4/22 - 4/25 Week in Review

BTS with filmmaker Justine and Rafael capturing Wednesday lunch making sessions

Hello Friends,

Word of the week: Contribution

We’re back from spring break and we brought the sunshine with us!

We kicked off the week with a visit to Lissy’s home in Tivoli, where she warmly welcomed us to forage for ramps and explore the surrounding landscape. While identifying local plants, we also learned about invasive species and the ecological damage they can cause. Lissy shared how she creatively repurposes invasives like the Japanese vine Kudzu by transforming them into beautiful wreaths, a thoughtful contribution to both sustainability and artistry.

Lunch on her porch offered a perfect moment to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Lissy served baked ziti, roasted asparagus, a green salad, and homemade ranch dressing made with the ramps we had just harvested! Over the meal, we swapped ramp recipes and learned how Lissy once sold ramps to local chefs, a nourishing and entrepreneurial contribution to her community.

In the afternoon, we continued enjoying the sunshine by making cyanotypes with Aurora. Using the fellows’ drawings and cutouts, we created artistic prints that will be showcased in our upcoming CPW exhibition. The strong sun caused a bit of overexposure a great lesson in process, adaptation, and creative flow. Each print is a unique contribution to our shared story.

On Wednesday, we returned to HRMM for another boat-building session, this time joined by filmmakers Justine Quart and Rafael Roy, who are documenting the experience. Their film will highlight both the hands-on building process and the deeper purpose behind our work at Place Corps.

Justine Quart is a Senior Producer and Director of Photography (DP) with a passion for telling powerful, character-driven stories that challenge perspectives and spark change. Justine brings a strategic and empathetic approach to storytelling. 

Rafael Roy, recently nominated for an Academy Award for I Am Ready, Warden, was once a student at ICP Teen Academy, where Lesly taught for 15 years. This full circle moment was a powerful reminder that every contribution in education, art, or community can ripple far beyond what we imagine.

That morning, our mindfulness circle centered on how each fellow contributes uniquely to the fellowship through humor, creativity, care, and presence. Justine and Rafael captured these reflections, along with scenes from our DIY Wednesday lunch prep and the exciting moment when fellows finalized the boat colors. We can’t wait for the grand reveal.

On set, Justine and Rafael brought a collaborative, respectful presence that allowed stories to unfold naturally. Their questions, quiet observations, and attentiveness offered an intentional and deeply skilled contribution to how our fellowship will be seen and remembered. We’re so excited to share the final film once it’s ready.

Wishing you a weekend full of contributions to nature, community, and yourself.

Have a good weekend,

Place Corps Team 

:)