BY MELINDA J. OVERSTREET
GLASGOW NEWS 1
The 2023 T.J. Samson Women’s Conference included a host of activities and a trio of guest speakers.
Casey Sacia, a women’s health nurse practitioner, speaks about menopause at the 2023 T.J. Samson Women’s Conference on Thursday in Cave City. MELINDA J. OVERSTREET / GLASGOW NEWS 1
Nearly 500 people attended the event at the convention center in Cave City, taking part in health screenings, mini massages and shopping along with perusing informational and/or promotional wares and signing up for drawings as time for such things was woven into the schedule before and between those guests’ appearances.
Casey Sacia, a local women’s health nurse practitioner educated the crowd about “The Big M” – menopause – while providing a bit of humor to ease tension during the discussion of what can be sensitive subjects for many women.
Each year at the conference, two inspiring and deserving women are chosen to receive Sherri Shines Awards, which are given in memory and in celebration of Sherri Davis, an outstanding, much-loved employee at T.J. Samson who passed away following a brave battle with cancer. The winners get a complete makeover.
The buffet-style luncheon Thursday was topped off with a style show and the presentation of the Sherri Shines Awards to a community member and to a T.J. employee, who were featured in the style show and presented with a vase each filled with live flowers.
Keynote speaker LaDonna Gatlin entertained those gathered with her address, “Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh.” Gatlin, the younger sister of singing trio The Gatlin Brothers, shared experiences about how they got started with their career, her tough decision to change her focus and leave the musical group once she got married, and a few highlights since, lending bits of song and advice to the tale periodically.
As her presentation drew near the end, she began singing “That’s What Friends Are For” before transforming it with her own comedically plaintive lyrics to “That’s What SPANX Are For,” referring to the brand form-fitting leggings and other garments.
Wrapping up the day, local physical therapist Emily Bybee offered suggestions on “Strengthening Your Way to a Better Quality of Life.
Numerous door prizes were presented throughout the day as well.
Physical therapist Emily Bybee, on stage, speaks about strengthening the body at the 2023 T.J. Samson Women’s Conference on Thursday in Cave City. MELINDA J. OVERSTREET / GLASGOW NEWS 1
Scenes from the style show, including the Sherri Shines Award recipients, and additional speaker images are below. More photos from the event are available at PHOTO GALLERY: Additional scenes from the 2023 T.J. Samson Women’s Conference.
ALL PHOTOS BY MELINDA J. OVERSTREET / GLASGOW NEWS 1
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