Need some gift-giving inspiration? There’s something for everyone on your list thanks to Bok makers!
Kara, founder of the Bok-based coaching practice Agency K, shares three mentalhealth tips to help you navigate the darker months with a little more warmth.
Agency K provides tools and coaching to better leadership of self and team.
agencyk.life @leadershiptarot
Remember, we’re essentially very fancy plants—so tending to your simplest needs makes a huge difference. Drink enough water, eat real food, get outside for light and fresh air, and give yourself consistent rest. When these basics are met, your body and mind have the foundation they need to handle everything else with more ease, clarity, and resilience.
How owner Rhonda Saltzman is serving up little moments of delight from her Bok kitchen, one babka at a time.
What is Second Daughter all about?
Second Daughter is about joy, craft, and community. We make pastries that feel special but still feel like home. Everything is made by hand with intention and with a lot of love for the people who walk through our doors. I started Second Daughter because baking has always been my love language—it is how I take care of people.
Why did you choose to open up shop in Bok?
We chose Bok during the pandemic. We were looking for a space and we heard a lot of “no’s” along the way. Bok was the place that said “yes.” That yes became the starting point for Second Daughter and it changed everything for us. The energy here is inspiring and genuine; there is a natural sense of sharing, helping, and lifting each other up.
Winter is an ideal time for reflection. Journaling or talking with a professional about your experiences does three key things: it reminds you of the positive or neutral moments you often forget, it helps release tougher emotions by getting the stories out of your head and into words, and it expands your sense of time, helping you see how much can happen and opening you up to savor more of life.
Children remind us that play is one of the easiest ways to learn— and a simple way to spark a little delight. It could be doodling, dancing a few steps, making up stories about dogs you see in the park, or any small creative or physical moment. Over time, these tiny sparks interrupt bad moods and strengthen your ability to shift perspective on whatever you’re facing.
What is your favorite menu item to make right now?
Right now my favorite thing to make is babka. I love rolling it out, filling it, twisting it, and watching the layers come to life in the oven. It is playful, satisfying, and the smell is incredible.
What are you inspired by this winter?
I am inspired by comfort this winter: soft flavors, warm pastries, and the idea of slowing down after a busy season. I am also inspired by growth, both personally and professionally. I feel excited to try new menu items and keep building a strong and aligned team.
What is new at Second Daughter this season?
This winter we are bringing in more savory options, plus fun seasonal cookies for the holidays, beverage specials, and breakfast sandwiches on Fridays. It feels like a season of trying new things and giving people more to look forward to each week.
How can people support your business?
Stop by the Rittenhouse farmer’s market on Tuesdays, come to the 4th floor during our retail hours, follow along on Instagram, and cheer us on every visit and every bit of encouragement really matters.
helloseconddaughter.com @helloseconddaughter
Our community’s nonprofits are making a real difference every day, and your generosity helps them continue providing vital support to those who need it most.
Art Sphere offers free arts education in schools and community centers. Support by donating or volunteering. Email info@artsphere.org
Mendelssohn
Chorus brings choral music to Philadelphia through concerts and community performances. Support by attending or donating. Visit mcchorus.org
Bottle Underground recycles glass and creates local jobs through sustainability programs. Support by donating, dropping off glass or volunteering. Email info@bottleunderground.org
Garces Foundation supports immigrant families with education and community services. Support by donating or volunteering. Email jillian@ garcesfoundation. org
Be ready to support your community, neighbors, family, and friends—and practice solidarity.
Más información aquí: Get more info on your and your neighbors’ rights at iAmerica
Girls Inc. empowers girls through programs that build confidence and leadership. Support by donating or getting involved. Visit girlsincpa-nj.org
CAGE supports Cambodian and Southeast Asian communities through dance, art and cultural programs. Support by donating or attending events like their Anniversary Dinner Party: bit.ly/CAGEParty
Mural Arts / Southeast by Southeast offers language classes and art programs for immigrant and refugee neighbors. Support by joining or getting involved. Email jeffrey.evans@ muralarts.org
To see the full list of nonprofit businesses at Bok, visit the Bok Community Directory on our website and sort by “nonprofit.”
The South Philadelphia Community Fridge is a volunteer-run mutual aid organization, which depends on a network of hundreds of volunteers to pick up donations of excess food, purchase food with donated funds, clean the fridges, and host events. Established in 2020, they’ve expanded to seven locations across South Philadelphia—with the one on the Bok stoop being their longestrunning fridge!
Sign up to volunteer, make a tax-deductible monetary donation, or donate food straight to your closest location—a little support goes a long way in the lives of our neighbors in need!
southphillyfridge.com @southphlcommunityfridge
Stay Calm. During immigration raids, ICE may question anyone nearby. There is strength in staying calm, staying together, and knowing your rights.
Right to Silence. Allies can support immigrants by being present, observing, and reminding everyone that they have the right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering any questions.
Educate. Practice these scenarios with family members, friends, or fellow Bok community members so everyone feels prepared and confident in exercising their rights.
You have constitutional rights:
• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave, and if they say yes, leave calmly.
• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.
Usted tiene derechos constitucionales:
and
• NO ABRA LA PUERTA si un agente de inmigración está tocando la puerta.
• NO CONTESTE NINGUNA PREGUNTA de un agente de inmigración si el trata de hablar con usted. Usted tiene el derecho de mantenerse callado.
• NO FIRME NADA sin antes hablar con un abogado. Usted tiene el derecho de hablar con un abogado.
• Si usted está afuera de su casa, pregunte al agente si es libre para irse y si dice que sí, váyase con tranquilidad.
• ENTREGUE ESTA TARJETA AL AGENTE. Si usted está dentro de su casa, muestre la tarjeta por la ventana o pásela debajo de la puerta.
Get into the holiday spirit at Bok’s annual Made @ Bok Winter Market! Browse seasonal goods, handmade gifts, and festive treats from local makers, artists, and small businesses. Whether you’re finishing your holiday shopping or just looking for cozy vibes and creative inspiration, the Winter Market is the perfect place to shop small and support your community. Open to all— come wander the halls and celebrate the season with us!
Lightbox Film Center is in the Bok auditorium every Wednesday and Sunday this winter! Philadelphia’s original neighborhood cinema has a new lineup of historically relevant and contemporary films that would otherwise not be screened theatrically in the city. Get your tickets now and check out the full lineup of upcoming events on their website.
• No deseo hablar con usted, responder sus preguntas ni firmar oentregarle ningún documento, haciendo uso de mis derechos bajo la Quinta Enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos.
• No le otorgo permiso para entrar a mi domicilio, haciendo uso de misderechos bajo la Cuarta Enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos, a menos que presente una orden de registro firmada por unjuez o magistrado con mi nombre, que debe deslizar por debajo de lapuerta.
• No le otorgo permiso para registrar ninguna de mis pertenencias,haciendo uso de mis derechos bajo la Cuarta Enmienda.
• Elijo ejercer mis derechos constitucionales.
•
• I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door. I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.
• I choose to exercise my Constitutional rights.