Get ready for one of Otis’s biggest community celebrations of the year on Saturday, August 8! All residents and visitors are invited to join in this Big Bash hosted by the AMVETS Chapter 77. Anyone can join the veterans in the parking lot of the Knox Trail Inn at 11:30 AM to take part in the Wave Parade, lead by Grand Marshall Lenny Alexander, followed by gathering at the Izaak Walton Field to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with live music, delicious food, family fun, and a heartfelt salute to the town’s veterans.

Otis Community Day was filled with music, community spirit, and small-town charm. The incredible turnout and the absolutely stellar, perfect weather contributed to this wonderful event!

Appointed by the Select Board, the seven-member committee and one alternate of the Town of Otis Revitalization Committee has developed a comprehensive strategy focused on economic vitality, aesthetic appeal, and quality of life. See details within about the results of their surveys.

Celebrate the music and legacy of jazz icons Miles Davis and John Coltrane when the Ted Rosenthal Quintet performs at Tanglewood on July 26. The Tanglewood Learning Institute also offers a jazz appreciation program and a thought-provoking new lecture series beginning July 3, “Arts and the Rule of Law,” presented by Lesley Rosenthal.

In Why Do We Fear Public Speaking?, Richard Sgaglio explores one of the most common fears people experience.

In this edition of Peter Cameron’s in-depth, well-researched Otis History column, he discusses the American Revolution in his latest piece, Saying Goodbye to Mother.

In “Trail Mix and Sass: Are There Bears in Beartown?” Patricia Racine muses about that familiar gem of a State Forest bearing (wink) the same name, covering about 12,000 acres of forested ridges and hidden ponds.

In this month’s column, Katharine Adams writes about one of the most well-documented stories of female military service during the American Revolution, Deborah Sampson, recognized as the American Revolution's only pensioned female veteran.

Otis resident and musician Pete Adams and singer-songwriter Bobby Sweet of Becket have united musical forces to record a collection of songs harkening back to the heyday of electric and steel guitar instrumentals of the ’50s. See them live on Sunday, August 9, at 7 pm at The Stationery Factory in Dalton, MA!

Hilary Harley’s thoughtful and witty essays beseech us, in July, to carefully craft what we say, as even the most sincere apology often cannot undo damage. Meticulous and precise Venus in Virgo asks whether we really want to speak what is better left unsaid? Take a breath and hit the pause button this month, because you never regret the things you do not say.

From music to books to celebrations, your monthly guide to what’s happening in our terrific little town!

In this month’s edition of In These Times, resources for veterans and their families in Berkshire County are offered. Explore this list of valuable benefits for healthcare, housing, financial assistance, employment, and other essential support.

In “Otis Historic Properties Program Kicks Off,” Peter Cameron reports on a new Otis Historical Commission initiative recognizing local historic sites through a QR-coded online system and on-site signage.

The AMVETS Post 77 seeking help in planning America’s 250th Celebration Party!

Richard Sgaglio examines how the language we use can either strengthen relationships or quietly undermine them.

Katharine Adams shares how a trusted home remedy took an unexpectedly painful turn.