Editor:

Thomas Hospital and North Baldwin Infirmary Women’sBest had the opportunity recently to host the 8th annual Women’sBest Weekend in Orange Beach. It was a wonderful weekend of renewal filled with laughter and tears, education about health issues important to women, some fun programs, and relaxation that I hope gave the women who attended a much-needed respite from the everyday world.

The weekend could not have been possible without our very generous sponsors. We give special thanks to LuLu’s Landing, Morgan Stanley of the Eastern Shore and Silver Basket, our overall weekend sponsors. Additionally, we’d like to thank Women’sBest Award and Luncheon sponsors Marshall D. Shoemaker M.D., OB/GYN and Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals; Friday Night Girls’ Night Out sponsors, Medical Park OB/GYN, Ethicon, Women’s Health and Urology and Springdale Travel; Keynote sponsors Brown and McCool OB/GYN, Bayside Orthopedic and CPSI; Wine Tasting sponsors Baldwin Bone & Joint, and Homestead Village; Saturday and Sunday Breakfast sponsors Katherine Monroe CFP, branch manager, A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc. Fairhope and InSight Health Corp.; Health Screenings sponsors Cardiology Associates, Eastern Shore OB/GYN, Fred Diegmann OB/GYN, J. Thomas Inc. and Mercy Medical. In-kind sponsors were Eastern Shore Glass, Herndon’s Marketing Design, Nall Printing and Pinnacle Imports.

The education and exercise sessions offered throughout the weekend by leading speakers and presenters were very well-received. A special thanks goes to our nationally known keynote speaker Mercedes Ramirez Johnson; participating physicians Robert Brown M.D., Judy deLacee Corbett M.D., Ahmet Helvacioglu M.D., Lorena Hunt M.D., Daniel Matthews M.D., John McDonald M.D., Gary Nelson M.D. and Marshall Shoemaker M.D., Chef Ed Douglas, Certified Yoga and Pilates instructor, Kathy Finchum, and Bobbi Brown cosmetic team member Kelcie Frank.

We had a great selection of fun and informative booths in our exhibit hall, including some great shopping opportunities. Booth exhibitors included Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Bayside Orthopaedic, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics from Belk department store, Brown and McCool OB/GYN, Bruno’s supermarket, Cardiology Associates, Covenant Hospice, Ethicon, GLAM! Photography, Homestead Village, InSight Health Corp, Lopez Family Chiropractic, Lynwood Healthcare and Rehab, Mercy Medical, Montrose Bay Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Morgan Stanley of the Eastern Shore, Self Center P.C. and Springdale Travel.

Table exhibitors were Arbonne International, BaySide TimeSavers Inc., BeautiControl, Body Up Fitness, Fitting Designs, Four Seasons Photography, Linvites, Mia Bella Candles, MONA-VIE and Tender Loving Care Home.

Ladies also had the opportunity to participant in at least one free leisure activity during the weekend. These were provided, at no charge, by the following very generous people and organizations: Chair Massages by Chris Tregre with Spa Bella; mini manicures by Kim Coggins with Lords & Ladies, and Lisa Pinkham with Spa Bella; Karen Watson with BeautiControl; Reflexology by Beverly Walker; Yoga by Kathy Kitchum; Hairstyling by Bil Nabors and Patti McCombs with Posh Hair Gallery & Spa; Spray-on Tattoos by Debra and Patrick Carey with Sun Daze Tanning Studio; and Kelley Rogers, Natalie Wright, and Mindy Miranda with Fairhope Massage & Skin Care.

Jan Zuleger and Barbara Ingram with Chico’s in Foley provided the fashions and commentary for the ever-popular fashion presentation. Models were Renee Davis, Gayle Fogarty, Linda Hargroder, Jackie Isaacs, Bonnie McNiel, Charlette Murphy, Maria Rosso, Lisa Stanley and Nancy Ursprung.

As always, a highlight of the weekend is the door prizes. Grand prizes were donated by The Beach Club, Marriott’s Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa and Fairhope Massage & Skin Care.

In addition, items were donated by Andree’s, A-1 Vacuum & Sewing Inc., Analece, M&F Casuals, Fairhope Pharmacy/Christmas ‘Round the Corner, Cat’s Meow, Brenny’s Too, The Church Mouse, 4 Bags, Red or White, Luke Edward, Orleans Antiques & Gifts, In the Company of Angels, Utopia, Olivia’s Serendipity Shoppe, Sew Unique, Pet Haven, The Cut Hair Salon, Lyons Share, Whimsical Trends, Merle Norman at the Eastern Shore Centre, Chick-Fil-A, Curves, Uptown, The Tiger Lili, CK Collection, East Bay Engraving & Gallery, Clementine, The Picture Show, Town & Country, Stowe’s Jewelers, Honey Baked Ham Co., Page & Palette, Adrenaline, Buck’s Diner, Nancy Ursprung, The Village Style Shop, Village Peddler, Ooh La La, Prissy Pots, La Place Interiors, Tami’s Mask & Mirror, Kathy Lambert’s, Old Tyme Feed & Garden, Trade Wind, CK Collection and Hazel’s Market.

The overall success of the 8th annual Thomas Hospital and North Baldwin Infirmary Women’sBest Weekend belongs to a committee that works for many months prior to provide a wonderful experience for so many women. The committee includes Diana Brewer, Sue Calahan, Terri Cowles, Martha Davidson, Renee Davis, Gayle Fogarty, Linda Hargroder, Gwen Harper, Jackie Isaacs, Charlette Murphy, Alesia Porter, Maria Rosso, Lisa Stanley, Nancy Ursprung and Melita Willkie.