SWAMPSCOTT – A new initiative in Swampscott, spearheaded by Amy O’Connor, is fostering community connections through the ancient game of mahjong. O’Connor, an avid player for over 20 years, has begun teaching the game to those interested, emphasizing the social and cognitive benefits it offers.
O’Connor’s journey with mahjong began during her time as a new mother, when she sought engaging activities to pursue with friends. She reminisced about how her mother’s group would gather and discuss interests, which led her to suggest mahjong. This sparked a weekly game among friends, and as winter approached, she identified a need for indoor activities.
“I thought, ‘I can do that,’” O’Connor said, recalling how a friend expressed a desire to learn mahjong. Her enthusiasm for the game inspired her to formalize her teaching efforts. “I had taught others in the past, but this was the first formal way that I got into teaching it,” she noted.
Encouraged by her friends, O’Connor reached out to other mahjong instructors to gather resources and strategies for teaching. She became a guild member of Mahjlife.com, which she described as a valuable community with excellent teaching resources.
O’Connor recognized a gap in formal mahjong instruction within her community. “There are lots of women and people who teach others, but not a lot of teachers,” she explained. After preparing her teaching materials, she officially launched her classes, designed for players of all skill levels.
“It goes step-by-step, and it takes you from knowing nothing to being a confident player,” O’Connor stated. She has structured her lessons into a series of four two-hour classes, where participants learn the game’s mechanics, engage in basic play, and practice with guided sessions.
The response to her classes has been enthusiastic. O’Connor is currently collaborating with the Swampscott Recreation Department and Mexacali, a local restaurant, to host sessions. “We had 20 people who signed up in less than a day,” she reported, highlighting the social aspect of the game.
For many participants, the social connections formed through mahjong are just as important as the gameplay itself. “It’s a way to be with the people you want to be with and to do an activity that keeps your brain moving,” O’Connor said. She envisions her classes as a starting point for a growing community in Swampscott.
O’Connor plans to expand her reach, with classes scheduled in nearby areas like Chelsea and Reading. Reflecting on the post-COVID landscape, she observed, “I think a lot of people are looking for ways to enjoy their time with others. This is an immediate way to socialize in a way that’s old-fashioned, but I think it’s what people crave.”
For those interested in learning more about O’Connor’s classes or to sign up, further information can be found at mahjlife.com/instructor-guild-directory/name/amy-oconnor/. Through this initiative, O’Connor is not just teaching a game; she is nurturing connections and building community in Swampscott.
