Johnston Democratic Committee Chairman enjoys ‘Pizza & Beer Night’ with Gov. McKee

PARTY PEOPLE: Gov. Dan McKee and First Lady Susan McKee are joined by Johnston Democratic Committee Chairman Richard DelFino and his wife Deborah of Johnston, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and her husband Patrick Ward during last week’s unique networking night inside The Guild Brewery Pawtucket.

Submitted photo

SUPER SUPPORTER: Long-time Westerly Democratic Town Chair Robert Ritacco enjoys a lighter moment with Gov. Dan McKee and First Lady Susan McKee during last week’s unique beer and pizza party in Pawtucket.

Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine

LOCAL LINK: Johnston businesswoman Vanessa Gonzalez is all smiles while joining Gov. Dan McKee during last week’s unique networking night held at The Guild Brewery in Pawtucket.

Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine

Posted Friday, March 25, 2022 10:35 am

By PETE FONTAINE

There was a unique night of networking two weeks ago inside the huge red-brick one-time manufacturing plant which was built in 1898 and now houses The Guild Brewery at 461 Main St. in Pawtucket.

Many people came from all corners of the state — from Woonsocket to Westerly and Glocester to Tiverton as well as Narraganset to Newport and beyond — per invitations from Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee.

“You and your fellow Democratic City and Town Chairs are cordially invited to a Pizza and Beer Night with Gov. McKee,” read the printed ticket. “The menu will be craft beer — brewed on site — and flatbread pizza. This invitation is extended to you and respective vice chair and other committee leaders as well.”

As Johnston resident Richard J. DelFino Jr., who is president of the Rhode Island Association of Democratic City and Town Chairs, explained: “This event is to give an opportunity to chairs and their spouses or significant others to socialize with each other, our Governor and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos.”

DelFino, who doubles as Chairman of the Johnston Democratic Committee and Municipal Court Clerk, delivered a brief but warm welcome saying, “Tonight is hosted by Gov. Dan McKee and First Lady Susan. Thank you for coming and please enjoy the evening.”

Meanwhile, DelFino — who was accompanied by his wife Deborah — also issued a huge thank you to Jeremy Duffy, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of The Guild Brewery for rolling out the red carpet to host the event. Duffy, people recanted, was once an executive with Duffy & Shanley Public Relations/Advertising, the Providence-based firm that first marketed the now extraordinary Big East Conference.

For inside of two hours, some 60 people enjoyed classic camaraderie and, as DelFino mused: “Some real good-tasting high quality craft beer, pizza and pretzels as well as important and interesting conversations with Gov. McKee and Lt. Gov. Matos.”

“This is the first time our city and town chairs group has done this,” DelFino said of the unusual yet successful event that featured representation from all 39 cities and towns in the state. “This has been a great opportunity for people to chat with our Governor and Lt. Gov. Matos.”

The night was earmarked with brief remarks from the Governor who spoke of his accomplishments while emphasizing his stance and support of small businesses throughout the state: “I’m a kid from Rhode Island who has been a Mayor, Lt. Governor and now Governor.” Later, he said he hopes to meet individually with the respective committees seeking their valued endorsements.

As DelFino explained: “The RIADCTC will vote to endorse both state and candidates for federal office some time in May, which is prior to the State Party Convention that will be held in June. The RIADCTC is a coveted endorsement because it will give momentum to candidates seeking the party endorsement and all city and town chairs have a vote at the state convention.”