To the editor:

We are writing as a group of women (and men) who gather regularly at the Portsmouth recreation center to play American mahjong, but what we have gained from this program is so much more than a game.

We want you to know how grateful we are to Ellen Toner for bringing mahjong to Portsmouth and for creating a place where community members can come together, learn something new, make friends, laugh and simply enjoy one another’s company.

Ellen has given our community something truly special.

What makes this even more remarkable is that Ellen does not do this in isolation. She is responsible for juggling numerous recreation programs and events, as well as the Portsmouth farmers market. Despite everything on her plate, she has made the time and effort to create and support a mahjong program that has become very meaningful to all of us.

Kerry Martin

Portsmouth

Editor’s note: This letter, addressed to the Portsmouth Town Council, was signed by an additional 30 people. The Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department offers open-play mahjong. Call Ellen Toner at 401/864-0090 for more information, or register at secure.rec1.com.