1/19 - 1/23 Week In Review

Hello Friends,

Word of the week: Connection

This week, as we remembered Martin Luther King Jr., we reflected on connection, what we are linked to, and what draws us in, even during this frigid stretch of winter.

We kicked off our first volunteer session at People’s Place, a cornerstone of the Kingston community. Fellows sorted donations in two groups, witnessing firsthand the collective effort it takes to keep the space running.

Back in the homeroom, Josie shared her Nana’s chicken noodle soup recipe, and we prepared Puerto Rican rice and beans to enjoy during Table Talk, a meal rooted in care, culture, and togetherness.

We also hosted our first Mentor Meet & Greet! We are so excited to pair our fellows with amazing community members. Matches will be finalized next week, and we can’t wait to see how these connections unfold.

For Table Talk, Analise and Adrianna from Good Neighbor joined us. They shared their journeys and the connections that brought them to Kingston. We explored their zines, including a poem by Analise’s grandmother, read aloud to close our meal. Good Neighbor will also be joining us as a Service Study partner.

At Kingston Ceramics, fellows shaped pieces with intention on the wheel, preparing them for the kiln, each bowl or vase filled with care and creativity. We braved the cold for an O+ mural tour, learning about the artists and their stories, observing how color, shape, and scale create connections in our shared spaces.

For Field Day, we visited the Ulster County Archives, exploring the county’s role in preserving history and civic responsibility. Fellows saw artifacts like a Lenape wampum belt, a symbol of peace, and learned about a recent legal case with County Clerk Taylor Bruck, highlighting New York’s telehealth shield law. It was inspiring to hear about these decisions firsthand.

We hope your week, like ours, was full of meaningful connections between people, place, and purpose.

Have a good weekend,

Place Corps Team 

:)

TABLE TALK GUEST FOR NEXT WEEK: Charles Purvis

BIO: From 1985 through 2006, Charles Purvis was one of the top studio photographers in New York City, creating groundbreaking imagery for a wide variety of internationally known clients.

In addition to commercial assignments, Charles has created a large body of innovative photography inspired by a relentless curiosity and desire to uncover the creative potential of the medium to enhance our experience of visual perception. 

Through the years Charles has taught and mentored hundreds of people in photography, art, and creative expression. He understands the necessity of personal healing and is passionate in supporting people to realize their full creative potential. 

Charles lives and works in New York’s vibrant Hudson Valley, close to family, friends, and the ultimate creative force, Nature.