Johnston's Our Lady of Grace celebrates fifth Steak, Scotch and Cigars Night

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There was another vintage Rev. Peter J. Gower gathering Saturday evening at Festival Field located beside Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston.

It was yet another example of the popular priest bringing parishioners together amid a special social setting, replete with fine food and friendships.

It was, officially, OLG’s 5th Annual Steak, Scotch and Cigars Night, an event that was whitewashed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saturday’s gathering attracted a crowd of just under 100 proud parishioners who enjoyed char-broiled T-bone steaks, twice baked potatoes, broccoli, corn on the cob, salad and delicious desserts.

Add to that the personal touch Father Gower puts on every event he hosts at the Roman Catholic parish and it’s easy to see why upcoming events like the ageless OLG Feast and Festival that will be held in September could possibly have yet a record turnout.

“Nobody throws a party like Father Gower,” longtime OLG member Joe Grasso offered. “This is an excellent example of bringing people together and even this setting is special.”

Instead of having the dinner inside OLG’s Fioretti Hall, there was a large canopy tent under which were tables of 10 – with chairs, of course – where people sat and enjoyed the night’s classic camaraderie and caloric creations.

Add to that OLG mainstay volunteers like Joe Andreozzi, a man for all parish reasons and seasons who did everything from check in the night’s guests to sell tickets for the impressive 25-prize raffle, and veteran keeper of the bar Mecca Domenico, who kept up this drink orders and offered his usual personal greetings and “thank you’s” to people.

Likewise, another of OLG’s dedicated volunteers was skilled chef Mike Lombardi, who was ably assisted by upstart cook Nicholas Williams at the charcoal pit where they cooked steak after steak.

Boxes of premium cigars were on all table tops for those who smoke them as well as some munchies – a.k.a. red and white pizza chips – from Don DePetrillo’s famous The Original Italian Bakery.

“This was a huge success,” assessed Father Gower, while greeting and thanking the night’s attendees for their untiring parish support. “A good time was had by all and this was our largest attendance ever for our cigar night.”

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