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?

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.