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Welcome Fall!
Whether you are catching a sports game, heading over to the Big E, antiquing, or enjoying one of our open spaces, we hope you're enjoying all that our community has to offer this season. Visit townofpalmer.com/parks-trails to find a new trail or park to explore.
From Town operations, it continues to be quite busy! Our Community Development department is working with contractors to continue redevelopment work around Hryniewicz Park, around Front Street and Park Avenue. The scope of work includes upgrading road and sidewalk surfaces, stormwater drainage and sanitary sewer systems, as well as replacing waterlines. It is estimated to take about two months, including the topcoat of asphalt and punch list items, to be completed April- May. The town received a FY25 CDBG Grant totaling $850,000 to complete this work as well as funding initiatives and ongoing projects such as Housing Rehabilitation and Emergency Housing Rehabilitation assistance, Park Improvements, and Public Social Services such as Domestic Violence Prevention and transportation assistance for the Quaboag Connector. The Department also provides winter heating assistance to Palmer residents in need.
Department of Public Works is in its "Hail Mary" season, finishing up as many projects before the winter weather sets in. Please continue to check the "Latest News" section on the homepage of our website and our Facebook page for real-time updates/alerts. DPW will also be connecting with impacted residents directly.
DPW is also continuing to make progress with our Shared and Complete Streets project, working with our consultant to make upgrades to sidewalk and street crossings in multiple districts. One issue that has delayed progress is the easements and signatures from a few businesses on Thorndike Street where we are proposing adding a sidewalk that does not currently exist. While it’s unfortunate this was delayed, we are getting bid specs ready with the assumption we have all signatures in place by the time we bid. This additional sidewalk piece is vital to improving walkability throughout town.
A quick Public Service Announcement from our Building Department: please do your research when choosing a professional to complete a project in your home. We are noticing an uptick in unlicensed professionals taking advantage of property owners. Also, a reminder to ensure the professionals completing work on your property is pulling the necessary permits to complete the job. Check out this checklist from our Building/Inspectional Services Department: https://www.townofpalmer.com/checklist
It's a longer newsletter, so please be sure to scroll all the way through and mark your calendars for the upcoming events, such as Learn to Fish with MassWildlife, Friends of the Council on Aging Loaded Baked Potato Dinner Fundraiser, the Veterans Services Meet and Greet, and so much more!
Brad Brothers
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Municipal Offices Closed on Monday, October 12th
Due to the Legal Holiday, the Town Administration Building, Palmer Public Library, and Senior Center will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026. The Town Administration Staff will then be open on October 13, 2026, from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
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Paving Notice: Expect delays on Baptist Hill Road
Beginning MONDAY, September 28th
Residents of Baptist Hill Road, please be aware that reclaiming and paving work is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 28th.
The project is expected to continue for several days, and schedules may vary depending on weather, site conditions, and the progress of the work.
Note:
- Local residents will be allowed access to their homes.
- School buses and emergency vehicles will be allowed access as needed.
- Residents should expect delays and temporary traffic disruptions during construction.
Please plan accordingly and allow additional travel time when using Baptist Hill Road.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation while this important road improvement work is completed.
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Subscribe Today!
Get important alerts directly to your devices
The Town of Palmer has joined Regroup to improve and more effectively communicate emergency alerts to residents, replacing the previous provider, CodeRed/Crisis 24.
Messages from Regroup include:
- Emergency Alerts & Public Safety
- Water Service Notices (From your District)
- Road Closures & Impacts
- Weather Advisories from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Community Announcements
Subscribe to ensure you receive these messages
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Seeking Veterans Day Parade Participants!
The Town of Palmer seeks participants for the 2026 Palmer Veterans Day Parade!
We invite veterans and military organizations, schools, scouts, civic groups, public safety departments, community organizations, marching units, and others to join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Line-up: 11:00 a.m.
Parade kickoff: 11:45 a.m.
Formation and Step-Off: AMVETS Post 74 | 2150 Main Street, Three Rivers, MA
To participate or sign up, please contact the Veterans Services Department:
call 413-707-5050, or email veterans@townofpalmer.com
Please share and help us bring the community together to honor our veterans!
Follow the Veterans Services NEW Facebook Page for timely updates and resources
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We need your help sharing our Palmer Community!
Participate in our Photography Contest NOW- December 31, 2026
The Town of Palmer seeks participants for our photography contest! We are looking for photos showcasing our community- scenery, popularly identifiable spaces and buildings, people, pets, events, programs, activities.
The winning photo will be featured on the cover of the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report!
Learn more
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Election Information: State Election November 3, 2026
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Deadlines:
Voter Registration Deadline: October 24
Vote by Mail Application Deadline: 5 p.m., October 27
Early Voting Period: October 17-30
Election Day Polling Hours: 7 am – 8 pm
Election Day Polling locations:
Precincts 2 & 3 polling location is Amvets Post 74 located at 2150 Main Street in Three Rivers
Precincts 1 & 4 polling location remains Divine Mercy/ Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, located at 2267 Main Street in Three Rivers
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Early Voting
Early Voting will take place at the Town Administration Building located at 4417 Main Street in Palmer on the following dates and times:
Sat., October 17 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mon., October 19 from 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tues., October 20 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed., October 21 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thurs., October 22 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sat., October 24 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mon., October 26 from 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tues., October 27 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed., October 28 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thurs., October 29 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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From the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
1st Half Sewer Bills due on Thursday, October 1, 2026
These charges are for the services between 7/1/2026 – 12/31/2026
Billing & Abatements: Contact our office at 413-283-2671 or visit our office at 1 Norbell Street, Three Rivers, MA 01080. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm. All Vacancy Abatement Applications for sewer user charges must be filed in writing at our office within 30 days from the Bill Date. Please see the Abatement Policy.
Payments & Status: Contact the office of the Palmer Town Hall Tax Collector’s Office, 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069. 413-283-2601. All payments and status of bill questions will require your account number and bill number. Payment options, office hours, and other related information is listed at the upper right of your Sewer Bill. DO NOT bring or mail payment(s) to the Water Pollution Control Facility.
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Flu Clinic Dates
Wednesday, October 7th from 10 am - 4 pm and
Thursday, October 22nd from 1- 4 pm
Palmer Library|1455 N Main Street, Palmer, MA
The Mill Towns Public Health will be offering fall flu vaccination clinics for residents of Ludlow, Palmer, Warren, and West Brookfield. Standard-dose and high-dose flu vaccines will be available at no out-of-pocket cost.
Palmer Public Library will host clinics on Wednesday, October 7th from 10 am - 4 pm and Thursday, October 22nd from 1- 4 pm. If those days do not work for you, check out their other locations in Ludlow and West Brookfield here.
A limited number of RSV vaccines will also be available to eligible adults by appointment during September only. RSV vaccines must be scheduled in advance and will not be available on a walk-in basis.
Questions? Contact the Ludlow Health Department at 413-583-5600 ext. 1271 or by email at health@ludlow.ma.us.
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Apply Now!
Cultural Council FY27 Grant Opportunity Closes on October 15th
The PCC invites community members, groups, nonprofits, and others to apply for grants to support art shows, concerts, performances, outdoor workshops, lectures, short-term artist residencies in schools, and other community programs focused on youth, veterans, and senior citizens.
Applications for 2027 must be submitted only through the MCC website (not by mail or email) beginning on Sept. 1. The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 15. No late applications will be accepted.
The PCC will vote on applications in open meetings in the fall of 2026 and notify successful recipients by mid-January 2027.
Learn more about the Palmer Cultural Council
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Protect yourself and your home from Mosquitoes!
Positive West Nile Virus and EEE samples are increasing in neighboring communities.
Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself, reduce mosquito habitats around your home, and access more resources on our Health Department's Page.
Check the risk map directly here
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2026 Calendar- Palmer Yard Waste Facility
The following Saturdays & Sundays from 9 am - 3 pm:
October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
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
Questions? Call our Department of Public Works (DPW) at 413-283-2615.
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The Senior Center is Rockin'!
Annual Picnic Recap
175 Seniors gathered at Pulaski Park on Friday, September 11th for great food catered by Tony & Penny's, Ice Cream by Batch Inc, and music by GemsTones. It was a lovely afternoon and the weather could not have been better! The new Friends group organized quite an extensive Raffle, and the band's song choices had everyone on their feet. Thank you to the staff and volunteers for making this event so successful! Special thank you to Retired Police Chief Bob Frydrk for playing Taps and helping us take a moment of silence for the 25th Anniversary of September 9, 2001.
Annual Birthday Celebration
On Friday, September 25th the Senior Center gathers to celebrate our eldest community members. After this celebration (because she couldn't attend) Edna Sabourin, Palmer's oldest resident at 101, will be presented the Boston Post Cane!
If you're not familiar with this tradition, throughout New England, communities have a cane that is to be handed to its eldest resident. Check out this site, for some history on the tradition.
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September 11th 25th Anniversary Ceremonies
Fire District 1 and American Legion Post 130 both hosted beautiful ceremonies to honor those who not only lost their lives on that tragic day in 2001, but also those who have lost their lives due to related illnesses since that day, and to all those who serve each day to protect us all.
Special message from the Legion: On behalf of the American Legion, Palmer Post 130, we would like to thank everyone who participated and attended our Community 9/11 Remembrance Event held this past Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. We could not do this without all of you! NEVER FORGET and always honor those police, firefighters, EMTs, veterans and everyday people that loss their lives that fateful day and those that continue to struggle with the aftermath. THANK YOU!
Thank you to all the volunteers for hosting these important ceremonies and to all the community members who attended.
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Work with us!
The Town of Palmer seeks community-minded professionals to support local initiatives and support community members. If you are driven by service, collaboration, and making a positive impact, we want to hear from you.
We're hiring:
Click on the opportunities above to learn more and/or apply
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Volunteer with us!
The Town of Palmer is seeking dedicated community members to serve on several of our boards, committees, and commissions. We welcome new applicants as well as current members interested in continuing their service.
Still seeking members for:
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Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 Seat-Term to 2029
Learn more by visiting, townofpalmer.com/volunteer
Thank you for helping strengthen our community through your volunteer service!
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Meet our Health Department!
Nicole Gauthier, our Health Director, oversees an incredible team! She is not only responsible for the day-to-day caseload that keeps our community safe, she also oversees the operations of our Mill Towns Regional Animal Control (MTRAC), is a partner with Mill Towns Public Health, works with the Board of Health, and Palmer for Tomorrow- our town's community-led group that helps decide how our town’s share of opioid abatement funds will be used. Nicole is an incredible member of our team and is proud to be a strong community member, serving and living in Palmer for several years. She truly embodies public service.
Crystal Goddu, our Health Department Administrative Assistant, is the backbone of the department. She works with community members to coordinate appointments and meetings, and helps them navigate the procedures of the department. She also makes sure the Town Hall Team has snack options if they need a boost to get through the day.
The department also includes:
- Tessa Obuchowski, Regional Health Inspector
- Caitlin Hertz, RN, Regional Public Health Nurse
- Chelsea Parsons, RN, Public Health Nurse
- Sydney Plante, Lead Animal Control Officer (ACO)
- Amanda Cooper, Full-Time ACO
- Juli Sorrel, Per-Diem ACO
- Mandy Holmes, Per-Diem ACO
Recently, the ACO helped animals through the rehoming process, including a pig, a litter of Great Dane pups, Sphinx cats, and a ferret, in addition to the typical influx of animals. Take a look at their Facebook page for real- time updates!
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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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Upcoming Meetings
Learn what is happening in your community and tune into our upcoming meetings.
Conservation Commission
October 6th at 6:30 PM
Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609
Watch previous meetings here
Town Council
September 28th at 6:30 pm and
October 19th at 6:30 pm
Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609
Watch previous meetings here
Planning Board
October 19th
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. | | |
Scarecrow Contest Fundraiser for Domestic Violence Task Force
Domestic Violence can be a scary thing; however, raising awareness for it does not have to be.
The Palmer Domestic Violence Task Force invites all residents, organizations, and businesses from Palmer and surrounding towns to join us in decorating their homes, businesses, and common areas with scarecrows of all kinds to raise awareness about domestic violence.
You are welcome to make your own scarecrow or attend one of our 'Build a Scarecrow' events. If you would like to attend one of our Build-a Scarecrow events, join us at the Palmer Public Library on October 10th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (Sept date already passed). This is a FREE event! All materials provided! No registration required!
You do not need to enter the contest to attend a Build-a-Scarecrow event, nor do you need to attend a Build-a-Scarecrow event to enter.
Three amazing cash prizes to be won! 1st Place $75.00 2nd Place $50.00 3rd Place $25.00
To enter, send a picture of your scarecrow display outside of your home or business to palmerdvtf@gmail.com before midnight on October 31st.
All entries will be posted on the Palmer Domestic Violence Task Force Facebook Page on November 1st. The three pictures that receive the most votes by November 30th win!
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Cemetery Tours
Burial Grounds Presentation: Tuesday, October 6 @ 6:30 PM
Palmer Library|1455 N Main Street, Palmer, MA
Registration Required
Four Corners Cemetery Tour: Saturday, October 10 @ 12 PM
Four Corners Cemetery|4287 Main Street, Palmer, MA
Registration Requested
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Community Strong Wellness
October 8th & 22nd 1 - 4 pm
Palmer Public Library | 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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Learn to Fish with Masswildlife
Thursday, October 8th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Forest Lake | River St, Palmer, MA 0106
Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish? Now’s your chance! Join MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program and Opacum Land Trust at Forest Lake in Palmer to learn the basics, from casting out, to baiting up. We’ll have equipment on hand for use, as well as terminal tackle, and live bait. So come try your hand at this great pastime, guaranteed to catch some fun!
Note: This program is intended for all ages. Families with children are welcome!
Pre- Registration Required
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Palmer Veterans- Come meet your team!
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Palmer Library|1455 N Main Street, Palmer, MA
The Ludlow–Palmer Veterans Services Department invites Palmer veterans and their families to join them for a Veterans Meet & Greet!
Stop by, meet the Veterans Services staff, ask questions, and learn more about the benefits, services, programs, and resources available to veterans and their families.
Whether you need assistance with VA benefits, want to learn about state and local veterans programs, or simply want to meet the team serving Palmer—we’d love to see you.
Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
No formal presentation—just an opportunity to stop in, say hello, ask questions, and connect with your local Veterans Services team.
Need more info, call 413-707-5050
Please share and help us spread the word to Palmer veterans and their families!
Follow the Veterans Services NEW Facebook Page for timely updates and resources.
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Loaded Baked Potato Dinner Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 14th at 4:30 pm
Memorial Hall|1020 Central Street, Palmer, MA
Please join the Senior Center Friends Group of Palmer for a Loaded Baked Potato Dinner! Toppings available include pulled pork, cheese sauce, broccoli, bacon, sour cream, butter, and scallions.
This event is open to the public and costs Friends Group members $8 and non-members $10.
This event supports ongoing needs at the Palmer Senior Center/Council on Aging
Let's be friends! Want to become a Friend of the Senior Center? Membership costs $5 annually! Sign up at our event, or contact us by calling the Senior Center at 413-283-2670 and selecting "6."
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Holiday Harvest Festival by Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, October 17th at 10:00 am
Pulaski Park | 40 Belchertown Street, Three Rivers, MA
Food, entertainment, raffles, games, and vendors!
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Pather Run to DC Fundraiser
Saturday, October 17th at 10:00 am
Palmer High School| 4107 Main Street, Palmer, MA
Support Palmer High School students on their educational trip to Washington, D.C., by registering for our 5K Run or Walk. Every registration and donation helps make this memorable learning experience possible. If you're unable to participate, donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for supporting our students!
First 200 registered get T-shirt included!
REGISTER HERE
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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!
Highlights:
- Spooky Scavenger Hunt 10/1- 10/10
- Pumpkin Pictures Coloring Contest 10/13- 10/21
- Virtual Event - Case Files from the Haunted Museum 10/14 @ 7 pm
- Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt 10/23- 10/31
- Halloween Carnival (After-Hours Party) 10/30 @5 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
- Open Tech Help | Fridays @ 12
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Programs hosted by Palmer Senior Center
Memorial Hall 1029 Central Street | Palmer, MA 01069
Events all month long for Adults aged 55+!
Highlights:
- Community Health Fair on 10/2 @ 11 am
- Medicare Health Options on 10/5 @ 4:30 pm
- Lunch & Learn: PVTA Transportation on 10/21 @ 11:30 am
- NEW- Jazz Class Thursdays @10 am
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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