Otis Observer is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the residents of the Southern Berkshires.
Recipe: Slainte
Ditch the usual corned beef—Patricia Racine reinvents Irish comfort food, joining flavors and playful innovation in this must-try St. Patrick’s Day recipe!
Community At Its Finest
Neighbors helping neighbors — Sandy Balayan tells the story of Steve and Linda Graves and a free after-school program that’s already making an impact.
“Into the Fire”
Ready for a reset? Hilary Harley looks to the stars for insight into March’s mix of reflection, change, and new energy.
Justice of the Peace and Joy
Why not try something new? Sandy Balayan writes about finding happiness, taking chances, and becoming Otis’s newest Justice of the Peace.
The Huckleberry Trolley Line
Did you know a trolley once ran through Otis — and failed spectacularly? Peter Cameron traces the rise and fall of the long-forgotten “Huckleberry Trolley Line,” where passengers once stopped to pick berries along the tracks.
Winter may be lingering, but the Otis Library is buzzing with music, history, and upcoming events for the whole community. Stop by and see why there’s always more than books waiting for you at the library.
Christmas Comes to Farmington River School
From a $10,000 grant to a full-blown Santa’s workshop, discover how Otis neighbors came together to bring bikes, scooters, and smiles to every child at Farmington River Elementary.
From dog licenses to the 2026 street list and key election dates, here’s information Otis residents need to know this winter from the Town Clerk’s office.
From tireless volunteers to dedicated staff and generous patrons, discover how the Otis Library community is building a brighter future—one grant, program, and smile at a time.
Trail Mix & Sass with Rainbow Bright
Discover the peaceful beauty of Otis in winter! Join Patricia Racine as she shares her favorite frozen trails and inspires you to get outside, snow or shine.
From torch runs at Otis Ridge and cozy book clubs at the library to Valentine’s tributes and creative workshops, Otis is the place to be this winter—discover what’s happening in January and February!
On January 22, step inside the mind of acclaimed author David Cohen as he brings his latest work to life—an evening of storytelling, insight, and surprises you won’t want to miss.
The Rural Ethicist: Coloring the New Year
Katharine Adams welcomes the new year with paint chips, old brushes, and a meditation on color, memory, and making.
Thanks to community generosity, the Otis Food Pantry heads into 2026 stocked, steady, and grateful.
Knox Trail 250 Commemoration Brings Exhibit and Public Programs to Monterey
A weekend of exhibits, talks, and outdoor programs marks the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s historic trek through the Berkshires.
Otis History: The American Revolution
As Otis marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, this new yearlong Otis History series by Peter Cameron begins with how colonial culture shaped revolution.
“Potasheema”
A humble Shepherd’s Pie, a family nickname, and a few flavor upgrades turn Patricia Racine’s Potasheema into comfort food perfection.
Astrology: Pivot Point
January and February bring clearer skies and powerful change, according to Otis astrologer Hilary Harley.
Otis Creatives: The Doing - Chapter One
For Otis Creatives, we launch a new serialized feature by local author Eric Bass with the first installment of The Doing, a reflective story of solitude, purpose, and meaning.
Mindful On Greylock
A winter hike on Mount Greylock promises mindfulness—but not quite in the way Patricia Racine expected