From New York to Omaha: Mahjong club helps build community

OMAHA, Neb. —

People across the Omaha metro are discovering the strategy and fun of Chinese mahjong through the Omaha Mahjong Club.

What began as a weekly game night at organizers Joe Toscano and his wife’s home has grown into a lively community gathering at The Mill on Leavenworth.

The couple moved to Omaha from New York City a few years ago. Toscano, who is from Omaha, and his wife, who is from Beijing, played mahjong regularly with friends in New York. After moving back to the area, they started the Omaha Mahjong Club last year to build the community they missed.

Chen Huang, the founder of Omaha Mahjong, said playing the game may also offer physical and mental benefits.

“I believe that’s why a lot of our Asian grandmas live so long,” said Huang. “They look young because every day, not only are they exercising their brains, but they’re also exercising their hands.”

For the Omaha Mahjong Club, the game is a way to bring people together, introduce newcomers to a cultural tradition and create lasting connections in the community.

For more information on the club, click on this link.

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