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of South Berkshire County.
Otis Community Garden: August’s Abundant Harvest
In this month’s update, Margie Klein celebrates a thriving season at the Otis Community Garden, where volunteers are harvesting an abundance of fresh, organic produce for local food pantries. The column highlights the teamwork, generosity, and shared purpose that help nourish both families in need and the community as a whole, with a few lighthearted gardening stories along the way.
The Snack Social: a Clean Scoop
In this month’s The Snack Social, Patricia Racine takes readers on a tour of New England’s best clean-label ice cream shops, where simple, high-quality ingredients take center stage. Along the way, she shares a brief, ancient world history of America’s favorite frozen treat and explains why many commercial brands fall short. If you're looking for delicious scoops made without artificial additives, this guide points you toward some sweet summer destinations.
Big Birthday Bash in Otis: America Turns 250!
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 Marks 216 Years with a Celebration to Remember
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!
Town of Otis Revitalization Committee: Progress and Findings, January 2025 - April 2026
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.
Otis Creatives: Celebrating Two Jazz Legends at Tanglewood, and Exploring Arts and the Rule of Law with the Rosenthals
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.
Communication Corner: A Column Dedicated to Improving Communication Skills
In Why Do We Fear Public Speaking?, Richard Sgaglio explores one of the most common fears people experience.
Gen X Musings: On Being a PANK
In this month’s hilarious edition of “Gen X Musings,” Patricia Racine relates what it is like to be a PANK.
The American Revolution: Saying Goodbye to Mother
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.
Trail Mix and Sass: Are There Bears in Beartown?
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.
Deborah Sampson, American Revolutionary
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 Creatives: Pete Adams and Bobby Sweet release their new CD, “Southwest Passage”
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!
Astrology: Turning Tides
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.
Otis Community Garden: July
As summer comes into full gear, Margie Klein discusses the rewards of growing our own food, visible in every row and every basket gathered.
Otis Community Events for July
From music to books to celebrations, your monthly guide to what’s happening in our terrific little town!
The Snack Social: a Sampling of Some Pretty Fabulous Private-Label Cheeses
In The Snack Social this month, Patricia Racine describes some of the most enticing—and affordable—private-label cheeses around.
In These Times: Help for Veterans and Their Families
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.
Otis Historic Properties Program Kicks Off
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!
Communication Corner: Choosing Words Wisely
Richard Sgaglio examines how the language we use can either strengthen relationships or quietly undermine them.