A recent Mah Jongg tournament raised much needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of Middle Tennessee. Forty players participated in the tournament at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. Alongside the 39 women players was Howard Pink, the lone gentleman, who celebrated his 80th birthday at the tournament. During the lunch, catered by Goldie Shepard, tournament organizer Michelle Tishler presented Pink with a celebratory cookie cake. This year’s event also showcased Pink’s progress in the game over the last 17 years. Tishler says, “Howard participated in my very first tournament in 2006, where he placed last. I honored him with a prize of a ‘Crying Towel.’ In this tournament, he placed first in his division.” During the fun filled afternoon, participants boned in the “tossing of the tiles,” meeting new players and enjoying the game of Mah Jongg.

Forty people participated in this year’s Mah Jongg tournament, which raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of Middle Tennessee.

Sheila Greenbaum won a prize for a special hand.

Dorothy Hirschberg 3rd place, Paula Kirwan standing in for Sandy Goldstein 2nd place, Nancy Richardson 1st place

Howard Pink, pictured with his “Crying Towel,” from his first tournament, 1st place, Simone Meyerowitz 2nd place (not pictured)

Michelle Tishler presents Howard Pink with a cake for his 80th birthday.