Chess Club
2028-09-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2028-09-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2028-09-27 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax)
Make new friends and play chess! This group meets weekly in the main room. All levels welcome.
Materials Required: None
Location: Living room/Fireplace area, 1st floor
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged to support nonprofit
How to register:Drop-in.
Instructor Contact Information: Joegumina@hotmail.com

Guided Ana Pana Breathwork Meditation
2028-09-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2028-09-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2028-09-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Guided group meditation Thursdays 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) OR food/drink purchases encouraged.all are welcome regardless of ability to pay 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.”

Ukrainian Language and Culture Class
2028-09-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2028-09-21 18:00 - 19:00, 2028-09-28 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Hi everyone! My name is Alisa, and I am passionate about learning and teaching languages. I speak three languages, and English is my third one!
I was born and raised in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and moved to the United States at the age of 19 to start a new chapter of my life after the invasion of my country. I love the beautiful nature and the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere of Tennessee.
Since moving here, many people have asked me to teach them Ukrainian. Some want to learn the basics, while others hope to continue learning over time—so here I am!
In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of the Ukrainian language, including essential vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday phrases. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate at a basic level, hold simple conversations with Ukrainian speakers, and gain a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s culture and history.
I look forward to learning with you! 🇺🇦
How to register: No registration needed, drop-in
Cost: Food/beverage purchases OR 5.00 donation to teahouse nonprofit to support the space and help us continue to offer special programming like this.
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor
Instructor contact: Alisa at 423-460-2853 or pilipets.alisa@gmail.com

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 1)
2028-09-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2028-09-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2028-09-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 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

Poetry Writer's Workshop
2028-09-15 15:20 - 17:20 UTC
*This group is currently full, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist please email Kayla at nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com *
This bi-weekly 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

¿Hablas Español? Spanish Language Club
2028-09-15 18:30 - 19:30, 2028-09-22 18:30 - 19:30, 2028-09-29 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax)
*NOTE: First Fridays will be at a local restaurant outside the teahouse.* Please check here or text instructor for location the week of First Fridays.
Conversational Spanish with Laura and friends. This is an opportunity to practice Spanish with several native Spanish speaking people, and form a community with activities like potlucks, game nights, etc… while speaking/learning Espańol.
All levels welcome, even if you speak no Spanish!
How to register: Drop-in
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (except First Fridays which are rotating on location)
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
Materials required: Notebook if you prefer. No materials needed.
Organizer: Text Laura Lopez at 423-383-6547

Poetry Writer's Workshop #2
2028-09-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
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: Ben Luther at Benjamin.t.luther@gmail.com

Drawing and Tea Social
2028-09-16 16:30 - 17:30, 2028-09-23 16:30 - 17:30, 2028-09-30 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Drawing and Tea Social: 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: Tea Table, 1st floor
Organizer contact: Benjamin Abbott with The FADE Initiative. Email: benjaminabbott3@gmail.com or Laura Carlson at Laura@fadeinit.org
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.)
Seating is limited, and dependent on which room we will occupy: 10 people maximum can attend.
Learn more and RSVP at https://fadeinit.org/events

Tea and Tomes Book Club
2028-09-17 16:00 - 17:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Tea & Tomes is a Book Discussion Community with a twist: participants all read different books, selected from a common category, and then share insights with the group as a whole. All are welcome to join in the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Come eager to contribute, or just enjoy High Tea amidst Good Company.
1st gathering
Category: Children’s Book/YA Novel
Up-coming categories will be group-selected
How to register: No registration needed, drop-in
Cost: Food/beverage purchase encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit OR 5.00 donation at tea counter.
Location: Living Room/Fireplace, 1st floor
Organizer contact: Email rhodyjane@hotmail.com.
Upcoming themes:

August 16th
A book turned into a movie
(preferably where one has already seen the movie, but not read the book)
September 20th
An Epistolary=A book written in the form of letters

Mandarin Language Class
2028-09-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2028-09-26 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Description: Mandarin Chinese is the single largest first language in the world, with over 941 million native speakers, and has become an invaluable language for anyone to learn, whether they’re interested in engaging with Chinese business, learning more about Chinese politics, wanting to study deeper into Chinese culture, or just fascinated by language! This course will function as an absolute beginner course in Mandarin Chinese. Learning objectives will be to be able to read and pronounce pinyin, to learn very basic grammatical structures, very basic day-to-day vocabulary, begin to recognize and reproduce some characters, and be able to hold simple, introductory conversations. No prior Mandarin knowledge is necessary. If there are more advanced learners who would be interested in more advanced material, please contact the instructor.
How to register: Advanced registration is greatly preferred as class does have limited seating. See instructor contact for registration.
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged OR 5.00 donation at tea counter to support our nonprofit.
Location: Parlor, 2nd floor
Materials needed: A notetaking device (laptop, tablet, notebook, etc.) . We will be using Integrated Chinese Level 1; Part 1, 4th edition, which is available in print and eBook formats from several sources. You can also use a previous edition, as those are readily available and less expensive. We will use Simplified characters in the class, as that is used in Mainland China and elsewhere. As that series has both textbooks and workbooks, be sure to select the textbook. If you have questions about the suitability of a version, feel free to contact the instructor.
Instructor Contact Information: Please text Heather at (208)215-6738

Knitting Meetup
2028-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax)
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 for this monthly meetup 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

HUGs: Healing and Understanding through Grief Support
2028-09-21 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
HUGs: Healing & Understanding through Grief Support
HUGs is a peer-led monthly support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one due to chronic or terminal illness. We offer a safe, welcoming space to connect with others who understand.

Share experiences and explore emotions
Find encouragement and build connections
Learn healthy coping tools
No registration required — join anytime
Led by Caris Healthcare Family Services team

How to register: No registration needed. Drop-inCost: Drink/food purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit OR a 5.00 suggested donation at tea counter
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor
Facilitator Contact: Dayla at dayla.capallia@carishealthcare.com

More about Caris grief support group: https://carishealthcare.com/finding-healing-together-inside-our-hugs-grief-support-group/

Monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 2:00pm

Silent Book Club JC
2028-09-24 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax)
Last Sunday of each month from 2-4pm, unless otherwise noted
Join us for the Johnson City Silent Book Club‘s monthly meetup – in-person at the Philosopher’s Teahouse
Bring any book you want (or – they have an extensive donated library to pluck an impulsive choice from!) and order something to eat or drink.
The format: We start at 2pm, with the first 30 minutes spent informally getting settled and chatting, then an official hour to silently read together, then the last 30 minutes opened up for further friendly discussion if desired. (You can find the link on our Facebook page, if this option is desired!)
Materials Required: A book you enjoy reading
Location: Living room/fireplace area, 1st floor
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged
How to register: Drop-in

Instructor Contact Information: Emily/Katt Sikora at emilyskatt@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064632796037

Business Book Club
2028-09-24 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Welcome to our Business Book Club! The last Sunday of every month, we will meet at The Philosopher’s House at 6pm to discuss the current month’s book.

We will end promptly at 7pm (teahouse closing time) but feel free to come at 5:30pm get to know each other before hand. We want any one who loves learning to join us, drop in for only the books that interest you or put it in your calendar for all 12 months.

How to register: No registration needed. Drop-in
Cost: Food/beverage purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Location: Fireplace/Living Room, 1st floor
Organizer: Jenna Tamayo at 1jenna.tamayo@gmail.com
Our year of books:
January: Radical Candor
February: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team
March:The Innovators Dilemma
April: Good Strategy, Bad Strategy
May: Financial Intelligence
Juney: Psychology of Money
July: The 80/20 Principle
August: Unreasonable Hospitality
September: Net Positive
October: Hooked
November: The Hard Thing about Hard Things
December: The Slight Edge

Steeped in Stories Author Meetup
2028-09-26 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Monthly meet up for local authors on 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 Marvin.
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 Marvin: marvin@marvinlchoffman.com
Location: 2nd floor, drawing room
Cost: 5.00 donation at tea counter or food/drink purchases encouraged.

Vegan Potluck
2028-09-28 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Calling all vegans and/or vegan curious! Join us for a community potluck. Please bring ONLY vegan dishes to share.
Materials required: Vegan covered dish or dessert to share. Please list ALL ingredients on notecard to set next to dishes. Ice water provided. Please bring your own cutlery and plates to minimize waste.
Cost: Beverage purchase encouraged to support nonprofit OR donation to teahouse. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
How to register: Drop-in, come a bit early if you wish to order drinks at tea counter.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor.
Host: James Uraski juraski130474@gmail.com

Listen up Book Club
2028-10-01 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join us for this read-aloud book club at the awesome Philosopher’s House! For this read-aloud book club, no one has to read anything in advance, and there’s nothing to prep – just show up as you are, grab a snack or tea at the counter, and enjoy the weirdly wholesome community of a read aloud. I read the first part of a “classic novel” aloud for the group (one I’ve never read before!) – this would be perfect for listener crafts, mending clothes, or coloring books – but there will also be socializing before and after, and of course LITERATURE DISCUSSION (if you like).
How to register: Drop-in (feel free to bring a portable craft project, textile project, or?? to work on during this meetup)
Location: Living room/Fireplace, 1st floor
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse nonprofit OR food/beverage purchase. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate/purchase.
Organizer: Emily Katt at Emilyskatt@gmail.com

Follow/join the Listen Up Book Club page on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585915229733
