Story and photos by Jackie Gentile
October 2026

Just about every morning I take my dog, Georgie, and her best friend, Islay, for a drive to their favorite hiking trails – the river along Route 8 or Clam River in Sandisfield. But this article is not about our hikes. It’s about our drive that takes us to Reservoir Road and brings me moments of joy. As we wind around the bend and pass Blueberry Hill Farm, I look with anticipation for a lovely elderly gentleman, who stands outside holding firmly onto his handmade staff. With a smile and a wave, we greet each other. The dogs greet him with loud barking.

Continuing our drive towards the end of Reservoir Road, we come upon beautiful displays of flower arrangements set in Mason jars. I stop there often and obey the “pay generously” sign, which I take to mean “pay fairly.” I take the time to read the messages people write–all messages of thanks, smiling faces, and how it makes one’s day. On this one day when I stopped for photos, I was fortunate to meet Susan, who told me it’s her daughter, Laurel, who likes to share her bounty of flowers and some vegetables with us. Susan said it gives her joy reading the sweet and kind notes people leave behind.

I next stopped to talk with the older gentleman, whose name I learned is Lou. I asked Lou why he spends the day outside waving to passing cars. He responded with a shrug and said that he doesn’t really know, but when I told him the joy it brings me, he said, with a huge grin, “well, I guess then that’s why I do it!” As I walked back to my car, I watched as the passing car gave Lou a wave and he reciprocated, as he always does.

We should all seek ways to bring joy to one another. And our thanks to Lou and to Laurel and Susan for doing their part.

Moments of Joy Along Reservoir Road

Otis is the Place to Be in October!