Once dinner was served at the second Women of Francestown dinner at the Francestown Meetinghouse Saturday, volunteer Judy Bitterli led the group in a toast.

“To the women of Francestown — past, present, and future. To the ones who built this town with quiet strength and steady hands, To the ones who speak up, show up, and lift each other higher. To the ones raising children, raising hell, and raising standards — sometimes all at once – may we continue to grow in community, in courage and in joy. Here’s to our stories, our bonds and our power May we never forget what we’re capable of. Cheers to us!” Bitterli said to cheers from the group.

Turnout was strong despite a winter storm warning on Saturday.

“I have a 1-year-old, so I am just very excited to get out of the house,” said Christina Magee. “This is such a great idea and such a wonderful event.”

Marsha Dixon said she was delighted to attend the event again this year. 

“They really do a great job. It’s so much fun to get out and see everyone. It’s really a nice turnout, ” she said. 

The Francestown Recreation Department hosted the dinner. The event was created in 2024 as way to honor the women of Francestown during Women’s History Month. The Francestown Recreation Commission voted unanimously to celebrate International Women's Month again this year by hosting a second dinner.  

“We started planning this evening in early February and started recruiting volunteers right away,” said Bob Bitterli, chair of the Francestown Recreation Commission.

Bitterli said creating the menu for more than 100 women was the most-challenging part of the planning.

“Of course when deciding on a menu, the men had to create a menu that they could actually prepare. The other item to consider was the budget. Each man that prepared a dish was also volunteering to cover the cost of the dish,” he said.

Bob Bitterli especially credits volunteer chef Brandon Slade, who provided and cooked salmon for 62 guests as well as created 104 salads. David Gleason and Stewart Brock prepared multiple hors d’oeurves for about 120 people for the 45 minutes of cocktails, and Town Administrator Jamie Pike and Silas Howe made more than 300 desserts. Little also baked all the bread.

“The 10 men that prepared the food joined another 15 volunteers to plate and and serve,  and together, they delivered a fine dining experience for over 100 of Francestown's women,” Bob Bitterli said.

Bitterli also thanked the many women who were instrumental in carrying out the event, with special recognition to chef Amanda Psaros.

“As many of the things that men do, once again,  this experience could not have been put together without the effort of key women. Martha Farmer designed the table settings, and Amanda Psaros, a member of the Francestown Recreation Commision, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure this event was a success. She helped recruit the off-site child care as well as locating those items that helped make the evening unique and special. Due to her contributions, Amanda was awarded her own tuxedo T-shirt,” Bitterli said.

Volunteer Pam Berry of the Recreation Commission said the “behind the scenes” crew made it all possible.

“Thank you to the Francestown men who cooked, served and entertained 100 Francestown women at last night’s honorary dinner, The ‘cocktail hour’ was fun, the decor was lovely and the food was delicious making it a delightful and festive event.  We would also like to thank all of the additional behind the scenes helpers that made this event so very special! Thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing you next year,” Berry stated on Sunday.