Rain was pelting the windows of the 4:15 train from GCT to Cold Spring as I headed to Blue Nights at Cro’ Nest on Lower Main Street. Only light drops remained as I set off to the volunteer event sponsored by the Philipstown Democratic Committee; I wondered if we’d have any takers.

As it turned out, the horrendous thunderstorm and accidents on Rt. 9 did not deter our intrepid volunteers. Cro’ Nest provided an attractive cheese and fruit plate, the Wednesday night regulars carried on amidst our gaiety, and even some hopeful tourists poked their heads in. Isabel Danishmend, Yvette Valdés-Smith’s staffer, was there, as was Ben Johns, the “Coordinated Campaign” representative, along with Nancy Montgomery, our elected member of the Putnam County Legislature. Janice Hogan, Philipstown Dems chair and her husband Adam, Shelley Gilbert, and Dinky Romilly completed the Philipstown Dems contingent. Shelley’s lovely grandson, Samuel and I made tastings of the cheeses on offer.

Eight enthusiastic volunteers joined us. We shared information from the campaigns of Mondaire Jones, Yvette Valdez-Smith, Nancy Montgomery, and Dana Levenberg. Janice and Ben provided a tutorial on the installation and use of the MiniVan canvassing app. Several volunteers agreed to join my team as “first-time canvassers” as we roll toward election day. We also secured folks for postcarding, phone calling, and writing Letters to Editors.

It was a productive and jolly evening. I look forward to the next Blue Nights!