We've shared stories tonight about people building businesses, reviving traditions, and bringing communities together.

Our final story shows yet another way connection is happening right here in our region.

It's a game that's been around for centuries, filled with strategy, skill and a little bit of luck.

And now Mahjong is experiencing a surge in popularity, especially here in the Charlotte Metro.

Once stereotyped as a pastime for seniors, the game is now drawing players of all ages.

Carolina impacts Dara Khaalid, along with videographers, John Branscum and Russ Hunsinger.

Show us how this classic game is building community one tile at a time.

- [Dara] It's Tuesday night, which means it's time for some Mahjong.

But first, the space at Triple C Brewing Company in Charlotte, that's typically used for sipping ice cold beers must be flipped into a game room.

- We have anywhere from four to five to six tables.

- [Dara] Julia Harker, co-owner of the brewery and instructor of the Mahjong classes here, maneuvers throughout the space, rearranging tables and laying out the game components like these colorfully designed mats, wooden wraps and tiles that are sure to catch your eye, either by their sheer pink beauty or the intricate Chinese characters etched on them.

- [Julia] The beautiful tiles, like it is very aesthetically pleasing.

- [Dara] Once the space is set.

- So tonight we're gonna be learning American Mahjong.

- [Dara] Class is in session - Similar to like a card game.

The tiles just represent kind of like different cards, fun, they're laid back.

It's really easygoing.

I try to like make it interactive so people feel comfortable asking questions and there's a lot of laughter.

That's the bam, like bamboo.

- [Dara] Throughout the two hour class, Julia goes into full-on teacher mode.

- So the different suits in the tiles are gonna be three different suits.

- [Dara] Using a PowerPoint to go over the basics.

Then when it's time for students to try on their own, she's there to help along the way.

- She has been really good at answering all my questions and very informative and easy to understand as well.

- [Dara] Which really comes in handy because Mahjong is notoriously known for being a challenge.

- Yes, intimidating is definitely the right word.

- At first, it overwhelmed me, but it makes me think.

- [Dara] The tile game began in China during the 19th century and has since spread across the world, including right here in the US where we've adapted our own version, calling it American Mahjong.

- There's some different rules and some different tiles that are involved in the American Mahjong.

It's similar to rummy in that you're like making runs.

[Dara] If that's still confusing, here's another way to explain it.

At the beginning you deal kind of like you would with cards and then everybody gets a mixture of tiles and then you start to kind of figure out what run you wanna do.

And by discarding and drawing and trading and things like that.

- [Dara] The goal is to be the first one in your group of four to match 14 tile to a single hand.

You do this using the Mahjong card.

Sound simple enough?

Well.

- It's a lot more difficult than I originally anticipated, but it's really fun and I'm having a good time, - [Dara] Which Julia says is the whole point, for students to enjoy themselves, not just by playing the game, but by interacting with everyone.

- But it's a really good way for us all to get together and enjoy.

I love this group.

- [Dara] You are probably familiar with the game's reputation.

- My grandma, back in the day, she loved this game.

- You know, it probably has a rap as being an old lady game.

- [Dara] But there's a much wider demographic here, from men to women of all ages.

It's turned into a multi-generational game.

- You might see people in their 20's that live in the apartment complexes around here, but you also might see older women and adults like in their 60's playing.

I've even taught my kids how to play.

- [Dara] For Beth Gutt who's been coming here since November, she's seen how the mix of ages leads to new perspectives.

- Multi-generational life is so important and you know, so many times we put people in pockets.

You know, you're a senior, you're a mom and I think that we all have so much to give.

- All you have to do is Google it once and see how popular it is.

It seems to be sweeping the nation.

I see coffee shops doing it, other breweries doing it.

Custom home builders are even building Mahjong rooms into the houses now 'cause they know it's a amenity people are looking for.

- [Dara] Julia's husband Chris, president and co-owner of the brewery Happily welcome the idea of not only hosting classes, but also hosting open play.

- It's been amazing.

You know, on Tuesdays when she's doing this, I hustle home to be with the children and she hustles up here to kind of trade roles with me and she's having fun and it's, you know, making the brewery money.

So that's very hard to argue with.

- [Dara] What began as a simple love of the game has turned into something much bigger for Julia.

It's a table where generations pull up chairs, share a brew, and learn from one another.

In the click of the tiles and the hum of conversation Mahjong becomes more than a game, it's a bridge.

Proving connection doesn't depend on age, just the willingness to sit down and play together.

For "Carolina Impact", I'm Dara Khaalid.