Photo courtesy of Peace Love Mahjong.
If you’re one of the few not yet playing Mahjong, don’t fret. It’s never too late to learn a new challenge and join a new circle of friends.
Peace Love Mahjong will host “Mahj and Mingle” on April 13, with proceeds supporting Feed Lake Highlands, the neighborhood nonprofit working to alleviate food insecurity in our community. Feed LH stocks a food pantry at Whitehurst and Skillman, understanding well that hungry children are more susceptible to illness and likely to miss school more often. They also tutor students after class and go to summer camp with kids who’ve rarely left their apartment communities.
Mahjong is an intellectually stimulating game developed in Southern China in the mid-1800s. Played with tiles, or pais, similar to dominoes, the game challenges players to match sets and sequences of symbols and characters. The word “mahjong” means sparrow and refers to the bird-like clacking sound made by tiles as they are reshuffled.
Eleanor Dean Boynton and Amber Gipson created Peace Love Mahjong out of their desire to bring family and friends together. They sell beautiful tiles and accessories, and they offer rental and instructional services for families and organizations hoping to host their own gatherings.
Tickets for Mahj and Mingle are $100 each and may be purchased online here. If you’re a veteran of the game, you’re asked to bring your Mahjong set. If not, Peace Love Mahjong instructors will be on hand to teach you. The party will be held at New Room Community Church, 10061 Whitehurst, and runs from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 13.
