Since 1988, Southborough Open Land Foundation has preserved 181 acres of open space. The group also organizes many nature education walks and events.

To celebrate their 25^th anniversary they will be hosting a celebration at beautiful Beals Preserve on Sunday, September 15^th. There will be music, children’s activities, nature-related activities, a silent auction, and art displays.

It takes a lot of people to run an event like this. If you would like to pitch in, please e-mail them at  info@solf.org.

To learn more about the event or the foundation, visit www.solf.org.

A 5K obstacle course through sloppy mud, over walls and beams, through trees and trails and trenches full of water and more mud. Sound like a good time? Southborough residents Ray Thompson and Dan O’Rourke, organizers of the first-ever Wicked Mud Run, promise it will be.

The Wicked Mud Run will take place on June 22 at the Bolton Fairgrounds in Lancaster, and Thompson and O’Rourke hope it will be the first of many. “The idea for the race came from Dan and I wanting to create a cool fun race that is safe while also creating a company that gives back to the community,” Thompson said.

A portion of proceeds from the June race will benefit charities that are near and dear to the founders. Thompson said some of the money will go to Autism Speaks and the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance in honor of his niece who is afflicted with both conditions, as well as to Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen which honors those killed in battle. O’Rourke is a former Marine.

While the mud run with it’s sandbag gauntlet and “hardcore barriers” may beat you down, the party afterwards will do just the opposite. After hosing off, participants will enjoy beer from sponsor Cisco Brewery of Nantucket, while listing to live music and refueling with barbeque and chowder.

Registration for the run is now being accepted. Find out more at www.wickedmudrun.com.

Above: New Chairman Dan Kolenda (left) with fellow selectmen Bill Boland (center) and John Rooney (right)

The Board of Selectmen has a new chairman. Historically, the board rotates the position, with the selectman in the final year of his or her elected term getting control of the gavel. This year that honor falls to Selectman Dan Kolenda, and at this week’s meeting Kolenda’s fellow board members unanimously elected him their new leader.

Selectman Bill Boland was unanimously elected vice-chairman.

During a break in Tuesday’s meeting, Kolenda said his top priority for the coming year is the town’s fiscal situation. “We have to do the best we can to maintain the level of service Southborough residents are accustomed to without a material increase in taxes,” he said.

Kolenda said key to doing that will be to continue to look closely at all town budgets. He also said the board needs to work closely with school administrators and the school committees to make sure those budgets are “as tight as can be.”

School administrators next year are expected to begin negotiation on a new contract for teachers as the current 3-year contract expires in 2014. Kolenda said the board needs to work with the schools to to ensure the contract is affordable.

“We need to attract and retain the best possible teachers at the best possible rate for the town,” he said.

Kolenda’s term as selectmen expires next year, and if he decides to run for reelection, he may find himself with plenty of company. If the state legislature approves in time Southborough’s request to increase the Board of Selectmen from three to five members, there will be three selectmen seats up for grabs next year.

“I remain hopeful we will have a plethora of candidates,” Kolenda said. “But this year’s turnout gives me great pause.”

Kolenda opposed expanding the board on concerns not enough qualified candidates would step forward to run.

Above: Marching in the annual Memorial Day parade (photo by Chris Wraight)

Southborough will remember its veterans on Monday with the annual Memorial Day parade. The parade starts at 9:00 am at Marlboro Saving Bank at the corner of East Main and Newton Streets.

The parade will wind down Main Street and through Southborough’s cemeteries old and new. The route will also stop at each of the town’s war memorials to honor and pay tribute to Southborough men and women who have worn the uniform in service to our country.

Veterans of VFW Post 3276 and American Legion Post 161 will lead the parade, followed by members of the Southborough Men and Militia, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local politicians, and the Trottier and Algonquin marching bands. All veterans, especially those who have recently returned from service in Iraq, Afghanistan or any deployment in service to our nation, are welcome to march in the parade.

School hasn’t let out for the summer yet, but for those of you who are already looking ahead to September, the calendar for the 2013-2014 school year is available for your advance planning purposes.

School runs Wednesday, August 28, 2013 through Tuesday, June 24, 2014 or at the conclusion of 180 days. The schedule builds in five snow days and four professional development days plus the usual vacations and holidays.

For those of you who are wondering, the current school year ends on Wednesday, June 26, one day later than originally scheduled thanks to an extra snow day this winter.

You can see the 2013-2014 district calendar below. (Click here for a downloadable PDF version).

(click to enlarge)

[This is the latest in an ongoing guest series brought to you by Southborough’s Culinary Underground. In this installment, Chef Lori shares a recipe for a healthy and tasty grain salad.]

Quinoa is the current darling of the grain world. It’s the only grain that’s also a complete protein so vegetarians like it (although it is not protein-dense, making it a healthy grain option but not a protein substitute). Gluten-free eaters love it, too. We’ve been using it for years and really love it in this salad of ours which is rich in all kinds of good things. We’ve been toting this mixture to events forever; it’s a good introduction to quinoa and people always love it. (Except for one person who I saw discreetly dispose of it and then swigging a can of Coke. Oh, well.) Of course, if you put fresh blueberries in anything, people tend to go nuts.

Since quinoa is pricey, we stretch is by mixing it with some brown rice and millet – one of our favorite grains. Millet is a cereal that cooks up like couscous, but is way more nutritious. If you can’t find it, just use more brown rice or quinoa or other grain that you like. In fact, we’ve made this salad with all kinds of grains. It’s the combination of grains, fresh mint, tart lime and berries, and crunchy nuts that make it so interesting. I usually lug this along to summer barbecues; served ice-cold, people fall on it in droves.

Grains: they taste better than they look!

Culinary Underground’s Grain & Nut Salad
(4-6 servings)

1 Cup cooked quinoa
1 Cup cooked brown rice
1 Cup cooked millet
3 Tablespoons canola oil
2 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1/4 Cup chopped fresh mint
Salt and pepper
1 Cup fresh blueberries
1 Cup chopped cashews, chopped

Cook the grains separately; spread each on a baking sheet to cool thoroughly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, lime juice, and fresh mint. Add the grains and toss gently. Add the berries and nuts and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning – does it need more salt? Lime juice? Mint. Remember, you’re going to serve this cold, so overseason – it will taste great later.

Cover and chill for several hours. Serve with more fresh mint as garnish.

Culinary Underground School for Home Cooks is committed to furthering the art and craft of home cooking through engaging and educational hands-on and demonstrations classes. Using the best seasonal ingredients, mastering techniques, minimizing prep, and maximizing flavor are the focus of their classes. For more information and a class schedule, visit culinaryunderground.com.

The Southborough Library is looking to hire a new library page to work part time hours starting this summer. Here are all the details, including how to apply.

Part-time Library Page

Duties/Description: This is a part-time, year-round 7-8 hour/week position, starting July 1, 2013. Daily tasks that assist Library staff with providing materials, programs and services to the general public. Position reports to the Library Director.

Primary duties: Maintain order in the library collection through shelving and shelf reading. Other tasks: Assist with developing and displaying materials to promote library programming. Assist library visitors with computers, including library catalog, word processing, Internet, etc. Performing other similar duties as requested.

Qualifications: Flexibility, motivation, and ability to work well in a shared and cooperative environment.

Salary: Starting salary is $8.84 per hour, no benefits.

Contact: Fill out Town Application at the Library,
or online, at: http://www.southboroughtown.com/employment/town%20application_2010.pdf

or Send letter of interest and resume by June 10, 2013 to:
Jane Cain, Library Director
Southborough Library
25 Main Street
Southborough, MA 01772

Above: Firefighters respond to a gas spill at Custom Automotive in 2009 (photo courtesy of the Southborough Fire Department)

Custom Automotive Engineering’s license to store fuel underground was revoked by Selectman at Tuesday evening’s meeting. According to Fire Chief Joe Mauro, the Cordaville Road business has been continually non-compliant in its required paperwork and communication with the fire department and town.

Selectmen considered revoking the fuel storage license two years ago after a gasoline spill on Christmas Eve 2009, but decided to give the business a second chance.

Robert Michalik, an attorney for Custom Automotive, asserted that the company has made sincere efforts to comply and to develop the fuel business. Michalik told the Metrowest Daily News owner Louis Aswad intends to appeal the board’s decision in court.

Michalik said the 2009 gas spill was a unique incident when the station was closed. He claimed that none of the other issues mounted to safety concerns.

Chief Mauro disagreed. “We have attempted to try and work with him and get the station operational again,” Mauro said. “Every time it seems to be crunch time for him, there’s a piece of paper shows up or he says he’s going to do something. But I don’t have anything concrete at this point to make me feel comfortable that he’s going to be able to operate this station in a safe manner.”

Metrowest Daily News reported:

Mauro’s concerns echo those of his predecessor and brother, John Mauro Jr., who noted serious concerns in a Sept. 2010 hearing regarding a spill he said happened on Christmas Eve of 2009.

“The only thing that prevented 40 gallons of gas from entering the Sudbury River was a snow bank,” John Mauro Jr. said at the time.

Michalik tried to make a case for the need for a gas station in that part of town (Cordaville Road near Woodland Road). He also stated that the gas station was vital to the survival of a small business. Chairman Dan Kolenda stated that safety and compliance issues were more important.

Selectman Bill Boland cited Custom Automotive’s last minute report to the committee as part of a long term pattern that hasn’t changed since the Selectmen gave them a second chance two years ago. Boland and Kolenda both voted to revoke the license. Selectman John Rooney recused himself from the hearing because he has had work performed at the station in the past.

VNA Care Network and Hospice is looking for hospice volunteers for their Southborough area team. Hospice volunteers work directly with terminally ill patients and their families by offering practical and emotional support to those facing a terminal illness.

With offices in Southborough and elsewhere in Central Mass, VNA Care Network and Hospice is an established non-profit that offers services to help those facing illness and injury remain at home, and to promote the health of Eastern and Central Massachusetts residents.

A training program for hospice volunteers begins in June. Through the program, volunteers receive training, support, and education. If you’re interested, contact Joanne or Nancy at 888-663-3688 ext. 6247, or at sborovol@vnacarenetwork.org.

(Photo via vnacarenetwork.org)

Above: This home at 16 Fiddle Neck Lane went on the market this week for $899,999 (MLS photo)

Here’s what went on and off the market this week. Thanks to Doug McClain (email) of Century 21 Commonwealth Realty for supplying the listing information.

New on the market

• 6 Walnut Street (map) – 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath ranch – $299,900
• 9 Tara Rd (map) – 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath garrison – $439,900
• 8 Autumn Hill Lane (map) – 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial – $729,000
• 57 Pine Hill Rd (map) – 10 room, 4 bed, 3f 2h bath Colonial - $899,900
• 16 Fiddle Neck Lane (map) – 10 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial - $899,999
• 8 Metcalf Ln (map) – 12 room, 4 bed, 4f 1h bath Colonial – $1,365,000
• 8 Schipper Farm Lane (map) – 13 room, 4 bed, 4f 2h bath Cape - $1,925,000

Sale pending

• 44 East Main St (map) – 5 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Cape – 133 days on market, Listed at $274,900
• 6 Moulton Road (map) – 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Contemporary – 34 days on market, Listed at $304,900
• 75 Marlboro Road (map) – 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Ranch – 11 days on market, Listed at $309,900
• 41 Oregon Rd (map) – 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Colonial – 21 days on market, Listed at $359,900
• 167 Parkerville Road (map) – 8 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Contemporary – 84 days on market, Listed at $369,900
• 7 Woodbury Rd (map) – 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Garrison – 2 days on market, Listed at $405,000
• 10 Carolyn Ter (map) – 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 0h bath Split Entry – 66 days on market, Listed at $410,917
• 7 Winchester St (map) – 8 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Colonial – 75 days on market, Listed at $419,000
• 75 Oak Hill Rd (map) – 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Ranch – 163 days on market, Listed at $424,900
• 33 Atwood Road (map) – 10 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Split Entry – 75 days on market, Listed at $449,900
• 183a Parkerville Road (map) – 9 room, 4 bed, 3f 0h bath Split Entry – 23 days on market, Listed at $469,900
• 52 Oregon Rd (map) – 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial – 7 days on market, Listed at $525,000
• 55 Richards Rd (map) – 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial – 902 days on market, Listed at $529,000
• 34 Breakneck Hill Rd (map) – 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial – 211 days on market, Listed at $648,800
• 10 Lyman Street (map) – 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial – 89 days on market, Listed at $699,900
• 14 Strawberry Hill Road (map) – 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial – 11 days on market, Listed at $775,000
• 8 Kidder Lane (map) – 12 room, 4 bed, 4f 1h bath Colonial – 53 days on market, Listed at $839,900
• 5 Metcalf Lane (map) – 9 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial – 410 days on market, Listed at $1,100,000
• 9 Metcalf Lane (map) – 10 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial – 104 days on market, Listed at $1,300,000
• 6 Metcalf Lane (map) – 10 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial – 103 days on market, Listed at $1,365,000

Sold

• 12 Rockpoint Road (map) – 5 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Split Entry – 23 days on market, Listed at $359,999, Sold for $360,000
• 5 Valley Rd (map) – 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Contemporary – 12 days on market, Listed at $474,500, Sold for $477,000
• 48 Oregon Rd (map) – 11 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial – 326 days on market, Listed at $629,000, Sold for $623,700