Op-Ed: The Woman Behind the Mahjong Movement

If you’ve taken Mahjong lessons from Aggie Aspinwall chances are you’re saying ‘Mahj’ more than your fair share these days.

Mahjong at Lapham Center. Photo courtesy of Gail Sheffler

As director of Lapham Center, Aggie has taught hundreds of New Canaan residents the difference between a red dragon and soap, how to build a hand out of craks, and the fine art of knowing when to switch hands midgame.

She even led a standing-room-only session at the New Canaan Library on strategy and keeps Lapham open late on Wednesday nights so players of all levels—rookies and regulars alike—can gather for open play. During her lessons, she patiently reminds her students that “no, you can’t use a joker with a pair,” and that a “C” on your Mahjong card means concealed, so your hand stays secret until you’ve really won.

Mahjong at Lapham Center. Photo courtesy of Gail Sheffler

Of course, Mahjong teacher is just one of the many hats Aggie wears. As Lapham Center Director,  she oversees dozens of programs each week, from trivia nights to an Apple watch survival class, and her open-door policy has made her office a favorite stop for anyone signing up, sharing an idea, or just having a laugh. Her close collaboration with Cathy Collins, Lapham Program Manager, helps keep everything running smoother than freshly shuffled tiles.

But back to Mahj. Through a game that dates to 19th-century China, Aggie has built something enduring — community. She connects friends over tiles, tea,  and a joyful “Mahj!” or two. For those of us she’s taught, it’s clear: this isn’t just a game. It’s about belonging. And that’s the real win.

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Gail Sheffler is the founder of Your Life Well Told, a legacy storytelling service that helps people capture how they want to be remembered.