The Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to purchase 22 acres of woodland and wetland in western Mattapoisett from Greg and Jeanne Downey of Mattapoisett. The property lies southwest of Mattapoisett Neck Road between preserves previously protected by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Wildlands Trust.

The property is identified by the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program both as “Core Habitat” and “Critical Natural Landscape,” indicating that it is among the most critical lands for protecting the natural diversity of Mattapoisett. Adding the Downey property to the previously protected land in the area will create a permanently protected region of over 200 acres, extending from Brandt Island Cove to Mattapoisett Neck Road.

Fund-raising activities will continue during the spring as the MLT prepares for the acquisition in June. The MLT has received a grant of $75,000 through a North American Wetlands Conservation Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but it still needs to raise approximately $40,000 before the closing. Donations can be made through the MLT website at www.mattlandtrust.org, or by sending donations to the Mattapoisett Land Trust, P.O. Box 31, Mattapoisett, MA, 02739. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For those interested in visiting the property, the Land Trust will sponsor a walk on Saturday, May 2, beginning at 2:00 pm from the junction of Whalers Way and Mattapoisett Neck Road. For more information call 774-263-6657 or email info@mattlandtrust.org. Or visitors may simply wish to drive by the property at their leisure to see if there is activity on the existing osprey stand. MLT protection should provide many more years of viewing pleasure.

Founded in 1974 as a 501(c)(3) organization, in its 40 years, the Mattapoisett Land Trust has protected over 700 acres following its mission of protecting land in order to enrich the quality of life for Mattapoisett residents and visitors.

The Tri-Town League of Women Voters will hold a Candidates’ Night in what promises to be an energetic discussion of local issues in three contested races in Marion. It is scheduled for Wednesday evening, April 30, at 7:00 pm in the Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion.

There are six elective positions that must be filled. For the Select Board, challenger William Dale Jones will face incumbent Steve Cushing. The Planning Board has three open positions with four candidates on the ballot: Eileen Marum, Michael Popitz, and Robert Lane will challenge incumbent Ted North. The Marion School Committee has two open positions: Michele Ouellette and Christine Winters are running again for another three-year term, and they are challenged by newcomer Kate Houdelette.

Eight positions are unopposed: Ray Pickles for Town Clerk; Catherine Gibbs for the Assessor; David Titus for Town Moderator; Elizabeth Dunn for the Board of Health; Paul Goulet for ORR School Committee; Joseph Keogh and Jeffrey Oakes for two positions on the Open Space Acquisition Commission; and no one has filed to run for the position of Tree Warden being vacated by Tim Crowley.

Citizens of Marion are strongly urged to attend Candidates’ Night to become familiar with these candidates running for town offices. Last year, only 10 per cent of Marion’s registered voters decided the outcome of the election. If you care about the leadership of this town, please attend Candidates’ Night and be sure to cast your vote on May 16.

For further information, please contact Nan Johnson at 508-748-0046 or Tinker Saltonstall at 508-748-0160.

Hold onto your hats, The Dixie Diehards are back in town and the joint will be jumpin’ at the corner of Main and Pleasant Street (80 Pleasant Street) in Marion, MA 02738! The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band will be making its ninth appearance at the Marion Art Center on Saturday, May 10 with a concert entitled “The Evolution of Jazz!” This concert will trace the evolution of jazz from Ragtime at the turn of the century, through the Blues, Street Marches, Dixieland, Charleston, to the sophisticated swing of the early 1940s. The Diehards will conclude with some Tin Pan Alley notables. The show starts at 7:30 pm. Doors will open at 7:00 pm.

To make a reservation – highly recommended as the Dixie Diehards always sell out! – please email marionartcenter@verizon.net. In the subject line of the email, please write “Dixie Diehard Tickets.” In the body of the email include your last name, MAC membership status, a telephone number for confirmation and number of tickets needed. Tickets are $12.50 for MAC members and $15 for non-members.

You can also call 508-748-1266 and leave a voice message that includes last name, MAC membership status, telephone number for confirmation, and how many tickets needed. The theater will be set up with cabaret tables to accommodate reserved parties of four, and guests are invited to bring their own refreshments.