Ellen Christofferson was introduced to Mah Jongg in 2015 at the Siouxland Center for Active Generations. It all began after a Monday morning golf game, when a friend mentioned she was heading to the senior center to play a game called Mah Jongg. Curious, Ellen decided to join her—and she was hooked. She quickly learned the game and has thoroughly enjoyed it ever since.

Three years ago, Ellen’s friends encouraged her to begin teaching Mah Jongg at the senior center. She affectionately describes her teaching space as a “one-room schoolhouse,” where she works in one corner with four new students learning the game, while five other tables of women and men—already experienced players—enjoy spirited play nearby.