Spring Newspaper 2020

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www.buildingbok.com

@buildingbok

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health & wellness

Ask a Therapist Winter blues edition

Winter is a drag. We asked two therapists at BOK about surviving the season.

Daniel Henry Wagner is a mindfulnessbased psychotherapist who specializes in depression, anxiety, gender identity, and sexuality. Rebecca Asch is an art therapist and licensed professional counselor providing a different approach to therapy.

What causes "winter blues?"

Daniel Henry Wagner: Another term for “winter blues” is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s believed that moods change as a result of decreased sunlight, which affects the body’s biological clock, serotonin levels, and melatonin levels, which can all lead to symptoms of depression.

What do you think are the best ways to combat seasonal sadness?

Rebecca Asch: Healthy habits are incredibly important, but it’s also important to create space to accept and feel the full range of emotions that this season brings. Listen to your body, mind, and heart; sometimes being in pajamas by 4:30PM, ordering in Mexican, and binge watching Netflix is what you need to do. We shouldn’t be afraid to embrace some of these behaviors in moderation. That said, if you feel like your rut is getting darker and deeper, consider contacting a therapist or psychiatrist.

In This Issue...

A sneak peek at what we're talking about this season As we are nearing the end of winter (fingers crossed), we’ve been thinking about health and wellness as a whole.

The cold, sun-deprived vortex that is January through March can be draining— emotionally, physically, and mentally.

In looking around the building, we realized how many businesses at BOK are promoting health and wellness and helping their clients look and feel their very best. KG Strong hosts smallgroup fitness classes (sometimes on the roof!) that empower their participants through strength training and a sense of community. Ohm Chiropractic (pictured above) offers holistic care and support groups for mothers and their children.

Franklin & Whitman creates vegan, crueltyfree skincare products that bring out the best in your skin. Inspired Brews produces small-batch seasonal kombucha, chock full of probiotics and B vitamins that keep you feeling good from the inside out.

In this issue, you’ll read about organizations like Bike & Build, which engages young adults in service-oriented,

cross-country cycling trips to raise money and awareness for the affordable housing crisis. You’ll drool over some of the healthy meals available at Miles Table, the new eatery in Dudley Central, and the selfcare magic of permanent cosmetics from Forever Valentine Beauty. The calendar on the last page will hopefully inspire you to shake off your winter blues and venture outside to attend events like our spring Open Studios, a vegan mac & cheese cook off, and more.

All this talk of health and wellness made us even more excited about Jefferson’s Hansjӧrg Wyss Wellness Center, coming to BOK later this year. The center will provide culturally sensitive primary care and social services to South Philadelphia, regardless of health insurance or citizenship status.

Additionally, SEAMAAC, a local nonprofit and community partner of BOK, will be providing social and educational services through the center. We are thrilled to be teaming up with these two amazing organizations to serve the immigrant and refugee community surrounding BOK.

Do sun lamps work, and if so, how often should you use them?

Daniel: Sun lamps work for many people struggling with SAD. They work by balancing chemicals in your brain that regulate your sleep cycle; these chemicals are affected during the winter months. Daily usage is recommended for desired effects. Talk to your doctor before using one as they may have adverse effects on people with specific conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

What are some healthy habits people can incorporate into their routine?

Rebecca: Create sleep rituals which could include limiting cellphone usage an hour prior to bed, taking baths, and using essential oils. Make sure you are eating balanced foods that meet nutritional goals. Stay physically active (even better if you’re outside). Connect with your community and loved ones.

Are there ways to avoid the winter blues altogether?

Rebecca: Relocate to a beach house in Costa Rica? Not everyone experiences seasonal affective disorder, but if you do, remember that this is a chemical shift and you are not “lazy” or “weak." danhenrywagner.com

rebeccaaschlpc.com

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Treat Yourself BOK does beauty

There are lots of ways to feel good about yourself: eating well, exercising, getting a decent amount of sleep each night (it's hard...there's so much good TV right now!). But sometimes you just need to treat yourself. BOK is full of businesses specializing in products and services that can make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Sabbatical Beauty Sabbatical Beauty was inspired by, well, a sabbatical. Adeline Koh entered the beauty scene from academia after feeling dissatisfied with skincare products on the market. Inspired by the DIY scene and her research-heavy background, she began making her own skincare and was amazed by the results.

With the hints of spring come the desire (need?) to give your skin a reset. For an instant pick-me-up, Adeline recommends her Camella Gold beauty oil, which contains camellia japonica oil, algae oil, and real 24 karat gold that instantly dissolves into your skin for an amazing glow up. www.sabbaticalbeauty.com

NaturAll Club Muhga Eltigani started her company, NaturAll Club, after becoming frustrated with commercial hair products that left her hair dry and brittle. She learned that many of these products contain harmful ingredients that damaged her hair rather than nourish it. She began making her own products in her college dorm room and the rest is history!

If you are looking to up your hair game in time for spring, try NaturAll Club’s signature Avocado Collection with products that are nutrient rich and chock-full of fresh avocado and natural oils. The Fresh Avocado Deep Conditioner will leave your curls soft, moisturized, and shiny. www.naturallclub.com

Forever Valentine Beauty Kelly Haney spent 20 years in the makeup industry before founding Forever Valentine Beauty (FVB) in 2016. Based on her reputation and results, FVB is now home to a team of renowned full-time female employees committed to the mission of empowerment.

Getting out of bed is nearly impossible, right? Maximize your shut-eye by minimizing the time you spend getting ready with FVB’s permanent cosmetics. They specialize in “I woke up like this” energy, offering services like microblading (bye bye brow pencils), lash extensions (sayonara mascara), and lip blush (au revoir lipstick). www.forevervalentinebeauty.com

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Goodfor-theSoul Food Selections from BOK's newest eatery

Miles Table's newest location right here at BOK is bringing breakfast and lunch goodness to the neighborhood! We asked them to share a few healthy options that can keep you feeling good (plus a little fried chicken, because sometimes treating yourself really is the best form of self-care). www.milestable.com

Veggie Avocado Wrap This simple wrap will kick-start your afternoon. 3 o'clock blues, who?

Molly Salad Looking for a light lunch option to keep you going through those afternoon meetings? Their Molly Salad is packed with superfoods to give you that mid-day boost.

Chicken & Waffle The southern fried chicken on a fluffy buttermilk waffle will satisfy your sweet and savory taste buds. Be sure to catch this special while it's in rotation!

On the Road Again Active trips for the restless

Sometimes the best way to get out of your winter rut is to simply get out of town. These two BOK businesses offer inventive, active trips across the US. Shake up your routine and make some new friends along the way.

Highline Founded in 2017 by JT Kane and Ryan Callahan, Highline was born from a desire to spend less time at a desk and more time on the trail. The company organizes active adventures with one-of-a-kind, all-levels, trail running trips to some of the world’s most beautiful places.

Bike & Build The nonprofit Bike & Build organizes cross-country and regional bicycle trips with a social mission. Teams of 30 young adults travel across the US, stopping to trade their bikes for hammers by volunteering for affordable housing groups.

Check out some of their upcoming trips at www.highline.com.

Their applications are open for this summer! Visit www.bikeandbuild.org to learn more.

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SPRING EVENTS @ BOK MARCH

Warmers 07 Winter's Saturday, March 7th 2PM-5PM 1901 S. 9th St.

Come join the 8th Annual Winter's Warmers Chili and Home Brew Competition!

There will be all-you-caneat chili samples and the chance to help determine the highly-coveted People's Choice award for the best damn chili in Philly!

Ticketed

Award 14 JMB Fundraiser

Saturday, March 14th 6PM-8PM 821 Dudley St. Savor appetizers, enjoy a cocktail, and sip wine, all while supporting Philadelphia’s “girls with grit.” The JMB Award is a women-led, Philly-bred, all volunteer nonprofit empowering girls with financial support towards college or other postsecondary school initiatives.

Ticketed

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Liberty Flea Market

Fare 21 Winter Saturday, March 21st 10AM-2PM 821 Dudley St.

Sunday, April 19th 12PM-5PM 1901 S. 9th St.

Winter Fare is a popup local food market where you can shop for meats, breads, produce, mushrooms, ciders, apples, cheeses, and more!

Join us for a truly unique handmade marketplace, featuring over 55 weird & spooky artists and crafters!

Ticketed

FREE!

28 Saturday, March 28th Feminist Flea 11AM-6PM 1901 S. 9th St.

Feminist Flea is a space created by and for womxn, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming folx. For $5, you can shop over 100 vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, art pieces, home goods, and much more. Ticket proceeds benefit WOAR (Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence).

Ticketed

Down: 25 Mac Vegan Mac +

Cheese Cook Off Saturday, April 25th 11AM-5PM 1901 S. 9th St.

This annual vegan mac and cheese contest is back and bringing NEW flavors with it!

Ticketed

to Be 26 Free Summit

Sunday, April 26th 9AM-5PM 1901 S. 9th St.

APRIL

The Free to Be Summit, an extension of Naked Networking, is hosting a day full of activities, speakers, panels, and unique exercises.

Studios 04 Open Saturday, April 4th 12PM-4PM 1901 S. 9th St.

Liberty Flea is a collection of the top vintage and artisan vendors in the Philadelphia area, offering antiques, home decor, furniture, vintage clothing, and more!

Come take a peek inside the building, catch up with tenants about what new and exciting things they've been up to, and learn more about the redevelopment of Bok. Enjoy building-wide open studios featuring artists and jewelers, wood workers and weavers, a small-batch Korean skincare company and more!

Ticketed

FREE!

Saturday, March 21st 10AM-5PM 1901 S. 9th St.

Craft 19 Darksome Market

Ticketed

for more info

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Get more info on event details, ticket purchasing, and everything else you'll need to know to attend these awesome events at: buildingbok.com/calendar

For the latest and greatest, follow us on Instagram @buildingbok and check out our website www.buildingbok.com.

PRODUCED + DESIGNED BY scout

PHOTO CREDITS

ILLUSTRATION

Chris Kendig, Sweetwater Portraits, Mike Persico, Bradd Eeles, Matt Stanley

Liz Koval