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Dear Palmer Community Members,
Since I've joined our team here in Palmer, one of the shared Town Manager and Town Council goals has been to increase communication and transparency. If you've been following us on our Town of Palmer Facebook Page, you've noticed we've begun posting more, and hopefully found the content timely, and helpful. In an effort to reach more of our community members, we are launching this new e-mailed newsletter to provide important information straight to your inboxes.
At this time, we are just over mid-way of Fiscal Year 2026, and preparing for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget. Municipalities around the Commonwealth are facing challenges when it comes to finances. The Massachusetts Municipal Association prepared this Perfect Storm Report highlighting the obstacles many communities are facing as we approach our budget season. This is great context and we will be keeping you apprised on budget details as we move through the process.
Third & Fourth quarter Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes were distributed, and we hope you found these resources from our Assessor's Department helpful-FY26 Classification Hearing Presentation & Understanding your tax bill. We've also prepared this document for your reference to provide a visual representation on how your tax dollars are spent, click here.
I hope you find this information useful for all things Palmer!
Please make sure you sign up to continue to receive these newsletters by clicking here.
Sincerely,
Brad Brothers
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Coming Soon- Converse School RFP
On December 18, 2025 the Town Council approved the sale of the building in the Business Zoning District with a deed restriction the building is intended for 55+ Housing. After a few years of vacancy, our town's former school building will be up for sale this spring with a minimum proposal price of $1,500,000.
Currently, our team is redistributing the deeded property lines, ensuring access to the public parking lot and Legion Field.
Those interested in previous re-use studies or bid information when it becomes available can,
Click here.
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Emergency Notifications
CodeRED Crisis 24 will be used by Town Hall & Palmer Police Department to send important alerts and notifications. All weather related messages including Parking Bans due to inclement weather will be communicated through this platform. All community members are highly encouraged to enroll in this notification system, even if you previously enrolled in CodeRED, to ensure you receive our messages, please use the following link
Sign up
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Handbook for Volunteer Groups
The Town Clerk & Town Manager's Office worked together to create a resource for the volunteers serving on a Board, Committee, or Commission.
This document is an all- encompassing reference guide and establishes guidelines for hosting meetings and submitting materials to the Town Clerk per Massachusetts General Law.
Learn more
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New Website Coming Soon
The Town Manager's Office is working diligently with our Department Heads to create a new website for the community.
We are excited to have an aesthetic, organized new resource to share with you all!
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Please Complete & Return Your Census
Annually, the Town Clerk distributes surveys for community members to fill out and return.
This document is essential for Town Administration departments operations. Your data provides insight for the demographics and needs in our community.
Please fill it out and return it by mailing it to the Town Administration Building, or dropping it off at the Senior Center, Library, or Town Admin. Building.
Learn more
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Register your pup by February 28th
In the Town of Palmer, dog licenses are annual and must be renewed by the February 28th each year. All dogs 6 months of age or older must have a valid rabies certificate (MGL Chp. 140, Section 145B). In addition, per town ordinance, each dog that resides in the Town of Palmer, must be registered with the town; and no more than three (3) dogs are permitted at one residence.
Learn more
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Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills Due
Monday, March 9, 2026
Payments can be made in the following ways:
- In person: Cash/Check/Money Order accepted at the office.
- Drop box: Leave a check or Money Order in the drop box located just outside Town Hall.
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Online: Pay conveniently by using UniPay, https://www.townofpalmer.com/pay
Please feel free to contact our Treasurer/Collector Department with any questions at (413) 283-2601
Learn more
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Help Us Welcome the Following New Businesses to Palmer!
Jersey Mike's
1186 Thorndike Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Starbucks
1188 Thorndike Street | Palmer, MA 01069
527 Candle
1018 Central Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Chipotle
1186 Thorndike Street | Palmer, MA 01069
If you are a new business in town and want to be featured in our newsletter,
please send us an email, TownManagerOffice@townofpalmer.com
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Message from the YMCA of Greater Springfield
Attention Palmer Caregivers! The YMCA of Greater Springfield wants YOUR feedback. Would you be interested in sending your child to summer camp at the Y IN PALMER this summer? See the notice from the Y below:
The YMCA of Greater Springfield is looking to expand its summer camp locations. We are anxious to find out how many families are interested in having their children attend a summer camp.
Summer Camp is 9 weeks; in 2026 it will be from June 29 to August 27.
The hours are 8:00 am to 4 pm.
Location: Palmer High School
Ages: 10 to 14 years old
Families can register for one week at a time or any number of weeks at a time.
Please click on the attached link and complete the Interest Form by Monday, February 16th, https://springfieldy.org/palmercamp/
Thank you for letting us know that you are interested in summer camp!
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Work with us!
The following roles are posted with the Town:
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Volunteer with us!
The following Board/Committee/Commission(s) have vacancies:
- Historical Commission (1 Seat)
- Palmer Redevelopment Authority (2 Seats)
Interested parties should first review our Boards, Committees, Commissions Handbook, and if interested submit the Volunteer Interest Form (page 12 of the PDF, "Exhibit A,") to the Town Manager's Office by sending an email with the attachment to TownManagerOffice@townofpalmer.com or mail it to:
Palmer Town Administration Building
Attn: Town Manager Office
4417 Main St. Palmer, MA 01609
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| What year was the Town of Palmer founded? | | | |
Congratulations Chris. D!
Congratulations to Chris D. for submitting, "Hryniewicz Park." This winning photo will be featured on the cover of our Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report.
Thank you to all of our participants for submitting their photos for our contest!
Take a look at all of the submissions!
Learn more
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Community Service Highlight:
Palmer Rides to Work
This program is a partnership between the our Community Development Department and the Quaboag Connector, and it provides half-priced rides ($1 per trip) for income-eligible Palmer residents traveling to work, job interviews, or employment-related training. Funded through the Community Development Block Grant, this program helps reduce transportation barriers and supports residents in finding and maintaining stable employment.
Please note that Veterans ride for free!
Learn more or Call, 413.544.3401
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Nominate a community member!
Do you know someone in town that is working hard to make Palmer an even better place? Let us know! We want to acknowledge all the amazing people that make our town so great! Nominate someone you think deserves an extra shoutout of appreciation. Click the button below to open the form
| | | | Local Meetings, Programs, & Events | |
Upcoming Meetings
Learn what is happening in your community and tune into our upcoming meetings.
TOWN COUNCIL
Hosted on the 2nd Monday each month
Upcoming Dates: February 9th & March 9th at 7:30 pm
Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609
PLANNING BOARD
Monday, February 9th at 7:00 pm
Community Room, Police Department
4419 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609
| | | | Please verify posted meetings with our website and note:
Agendas are posted according to Open Meeting Law at least 48 hours in advance. | |
Programs hosted by Veterans' Services
Monthly Luncheon
February 13th from 12 – 1 pm
AmVets | 2150 Main St. Three Rivers
RSVP Required*
Coffee Hour
February 18th from 10 – 11:30 am
AmVets | 2150 Main St. Three Rivers
*RSVP today, call: 413-283-2610 or email: TBrohman@townofpalmer.com
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Programs hosted by Palmer Public Library
1455 N. Main Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Free events for all ages all month long!
Weekly program highlights:
- Tots & Tykes Playtime|Mondays @ 10 am
- Mah Jongg Club|Mondays 12:30 - 3:30 pm
- Teen Scene|Tuesdays 2- 5 pm
- Music for Munchkins|Wednesdays @ 10:30 am
- Tech Help Open Hours|Fridays 12- 1:45 pm
Some highlights this month:
- Sourdough Starter Workshop|Tues. 2/10 @ 6 pm
- A Night with Paranormal Investigators|Tues. 2/17 @ 6 pm
- Crafternoon for Adults|Wed. 2/18 @ 2 pm
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Community Strong Wellness
Thursday, Feb. 5th & 19th from 1 pm- 4 pm
Palmer Public Library Community Room,
1455 N. Main Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Looking for help with:
- Housing?
- Problematic Substance Abuse?
- Mental Health?
- Food Insecurity?
- Domestic Violence?
- Health Insurance?
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Anything else?
Join The Palmer Public Library, The Palmer Police D.A.R.T. team, and a group of public health professionals and see how we can help. Free lunch included!
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Family Bowling Day
Wednesday, Feb. 18th from 12 pm- 5 pm
Diamond Junction Bowling Lanes,
1446 N. Main Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Looking for some fun during your February Break Stay-cation? Join Palmer Recreation & drop by the bowling alley for an active afternoon!
$5 per game/ per person & shoe rental for children are on us (for the first 100 youth)
No registration required, see you then!
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Programs hosted by Palmer Senior Center
1029 Central Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Events all month long for Adults aged 55+!
Weekly Programs:
- Coffee Social|Daily @ 8:30 am
- Breakfast/Trivia|Tues. & Thurs. @ 9:30 am
- Exercise options including: Healthy Bones/ Balance, Chair Yoga, Zumba, Gentle Stretch, Strength Training, Tai Chi- PLUS Tues. & Thurs. evening Piyo Exercise
- Craft activities including: Card Designs, Painting, Knit/Crochet, & more!
Some highlights this month:
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Movie: Wicked for Good |Mon. 2/9 @ 4:30 pm
- Valentine's Lunch & Entertainment|Wed. 2/11 @ 11:30 am
- Homestead Presentation by Hampden County Deeds with Cheryl Coakley Rivera|Wed. 2/18 @ 11:30 am
- Intro to the Quabbin|Mon. 2/23 @ 4:30 pm
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Blood Drive by Baystate Health
Tuesday, March 10th from 10 am- 2 pm
Palmer Public Library Community Room,
1455 N. Main Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Eligible donors will receive a $10.00 gift card from one of the following - Starbucks, Amazon, Big Y Supermarkets or Panera Bread.
To reserve your appointment to donate blood, or for more information about donating, please click on the button, "Learn more."
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