The Philosopher's House

En Plein Air Painting Class/Meetup
2029-12-05 17:00 - 18:00, 2029-12-12 17:00 - 18:00, 2029-12-19 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax)
En Plein Air class! Bring a hat, water bottle, and an old shirt/apron! All other materials provided or bring your own. Your teacher will guide you through the steps of painting out in the open air, while allowing you to put in your own style. Open to beginners and experienced artists!
How to register: No registration needed unless you’re purchasing supplies. Contact instructor to reserve supplies/register. Drop-in if bringing your own supplies.
Cost: 25.00 for all materials. Otherwise donation based or Food/drink purchases encouraged to support the teahouse nonprofit.
Donation link: https://square.link/u/hqlgjtg5 supports the teahouse nonprofit space

Location: Meet on deck in courtyard
Contact Instructor: Becca Burns rebecca.gg.burns@gmail.com
Becca Burns is an artist based in Johnson City, Tennessee, with a lifelong passion for creativity. She began creating as a child and had always been looking for her next project. Holding a degree in Biology, she combines scientific curiosity with artistic insight to better explore and understand the world. Her studies have taken her from her own backyard to the beautiful landscapes of France. Currently, she teaches art to Pre-K through 5th grade students in Kingsport, sharing her love of creativity and infusing every lesson with passion and expression.

Ukrainian language class (pre-register, limited seats available)
2029-12-05 17:30 - 18:30, 2029-12-12 17:30 - 18:30, 2029-12-19 17:30 - 18:30
Discover the Ukrainian Language: A Family-Friendly Journey of Culture and Connection Join us for an engaging experience in learning Ukrainian, designed for families and individuals alike. Our lessons are not just for adults; we welcome learners of all ages to explore the beauty of the Ukrainian language together. Whether you have Ukrainian heritage, wish to connect with friends, or are simply curious about new languages, this is a wonderful opportunity to dive into a rich cultural experience.
In our family-oriented lessons, you will explore: – Fundamentals of the Language: Start with the basics, including pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, tailored for English speakers of all ages. – Cultural Insights: Discover Ukrainian traditions, music, and cuisine, enhancing your language skills with cultural context that the whole family can enjoy. – Practical Communication: Develop conversational skills that allow you to engage with native speakers and navigate everyday situations with confidence. Together, we will create a supportive and interactive space where families can learn, practice, and grow. Embrace the beauty of the Ukrainian language and culture, and discover how it connects us all.
How to register: Purchase a ticket here https://square.link/u/UDcpoaPM
Sliding scale donation to support The Philosopher’s House nonprofit, please give at the level that is comfortable/sustainable for you. You can purchase multiple weeks if you prefer, or pay weekly prior to class, so we can save you a seat.
Cost: 5.00-15.00 sliding scale donation

Location: Drawing room, upstairs
Instructor contact: Rita Gregory at ritapaulgregory@gmail.com
About Rita Gregory:
I was born and raised in Ukraine, where I lived until I was 29. My journey with the Ukrainian language has been significant, especially given the historical challenges we’ve faced in preserving our culture and identity. For me, the Ukrainian language is a vital part of our existence and heritage. I am passionate about spreading my knowledge of Ukrainian and helping others appreciate its importance.

Chess Club
2029-12-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2029-12-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2029-12-19 18:00 - 19:00
Make new friends and play chess! This group meets weekly in the main room. All levels welcome.
Materials Required: None
Location: Main Room
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
How to register:Drop-in.
Instructor Contact Information: Joegumina@hotmail.com
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Mah Jongg
2029-12-06 14:30 - 16:30, 2029-12-13 14:30 - 16:30, 2029-12-20 14:30 - 16:30
MahJongg, Mahjong or Mah-Jongg or it is also referred to as Maahj, is a rummy-like game played with tiles versus cards.
There are several versions of the game, but each version typically falls under two broad categories- American Mah Jongg and Chinese Mah Jongg.
We will be playing American Mah Jongg soon at the Philosopher’s House weekly on Thursdays from 3:30pm-5:30pm.
Four players are at each Maahj table. Multiple tables will have separate games. Players will be required to have their own 2024 Official Standard Hands and Rules card from the National Mah Jongg League, Inc. This is the 87th year of producing the card and the game is quite popular. Players may purchase cards at the League’s website www.nationalmahjonggleague.org or they may also be purchased from Amazon. Recently, there have been a few concerns with the legitimacy of the Amazon cards. The cards are $15.00 and it may take some time to receive them from the League office.
It is not a difficult game but it does take time to learn. There will be a discussion of the game set up, tiles and card, rules, and strategy and then we will dive in for a practice run. Please feel free to join us even if you’re curious and wanting to observe and ask questions.
Any questions regarding the game may be referred to Julie at 423-557-6132. Please leave a message if I do not answer!
How to register: Drop-in, but weekly playing is encouraged once you decide to commit
Location: Living Room, 1st floor
Materials Required: 2024 Official Standard Hands and Rules card (purchase from National Mah Jongg League, Inc.) at www.nationalmahjonggleague.org
Cost: Donation to tea counter or 2.00-5.00 per person, or Food and drink purchases encouraged to support nonprofit space.
Instructor/Registration Contact Information: Julie at 423-557-6132. Please leave a message if I do not answer!

Advanced Level Japanese Language Table
2029-12-06 17:00 - 18:00
Come practice Japanese! This immersive group includes native English-speaking community members, native Japanese-speaking community members, and ETSU students in the Japanese language program. No expectations, just a relaxed time to practice your Japanese! While group members have varying levels of Japanese proficiency, all conversation will be in Japanese only, no English allowed!

Location: The Meditation Room, 2nd floor
Materials Required: None, conversation-level proficiency in Japanese
Time: First Thursday each month, 5-6pm
Cost: $2 suggested donation at tea counter or support with drink/food purchase.
How to register: Drop-in only. No registration.
Instructor contact information: Junko Arnold, tezuka@etsu.edu

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 1)
2029-12-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2029-12-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2029-12-20 18:00 - 20:00 | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, TN, 37604
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of tabletop adventure games, Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Beginner focused, no pressure gaming for ages 18+. Contact instructor for more information.
Materials Needed: None to start, see instructor for details
Where: Parlor space 2nd floor
Cost: 0-5.00 sliding scale suggested donation to support the space, OR food/drink purchase appreciated.
How to register: Drop-in permitted, first come-first serve so advance registration preferred. See instructor contact info below for registration. 8 person max
Instructor contact information: Sam at msixteenatoo@gmail.com

Ana Pana Breathwork Meditation
2029-12-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2029-12-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2029-12-21 12:00 - 13:00
Guided group meditation Fridays at 12. Open space for anyone looking to practice silent or guided meditation. Open to all. Beginners welcome. We will be focusing on ana pana/natural respiration/nostril breathing. Lots of silence, but some gentle guidance into the practice
How to register: Register through this donation button, or drop-in. https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Cost: Sliding scale donation to support teahouse nonprofit (2.00-8.00), all are welcome regardless of ability to pay. Food/drink purchases encouraged. https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd level
Organizer Bradley Dargan:
“I am a Yoga practitioner and instructor with over 15 years of meditation experience. Breath and mindfulness meditations have been an integral part of my wellness over the years, and I would love to share practice with anyone interested in meditation.”

Ride JC Meeting
2029-12-07 18:00 - 19:00
Ride JC helps all people be healthier and happier by educating about alternative transit and improving connectedness in the Appalachian Highlands. We encourage everyone to Bike, Walk, Bus, or Roll around their communities through group rides, educational classes, and advocating for infrastructure.
Join us for planning and organizing!
Materials required: None needed.
Location: Meditation/classroom space 2nd floor
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged
How to register: Drop-in
Instructor contact:

RideJCTN@outlook.com

Drawing and Tea Social
2029-12-08 16:30 - 17:30, 2029-12-15 16:30 - 17:30 | Game Room
*NOTE:Holiday hours will affect meetup. No Drawing and Tea Social on 12/20, 12/27, or 1/3/25*
We support and appreciate each other’s artistic journeys. We have weekly challenges, sketchbook tours, art mentoring and more.
When: Saturdays at 4:30 – 5-30p
Location: Game Room, 1st floor
What to bring: any dry art and dry materials you would like to work on (Pencil, charcoal, pastel are ok. Please refrain from bringing any glitter or wet medias such as ink or paint.)

Teahouse Closed
2029-12-10, 2029-12-17
Our normal operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 9pm and Sunday 10am – 7pm.
Be sure to check for occasional, special events held on Mondays.
Email us about venue rentals for special, private events.

Steeped in Stories Author Meetup
2029-12-11 17:30 - 19:00
Twice-Monthly meet up for local authors on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays: The goal is to be in community and encourage fellow authors on their current projects. We’ll do group feedback, discuss local events and collaborations, and have various discussion topics on the craft of writing, and the business of selling, books.
Feel free to drop in, but if you’d like to get on the email list to request feedback on a project or hear specifics about each month’s topic, email Molly McDonough at mcdonough.author@gmail.com.
The suggested payment for this event is a $5 donation to Philosopher’s House or the purchase of food or drink.
How to register: Drop-in OR email Molly to get on email list
Location: 2nd floor, drawing room
Cost: 5.00 donation at the following Steeped in Stories Donation or food/drink purchases encouraged.

Climate Cafe
2029-12-11 18:00 - 19:30
What is a climate cafe? Climate-minded friends & neighbors who come together to share what’s important and to build a stronger, safer world for us all! Climate Cafe occurs on the 2nd Tuesday monthly.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
How to register: https://linktr.ee/climatecafe_easttn
Instructor Contact Information: Chelsea Green, chelseagreencmi@gmail.com
www.anubeginningtherapy.com
Too often, our grief & anxiety around climate change lacks the community awareness, support, and rituals that would help us build resiliency. Now more than ever, we need places & spaces to share our ideas, our concerns, our fears, and our dreams. Gathering for these conversations helps us tap into a bigger network of support, like the trees & mycelium share resources in their underground networks.Climate Cafes are free 90-minute gatherings welcome to all because we know that when we engage in meaningful conversation and action in the context of a community, we grow our capacity to serve something bigger than ourselves. The Climate Cafe’s goal is to get more people together, in more places, talking about climate change in a supportive and welcoming space.
This event takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at The Philosopher’s House in Johnson City, Tennessee and is facilitated by Registered Climate Therapist, Chelsea Green, MA, LPC, CPA-NA.
Being human has always involved persisting through danger and uncertainty. By embracing our love for nature, for all plants and animals, and for humanity, even in the face of great loss and pain our grief can empower us to fight for a better future for all.

Fiber Arts Meetup
2029-12-14 17:00 - 19:00
Fiber Arts Meetup Do you crochet, knit, sew, cross stitch, or otherwise create any kind of fiber art that you can fit in a bag and carry with you? Then you are warmly invited to come and enjoy a session of sipping and crafting with us! Open to all skill levels in any portable fiber art, this meetup is an opportunity to spend some time making progress on your project of choice while connecting with fellow fiber artists. This meetup can double as a skillshare, so if you are great at something and willing to share your knowledge, or you’re seeking a welcoming place to learn, we would love to have you!
Location: Parlor, 2nd floor
Materials Required: Bring your own project
Cost: None-food and drink purchases, as well as donations directly to the tea house always encouraged!
Registration: Drop-in Instructor Contact: Krystal Clark freshstartfiberart@yahoo.com

Tree Keepers Johnson City meeting
2029-12-14 18:30 - 19:30 | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, TN, 37604
2nd Friday each month at 6:30pm
Monthly discussion group about climate change and urban forests. Ed Sheffey organizing.
Tree Keepers of Johnson City is a gathering of environmentalist,
naturalist, conservationist interested folks organized by local
consulting arborist, Ed Sheffey. Join us for information and to help
organize local efforts to make the world a greener and more equitable
space for the people around us and the ones that will succeed us.
Cost: Free and open to all. Food/drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit.
Organizer contact: Ed Sheffey 423.946.4085
Location: Living room/fireplace, 1st floor

Poetry Writer's Workshop #2
2029-12-15 12:00 - 14:00
*New group is FULL! Please email Kayla at nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com to get on waitlist.*
This monthly sharing circle is open to poets of all levels. Participants are encouraged to share their poetry in a friendly, constructive, and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees often discuss poetic themes, share resources and book recommendations, and discuss local poetry-related events. Occasionally, the group will offer a prompt for inspiration or have free writing time together. Contact facilitator for more information.
How to register: Advance registration required. See instructor contact below for registration.
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (through Parlor and down hall)

Materials Required: Writing notebook or laptop/tablet.

Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse at tea counter OR drink/food purchases encouraged.
Instructor contact information: Kayla Nichols at 423-571-2949, nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com

Knitting Meetup
2029-12-18 18:00 - 20:00
Knitting Circle:
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting to learn the craft, this gathering is the perfect place to indulge in your love for knitting.
We welcome knitters of all levels to come together for two hours of knitting and conversation. It’s a relaxed and open event, and the tea house generously provides the space.
While there’s no admission fee, we encourage you to support the tea room by enjoying their delightful teas and treats. Mark your calendar and let’s knit and chat over a cup of tea!
Location: Game room, 1st floor

Materials Required: Bring your own project

Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
How to register: Drop-in
Instructor contact information: Melissa Emmel at mjemmel@icloud.com
