Otis Observer is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the residents of the Southern Berkshires.

Otis Community Day, A Celebration of US
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Otis Community Day, A Celebration of US

Otis is gearing up for a full day of community celebration on June 13th. From live music and local vendors to family-friendly fun at Otis Ridge, Margie Klein and Susan Ebitz invite everyone to join in a true “Otis is the place to be” summer gathering.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

As spring turns to summer, Terry Gould highlights the small-town spirit that keeps the pantry—and the community it serves—strong.

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Getting Chippy With It
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Getting Chippy With It

The Snack Social is back with Patricia Racine serving up a delightfully unexpected summer pairing guide that proves potato chips and cheese might just be the ultimate duo.

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Gen X Musings
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Gen X Musings

Patricia Racine reflects on a viral image of a lonely mall Easter Bunny. With warmth and honesty, she explores what we’ve gained in convenience, and what we may be at risk of losing.

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Otis Community Garden Update
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Otis Community Garden Update

Margie Klein captures the quiet magic of spring’s return, as tarps come off and the garden begins to stir back to life. From shared work to the promise of fresh harvests, her update celebrates the simple, satisfying joys of growing and giving.

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Astrology: Minding the Store
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Astrology: Minding the Store

This May, the stars are nudging you to take a closer look at what really sustains you—money, time, energy, and more. With a few cosmic twists ahead, it’s the perfect moment to get curious, get grounded, and make smarter choices about what you value most.

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News from Brandi Page, Town Administrator
Sam Maher Sam Maher

News from Brandi Page, Town Administrator

Town Administrator Brandi Page breaks down how Otis uses taxpayer dollars—from education and public safety to parks and administrative services—and explains how residents can access town resources efficiently. Stay informed and see how your tax dollars work to support the community.

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Michael B. Provenz Memorial Fund
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Michael B. Provenz Memorial Fund

Diane and Artie Provenz honor their son’s memory by establishing the Michael B. Provenz Memorial Fund for Oncology Research through Cancer Commons.

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Sam Maher Sam Maher

Terry Gould shares how the Otis Food Pantry is blooming this spring, serving over 50 households weekly and inviting gardeners to share their harvest overflow. Join the community effort to grow, give, and nourish neighbors in need.

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Love, Mud & Snowdrops
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Love, Mud & Snowdrops

In this month’s The Rural Ethicist, Katharine Adams’ Love, Mud & Snowdrops celebrates the resilient beauty of spring’s first blooms, from muddy boots to delicate snowdrops. Discover how these tiny flowers embody persistence, teamwork, and the joy of seasonal renewal.

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The Snack Social: Caring Is Sharing
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Snack Social: Caring Is Sharing

In this month’s The Snack Social, Patricia Racine’s Caring Is Sharing teaches how to keep your cheese at its flavorful best—from storage tips to mold tricks—so every bite is worth savoring. Don’t let your prized cheese go to waste; learn to nurture it like the living food it is.

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Otis History - The American Revolution: The Colonies React
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Otis History - The American Revolution: The Colonies React

In this month’s Otis History column, Peter Cameron recounts how colonial protests, secret societies, and escalating tensions with Britain set the stage for revolution. From the Boston Massacre to the Tea Party, discover the sparks that ignited a nation.

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The Lost Art of Listening
Sam Maher Sam Maher

The Lost Art of Listening

Richard Sgaglio’s The Lost Art of Listening shows how pausing and truly paying attention can transform every conversation. Focus on understanding, not just responding, and make your interactions more meaningful.

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Recipe: The Forager’s Luncheon
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Recipe: The Forager’s Luncheon

Celebrate spring with Patricia Racine’s Wild Ramp and Chèvre Quiche, paired with a crisp Shaved Asparagus and Pea Salad—fresh, flavorful, and irresistibly seasonal. Her vibrant luncheon turns foraged ramps into a gourmet experience you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

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Endless Possibilities
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Endless Possibilities

Sandy Balayan explains how a simple deck of cards reveals endless games, timeless strategy, and surprising lessons about life itself—shuffle, deal, and explore the possibilities.

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Rushing in Where Angels Know Better
Sam Maher Sam Maher

Rushing in Where Angels Know Better

April’s fiery Aries energy is pushing everything into motion—but not without consequences. Hilary Harley’s April forecast explores how to balance impulse with intention as the pace of life accelerates.

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