The landscape of Aquinnah is suddenly changing and perhaps not for the better. Those of us who live here have been totally astounded about the clear cutting of four-plus acres at Black Brook Road this past week to allegedly make room for a $12 million bingo hall. Our ancestors would be discouraged by this. We will look forward to the archaeological study results in the near future. I often think back to the words of the late Gladys Widdiss who testified before Congress that in the course of achieving federal acknowledgement that the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe was not interested in gambling.

We have survived in this community for many generations with our own forms of economic development. However, those interested in this new adventure were not born or raised in Gay Head or Aquinnah and certainly are not homeowners or longtime residents of the town. It would be much easier to have this facility based in Bristol County. Oh well, we will see how far this 10,000-square-foot bubble gets completed. There will not be any restaurant facilities, simply bingo played on slot machines. There will reportedly be food trucks pulling up for your dining pleasure as you dine on the patio. The plans will coast along, at least until the tribal election in November.

Next week there will be several workshops hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Task Force in conjunction with Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, as well as the West Tisbury Library.

All will be presented by Janell Burley Hoffman. On March 5 at 6 p.m. at the West Tisbury Library the discussion will focus on Digital Well-Being.

On March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative in Oak Bluffs, Ms. Hoffman will present Talkin’ Tech & Tots, a discussion for parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers. Dinner and child care will be available. Pre-registration is required by calling 508-687-9182.

On March 7, Ms. Hoffman and her 16-year-old son Brendan will present a parent/child workshop called Gaming and Fortnite, Apps, at regional high school from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Discussion is for for ages 10 and up. Refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required by emailing info@mvyouthtaskforce.org.

It was a surprise to see Tobias Vanderhoop who has arrived home for a two-week vacation before heading back to the West Coast. Tobias has been working in Alaska for the past two years.

School vacation has decreased the population in town for the past week with many people enjoying adventurous vacations in a variety of locations.

Condolences to the family and friends of Frank O. Gonsalves whose services were held at St. Augustine’s Church this past week. Frank was a former member of tribal council and enjoyed traveling with the elders.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Christopher S. Laursen who died Feb. 12. Chris was an infant when I first met him and it was a pleasure to watch him as he quietly played at the hospital child care center as a toddler. He learned to read at a very early age. On occasion it was my duty to meet Chris and his brother Tim at school and take them to their soccer games or to a friends house for play. Chris was an amazing young man whom I had the honor of knowing and observing his achievements over the past 36 years. A very sad loss to our community. Chris was loved by all who knew him.

Belated birthday wishes to all who celebrated these past few weeks. Happy birthday wishes this week to USCG Station Menemsha auxiliarists Joe Berini and Carolyn McClure on Feb. 27. My eldest great grandchild James I. Millman will turn 16 on February 28. Remy Tumin celebrates Feb. 29 and/or March 1. Diana Braillard will party on March 1. Gloria Levitas and Heather Devine share the day on March 2. Kathie Case and Norma Holmes share the day on March 3. My daughter Sharon Spiller will party on March 4 and shares the day with Dilly DeBlase and Robert Rosenberg. David and Douglas Seward will celebrate their special day on March 6. Janessa Hartley will party on March 7.