Today we welcome a wonderful teacher who is originally from New Jersey and now lives in sunny Naples, Florida – Phyllis Cusumano.  Phyllis was raised in Bayside N.Y. and her husband grew up in Manhattan. They moved to N.J. after they married as he worked in N.J.

As Phyllis tells it, “I have been playing Mah Jongg for going on 40 years. I had wonderful Jewish friends who taught me Mah Jongg. Prior I played bridge and loved games! They laugh when I say how well they taught me as I have been teaching and running tournaments here!!! I thank them every day that I have this to keep me going.”

“I moved to Naples from New Jersey and was surprised to learn no one knew what I was talking about when I mentioned Mah Jongg.  I am still teaching Mah Jongg. I started teaching 20 years ago at my Newcomers Club – with no compensation. I was encouraged to teach at community centers and country clubs. With word of mouth, I starting teaching at surrounding towns and cities in southwest Florida, in and out of Naples.

“I have run Mah Jongg tournaments for 18 years, raising funds for my local charity 3 times a year with a good following, usually 72 to 84 players. I sell Mah Jongg sets and other related items mostly from the website, WhereTheWindsBlow.  I am on several websites and help players vacationing or newly located to find games or learn the game.

“I am now teaching 2 days a week and will be teaching another group soon. I am quite active in my community as I am on the Board of Directors at my charity here in Naples, Sunlight Home, along with being involved with my Church.”

Is she great, or what? If you are fortunate enough to be living in the Naples, Florida area and want to take lessons from a fabulous teacher, contact Phyllis on her land line at 239.455.2005 or on her cell phone at 239.777.9325.

Let her know you got her contact information from Ann at mahjonggandme.com!