Game `hot' at Sun City Anthem

The interest and imagination of more than 140 residents of Sun City Anthem, an age-qualified community in Henderson, have been sparked by the game mah-jongg.

"Our membership has tripled in two years," said Rita Berman, president of the community's mah-jongg club.

She said the game is popular because it requires "strategy and skill. And it brings people together to socialize on a regular basis."

The game has groups of four players, who create specific combinations of tiles decorated with Chinese symbols. The club meets twice a week, although some enthusiasts play every day.

Berman said there are two versions of the game: Asian and Western.

"We play the Western version," she said.

Because there are many rules and symbols to learn, the club offers a training session for new players. It also sponsors tournaments and luncheons in addition to the regular games.

"We are a social club. Mah-jongg is a very interesting game where you never stop learning. But best of all, you meet nice people," Berman said.

The mah-jongg club and other social, fitness and recreational opportunities are offered at the 77,363-square-foot Anthem Center.

Berman and her husband, Bob, moved to Nevada two years ago from the San Fernando Valley in California.

"We wanted a lifestyle we could enjoy. We had a second home in (Lake) Tahoe, but there was too much snow for us," she said.

She said they chose Sun City Anthem because they liked its proximity near the foothills of Black Mountain.

The Bermans purchased the 3,009-square-foot Anthem model, which features dual master suites, a den, great room, dining room, breakfast area, Nevada room and a three-car garage with a golf cart area.

Nineteen models range from 1,235 to 3,175 square feet.

Homes are priced from the high $170,000s to more than $500,000.

Among the community's amenities are two 18-hole golf courses.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, turn left on Anthem Parkway and then turn right on Alexandria Drive. Models are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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