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Dear Palmer Community Members,
Thank you for signing up for our newsletter! We appreciate the comments and encouragement. We hope you continue to take the time to read our messages, and find this resource valuable.
The Fiscal Year 2027 budget process is underway, which will bring many challenges in the upcoming fiscal year. As with all local municipalities, Palmer is continuing to see an unprecedented rise in health insurance costs (35%). As presented at the February Town Council meeting, the preliminary level service budget was estimated to have a $1.3M short. Revenues have since been revised but a significant shortfall of over $1M still exists. I will be working over the next few weeks to present a balanced budget to the Town Council which will include reeducations to various departments.
With over 20+ snow and ice events to date this fiscal year, no one has been busier than the members of our DPW department. THANK YOU to our crew for showing up and doing your best during this challenging snow season, and thank you to your families for sharing your time with us.
We are also working behind the scenes on a few initiatives including preparing an RFP for the sale of the property, 24 Converse Street- the former Converse Middle School, establishing a DIF District, utilizing CDBG funds to improve Park, Kelly Street, plus many more.
This weekend, don't forget to turn back the clocks and check those carbon monoxide detectors, spring is just a few weeks away.
Sincerely,
Brad Brothers
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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 will be available the week of March 9th at the Town Clerk’s Office at Palmer Town Administration Building located at 4417 Main Street in Palmer.
We also have seats that are available NOW on the Historical Commission (1 seat) and Palmer ReDevelopment Authority (2 seats). If you are interested in volunteering your time with us for these roles specifically, reach out to the Clerk's office TODAY or CLICK HERE
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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Waste Water Treatment Plant
FY26 2nd Half Sewer Bills Due
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
These charges are for the six months of service between 1/1/2026- 6/30/2026. Please note, anyone who has a past due balances from the first half sewer bills (7/1/25- 12/31/25) your interest may been calculated incorrectly. Please contact the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 413- 283- 2671.
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
Information regarding our Sewer Abatement Policies and our Two Sewer Abatement Applications, can be found on the Waste Water Treatment Plant (Sewer) Webpage, here.
Visit the Treasurer/Collector Webpage
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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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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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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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Troop 64 Donation Drive
April 25th from 10 am - 2 pm
Town Hall Parking Lot | 4417 Main St. Palmer, MA
Seeking:
- Clothing (all sizes, styles, ages, and genders)
- Bedding and Draperies (NO BED PILLOWS)
- Shoes
- Small appliances
- Electronics
- Kitchen ware
- Household goods
- Sporting goods
- Toys
- Books (no encyclopedias, textbooks, or library books)
Items we cannot accept:
- Firearms
- Lawn equipment
- Furniture (Furniture is accepted at our partner, Savers, locations and Attended Donation Sites)
- Large appliances
- Baby items such as strollers, cribs, carriages, etc.)
- Box backed televisions
- Mattresses/Box springs
- Rugs
Questions? Please email bsatroop0064@gmail.com
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Cradles to Crayons Clothing Drive
March 29th- April 10th
Seeking new/gently used childrens' clothes, shoes, winter essentials in sizes newborn- Adult Medium. Only accepting NEW items for socks, underwear, and pajamas.
Collection Locations:
Palmer High School
4105 Main Street | Palmer, MA
During School Hours
Palmer Public Library
144 N. Main Street | Palmer, MA
During Operation Hours
St. Paul's Church
1060 Central Street | Palmer, MA 01069
24/7
Why? 20 million kids across the U.S lack access to affordable, appropriate clothing. Together, we can ensure that all children across MA have the necessary clothing for each season.
Questions? Please email the student coordinators, 28jkhan@palmerschools.org & 30odrewnowski@palmerschools.org
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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 is Palmer's Population (as of the 2024 census)? | | | | Last newsletter, we asked you, what year was Palmer founded? 21 of you answered, and 9 of you were correct! Palmer was indeed founded in 1716, as reflected on our Town Seal. In 1746, we officially became the Town of Palmer, and incorporated on August 23, 1775. | |
Congratulations, Dave Cotter!
Dave Cotter received the 2026 Conservation Commissioner of the Year Award from Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) Board of Directors and the Environmental Service Awards Committee
This award is well-deserved, as Dave is one of the pillars who hold the town up and help bring a sense of community to Palmer. While he often improves the town on his own without help or desiring recognition, his actions do not go unnoticed by many and this award speaks to that.
We appreciate all you do, Dave!
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Community Service Highlight:
Palmer Emergency Response
When the private ambulance service abruptly left the community, Palmer Fire District 1 answered the call.
For the past two years, the members of the department have undergone rigorous training and transformed their agency to take care of our community in this expanded capacity.
Recently, first responders earned their "Stork Pin" for assisting in the home delivery of a healthy baby boy.
View the EMS Reports for January & February 2026
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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
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Congratulations Dave!
Please join us in congratulating Dave Handzel on his retirement after 41 years of dedicated service with the Department of Public Works.
Throughout his career, Dave has played an important role in maintaining our parks, grounds, and public facilities, helping keep our community safe and running smoothly. His hard work and commitment to public service will be greatly missed.
Wishing Dave all the best in retirement!
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Welcome Laurie Gaudet!
Laurie joins our team as the Treasurer/Collector! Previously, she's worked in Holden, Shrewsbury, and Chicopee. We look forward to having her expertise and leadership guide our team.
| | | | 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: 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
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Public Hearings both Monday, March 9th & Wednesday, March 11th at 5:30 pm
Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 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 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:
- St. Patty's Shamrocks 3/12 @ 4 pm
- Celtic Chocolate 3/17 @ 6:30 pm
- Teen Advisory Board Movie Trivia Fundraiser
3/25 @ 6 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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Community Strong Wellness
Thursday, March. 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?
- 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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Programs hosted by Veterans' Services
Monthly Luncheon
March 13th from 12 – 1 pm
AmVets | 2150 Main St. Three Rivers
RSVP Required*
Coffee Hour
March 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 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
- 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!
Some highlights this month:
- St. Pat's Party with Memory Lane 3/18 @ 11:30 AM
- Intro to the Quabbin Presentation 3/30 @ 4:30 pm
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