, and realign before powerful cosmic forces propel us forward. With Mercury retrograde, a game-changing Full Moon, and supportive alignments from Jupiter and Venus, this is a pivotal moment to reset your intentions and prepare for bold new beginnings.

By Jackie Gentile

Despite a thunderstorm warning, Otis's first Food Truck Tuesday on July 2nd was a smashing success, with North Elm Butcher Block selling out in just three hours and community members gathering under the rain for food, music, and connection. With local favorites like Crescent City joining in and more trucks on the way, these weekly events are quickly becoming a delicious Otis tradition.

By Stephanie Skinner

From Chicago’s postwar neighborhoods to Otis, Massachusetts, Jeanne Randorf has lived a rich, fearless life full of language, travel, teaching, and love. A lifelong Francophile, devoted educator, and tireless caregiver, Jeanne brings wisdom, wit, and warmth to everything she touches—and when she smiles, the whole room feels it.

By Stephanie Skinner

The Otis Library Craft Fair on July 5th was a festive success, featuring 33 vendors, local crafts from quilts to honey, and plenty of delicious food.

By Peter Cameron

In 1935, tensions flared in Otis as second homeowners in East Otis—paying 80% of the town’s taxes—threatened to secede over poor road maintenance and lack of political representation. Plans to rename the area “Loudon” nearly became reality, but a town meeting and reassurances about spending quelled the crisis. Though the laws haven’t changed much, improved services have helped keep the peace ever since.

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.