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Dear Palmer Community Members,
Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes one of my favorite times of year in Palmer. The days are getting longer, the town is coming back to life, and there’s a buzz of activity everywhere you look.
One sure sign of spring is the return of local sports and outdoor fun. From kids back on the fields and courts to families gathering to cheer them on, it’s great to see neighbors reconnecting after a long winter. I look back at my memories playing in Palmer's Recreational Programs and with Palmer High with great pride. Whether you’re catching a game, taking a walk around town, or just enjoying the nicer weather, these small moments really show what makes Palmer such a special place.
Staying connected with our community is important to me, and this newsletter is one of the ways we’re sharing what’s happening around town. Inside, you’ll find information on reminders from town offices, activities with local community groups, upcoming town meetings, programs, and activities for all ages. I hope you’ll take a look at the upcoming events and participate in a few of them. Please note that the Troop 64 Donation Drive we mentioned in the last issue scheduled for April 25th, in the Town Administration Building’s parking lot, will be rescheduled for a later date.
One big item to highlight is the former Converse Middle School property is now available for purchase through the Request For Proposal (RFP) Process. This is a vital step forward to revitalize the property. Bid opening is scheduled for May 15th. For more information, please see the section below.
Thank you for being such an engaged and caring community. I look forward to seeing many of you out and about this spring.
Sincerely,
Brad Brothers
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RFP Now Available:
24 Converse Street
The former school building is now available to request a complete RFP Package containing a copy of a plan showing the property and information relative to the submission requirements is available at the Town Manager’s Office. The Minimum Bid amount is $1.5M.
If you are interested in submitting a proposal, Contact the Town Manager's Office.
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Email BBrothers@townofpalmer.com
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Stop by Town Administration Building | 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069
Hours: Mon- Thurs: Between 9 am - 4 pm
Proposals must be submitted by 12:00 pm on May 15th, 2026 to the Office of the Town Manager.
Next Steps
Once the building is sold, the proceeds shall be deposited and only used for future the town can use the money for other long‑term capital purposes—the same types of projects the town is legally allowed to borrow money for, such as buying land or constructing, expanding, or equipping buildings (MGL C44 s63).
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2026 Calendar- Palmer Yard Waste Facility
Open Select Saturdays & Sundays
April to November from 9 am - 3 pm
Palmer Yard Waste Facility will open to residents to drop off clippings and leaves at the compost area across from Burleigh Park on the highlighted days below:
Remember:
- Bring your ID confirming Palmer residency
- Lawn debris must be in brown paper bags (no plastic bags)
- Do not leave bags up against locked gate
Facility will be operating on the following days from 9 am - 3 pm:
April 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
June 13, 14, 27, 28
July 11, 12, 25, 26
August 8, 9, 22, 23
September 5, 6, 19, 20, 26, 27
October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
Questions? Call our Department of Public Works (DPW) at 413-283-2615.
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Reminder: Nomination Papers Available
Step up and Serve Palmer!
Palmer's June 9, 2026 Town Election is coming, and residents have the opportunity to run for office and help guide our community’s future. If you want to make a difference in our community, now is the time to get involved!
The following positions are open:
- Councilor at Large: 1 seat serving a 3- Year Term
- Councilor at Large: 1 seat serving a 1- Year Term
- District Councilor- Palmer Town Council: 1 Seat serving a 3- Year Term
- Planning Board: 2 Seats serving a 3- Year Term
- School Committee: 2 Seats serving a 3- Year Term
Nomination papers are available NOW at the Town Clerk’s Office at Palmer Town Administration Building located at 4417 Main Street in Palmer. The last day to obtain Nomination papers is April 16, 2026. Nomination papers must be filed with the Registrar, no later than April 21, 2026. Fifty (50) valid signatures are required. The fifty signatures must be registered voters in the Town of Palmer; the District Councilor Precinct # 1 seat requires fifty (50) signatures of registered voters from Precinct #1.
Whether you’ve served before or are considering running for the first time, this is a chance to help shape Palmer’s future. Take the time learn more- listen in to an upcoming meeting and review our Board, Committees, Commissions handbook on our website, https://www.townofpalmer.com/boards.
We need your help to make Palmer Great!
For questions, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 413-283-2608.
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Town Council Approves Non-binding
Ballot Question at Meeting on March 9th
The Town Council voted at their last meeting on March 9th to add a nonbinding referendum question on the local election ballot reading, "Shall the Town of Palmer’s four fire districts take whatever actions are necessary to complete a merger of the Bondsville, Palmer, Thorndike, and Three Rivers Fire Districts into a single fire district?”
The goal of this question is to determine if the residents are wanting to have the discussion to merge, and to then hopefully encourage the prudential committees to have this discussion.
Because of Palmer's government structure, the Town does NOT oversee the districts, so this question is nonbinding. To make steps toward merging, the prudential committees would have to have the conversation and decide to put the concept into a vote at their respective annual meetings.
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Municipal Offices Closed
Monday, April 20th for Patriots' Day
The Town Administration Building, Palmer Public Library, and Palmer Senior Center are closed Monday, April 20th for Patriots' Day. Due to the Monday Holiday, the Town Administration Tuesday, April 21st operation hours will be 8:30 am - 7:30 pm.
Palmer Public Schools are closed Monday April 20th through April 24th for Spring Vacation Week.
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Fiscal Year 2026 4th Quarter Personal Property and Real Estate Tax Bills
Due May 1, 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.
🔗 Online: Pay conveniently by using UniPay
Please feel free to contact our office with any questions at (413) 283-2601
*While we understand some community members are experiencing , United States Post Office mail delivery delay, the due date on all bills are Monday, February 2, 2026. If you have not received your bill, please give us a call or visit our office.
Additional helpful resources from the Assessor's Office:
FY26 Classification Hearing Presentation at Town Council Meeting on October 23, 2025
Understanding your Tax Bill
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OPEN ENROLLMENT- Palmer Public Schools Preschool at
Old Mill Pond Elementary
For children 3 years of age on or before 8/31/26
Registration Open until May 4, 2026
Families Notified by June 1, 2026
Why Choose Us?
- Engaging curriculum
- Caring & experienced teachers
- Safe & stimulating learning spaces
- Social, emotional, and academic development
What do I need to do?
- Visit, PalmerSchools.org and print out the registration packet and complete the forms
- Get all information and documents ready
- Call 413-283-4300 to make an appointment
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PYBSA Day with the WooSox!
Saturday, May 9th
Gates Open 2:30 pm & 1st pitch 4:05 pm
Polar Park | 100 Madison St, Worcester, 01608
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the ballpark! Enjoy the game from the section reserved for PYBSA families down the third base line. Plus- your ticket comes with $5 of loaded value that can be used on concessions during the game!
Tickets are $31.72 each. Purchase tickets directly through the Woosox https://www.gofevo.com/event/pybsa26 OR
Avoid the fees and use PYBSA Venmo, make sure you put the number of tickets in the Venmo message line, https://venmo.com/u/PYBSA_2playball.
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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:
- Conservation Commission ( 1 Seat)
- Historical Commission (1 Seat)
- Palmer Redevelopment Authority (3 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 is our local government type? | | | |
Thank you, Senior Center Team!
Marlene Johnson, Director, Lisa Jacques, Program & Volunteer Coordinator, and Cindy Jasak, Outreach Coordinator, and their team put together a great afternoon showcasing the Senior Center at the open house hosted on Thursday, April 9th. The team served refreshments, showcased their programs, and the updates to the center - including the new reading room- were a great assets. Special thank you to Representative Todd Smola, Jennifer Pickering, District Director of Senator Oliveira’s Office, and all of you who came out to see us!
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Thank you, Patience Hartley!
Patience currently serves as the Chair of the Historical Commission and plays a key role in shaping Palmer’s future through her work on the Master Plan and the Master Plan Implementation Committee.
Patience is always willing to help, listen, and guide others. She is approachable, thoughtful, and deeply invested in preserving Palmer’s history, while helping the town move forward in a positive way. Her love for Palmer shows everything she does, and her service reflects the very best of civic involvement.
Through her actions, commitment and care, Patience has become a very important part of our community.
Thank you, Patience for all you do to make Palmer a special place. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for you!
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Community Service Highlight:
Milltown Regional Animal Control
In 2025, the incredible team at Mill Town Regional Animal Control has responded to:
- 1,102 Cases and 92 monthly calls on average for Palmer
- 811 cases and 67 calls for Ware
- 448 and 38 calls for Monson
- 52 and 4 calls for Brimfield
This is quite the feat for a facility that just had it's open house this past fall!
Congratulations to Palmer's Health Director, Nicole Gauthier, Animal Control Officer Sydney Plante, and their staff for all the hard work keeping this service local.
Follow the shelter on their Facebook Page and see the adorable animals that come through the facility.
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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: April 13th at 6:30 pm
Budget Sub Committee: April 14th at 6 pm
Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609
PLANNING BOARD
Monday, April 13th at 6:00 pm
Planning Office, Town Administration Building
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. | |
Celebrate #MA250!
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Palmer Public Library | 1455 N. Main St. Palmer
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1976 Quilt On Display
10 am - 11 am
Students from Massachusetts towns along the Henry Knox Trail submitted embroidered squares to become part of this commemorative quilt* project.
This venture was organized by Palmer’s Bicentennial Committee.
*Quilt will remain on display until library closing at 2PM.
This program is free to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. We hope to see you there!
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Dennis Picard Knox Trail Presentation:
11 am - 12 pm
Students from Massachusetts towns along the Henry Knox Trail submitted embroidered squares to become part of this commemorative quilt* project.This venture was organized by Palmer’s Bicentennial Committee.
*Quilt will remain on display until library closing at 2PM.
This program is free to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. We hope to see you there!
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Stay tuned for more #MA250 events this year!
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Palmer Town Wide Cleanup
Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Hryniewicz Park | 37 Front Street. Three Rivers
It's that time of year! Volunteers are needed for Palmer's annual Town Wide Cleanup. In honor of Earth Day, you can help by cleaning up your neighborhood and/or favorite natural areas.
Bring your friends, family, and positive energy! We’ll provide gloves and bags. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener space for everyone to enjoy.
Register on the day of the cleanup OR in advance using this link, or by contacting the Conservation Office
Questions? Email, jladin@townofpalmer.com or call 413- 283- 2687
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Programs hosted by Palmer Senior Center
Events all month long for Adults aged 55+!
Some highlights this month:
- Quabbin- Clearing the Valley 4/13 @ 4:30 pm
Weekly Programs:
- Coffee Social|Daily @ 8:30 am
- Breakfast/Trivia|Tues. & Thurs. @ 9:30 am
- Blood Pressure Clinic | Thursdays @ 9:30 am
- Movie Afternoons | Fridays @12:30 pm
- 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!
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Programs hosted by Veterans' Services
Coffee Hour
April 15th 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!
Some highlights this month:
- Information Table- Free Notification System 4/8 @ 11:30 am
- Quabbin- Clearing the Valley 4/13 @ 4:30 pm
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
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Community Strong Wellness
Thursday, April 16th 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?
- 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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Opening Event- Barker Conservation Area
Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Barker Street
Celebrate Palmer's newest conservation area! Join us for an opening ceremony & guided walk.
- Participate in a guided walk led by local conservation experts
- Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts & explore volunteer opportunities to support ongoing conservation efforts
Seeking directions or more information? Click here
Questions? Email, jladin@townofpalmer.com or call 413- 283- 2687
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