The Philosophers House

Advanced Level Japanese Language Table
2027-01-07 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
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: $5 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 2)
2027-01-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2027-01-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2027-01-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2027-01-28 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: Drawing room space 2nd floor (walk through Parlor and down hall)
Cost: 5.00-8.00 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: Anthony at gudguygoku@gmail.com

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 1)
2027-01-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2027-01-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2027-01-21 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

PoetTEA; Open Mic Poetry
2027-01-08 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join members of the Poetry Society of Tennessee and the Philosopher’s House Writer’s Workshop for an evening of poetry and community at this monthly open mic night.
Second Fridays of each month from 6:00-7:30PM, with open mic sign-ups starting at 5:45PM. Spots are limited to 4 minutes per poet.
Co-hosted by various members of the Poetry Society of Tennessee.
Also be sure to check out our Poetry Writer’s Workshop held every other Friday at 3:30 PM at the Philosopher’s House if you would enjoy the opportunity to share your poetry in a more intimate setting and receive feedback. For more information about the Poetry Society of Tennessee, check out their website.
How to register: Drop-in
Location: Fireplace/living room, 1st floor
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit
Organizer contact: Contact Kayla Nichols with any questions: nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com / 423-571-2949.

¿Hablas Español? Spanish Language Club
2027-01-08 18:30 - 19:30, 2027-01-15 18:30 - 19:30, 2027-01-22 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

Drawing and Tea Social
2027-01-09 16:30 - 17:30, 2027-01-16 16:30 - 17:30, 2027-01-23 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

Steeped in Stories Author Meetup
2027-01-12 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Halifax)
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.

Mandarin Language Class
2027-01-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2027-01-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2027-01-26 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.
Instructor Steven Jenkins: I have studied Mandarin Chinese at several universities in China and lived and worked in China for a number of years. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to help people start their journey in learning Mandarin Chinese!
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: Heather at (208)215-6738 or Steven Jenkins (steven.jenkins@gmail.com)

Climate Cafe
2027-01-12 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Halifax)
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: Drop-in. Registration form available to fill out upon arrival.
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.

Chess Club
2027-01-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2027-01-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2027-01-27 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: Main Room
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
2027-01-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-01-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-01-28 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.”

Poetry Writer's Workshop
2027-01-15 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

Poetry Writer's Workshop #2
2027-01-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
*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
2027-01-19 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

Steeped in Stories Author Meetup
2027-01-26 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.
