Annual National Mah Jongg League Meeting                                               February 6, 2017
 

Did you ever wonder what happens during the National Mah Jongg League meetings? Our MahJonggMentor member Ahuva Ellner attended the meeting in New York and was kind enough to give us all a full report. Thanks Ahuva!
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     The start of this week heralded the Annual Meeting of the National Mah Jongg League. Would you believe the 2017 card will be the 80^th Year for the NMJL?
     Living in the Big Apple I was fortunate enough to attend this event along with several other Mah Jongg lovers, teachers, Tournament Directors and members. There were about 12 of us in total including the President, Larry Unger, Vice President, David Unger, staff and Mah Jongg experts who answer the phones, among other important duties.
     The New York office is bright and spacious and occupies a space on the fourth floor of an expansive office building right across from Macy’s. (Shopping anyone?)
     Here are some of the highlights of the meeting I would like to share with you.
     Larry told us that there was over one million dollars in donations given out this year. The many charities that are aided include the City of Hope, Penrickton Center for Young Blind Children, Hadassah and The Special Olympics. The League takes great pride in this aspect of the Mission. The motto of the NMJL is Supporting Friendship and Promoting Giving. Larry told us that in October all the donation checks go out. This important mission was restated many times in the meeting and one could certainly feel the relevance, importance and pride in this complex aspect of the League’s business.
    The League is extremely busy now with its membership drive. Larry reviewed the scheduling of the League’s calendar and by the time he finished my head was spinning. What an organized schedule! And everything is done with precision and accuracy by a lean staff. In full view in the office were many large boxes, some containing the over 5,000 proxies submitted from the membership. The staff’s responsibilities include such things as distribution and printing. The summer is spent gathering information which lasts until November. There is also a Standardization Committee.
     Larry discussed the “flexibility” of the game, and that Mah Jongg in America is a “BIG TENT”. He stressed the high standards set by the League 80 years ago.
     So now you have an inkling as to the League’s motto, and work that has gone on for 80 years and still thrives with the help of its membership and our love of the game.
    We are looking forward to the arrival of the 2017 card in the beginning of April and word is it is going to be “GREAT”. Hope you all have a wonderful rest of card 2016 !
     And of course, May the Jokers be with you always!- Ahuva