Juliette Low Leadership Society Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma hosted the 22nd Annual Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon. Ameilia Rose Earhart spoke of her trip around the world in a single-engine plane and encouraged those in the audience to follow their dreams. At left: Liz Eickman and Gayle Semtner attend the event. At right: Luncheon Co-Chairmen Joy LaBar and Debbie McKinney. For more, see Pages 12 & 14.
OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 59, No. 43
People you should know
March 6, 2026
1 Section • 14 Pages
NHills approves $75k contract extension By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Council members in Nichols Hills have approved a $75,000, five-month contract extension with the Gooden Group, an Edmond-based public relations firm, to provide public relations services to the city.
The city is to pay a monthly retainer fee of $15,000 through June 2026. The fee is based upon 60 hours per month at $250 per hour and is billed in advance at the beginning of the month to cover projected services. Crisis mitigation services are to be addressed on a situational basis at an hourly rate of $285.
“This is a renewal of the agreement we approved six months ago. The Gooden Group has done a phenomenal job,” said City Manager Shane Pate during the February City Council meeting. “You’ve seen the Town Talk newsletter, you’ve seen the annual See NHILLS, Page 2
Village Councilman Symes honored by Northwest Chamber By Eric Oesch Staff Writer TAMMY POWELL President SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital and Bone & Joint Hospital Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I was born and raised in southern California. I moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma when I was 14 years old. It was the best experience. I loved the small-town atmosphere, the people and Oklahoma values. My favorite memories of that time include softball, Friday night football and dragging main street. What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was very young, I always thought I wanted to be a teacher because I liked to grade papers! What are you most passionate about professionally? I am most passionate about access to healthcare for all Oklahomans. In 2020, we worked tirelessly to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma. I am very proud of this work as it provides healthcare coverage that did not previously exist. Has your definition of success changed as you’ve developed your career? See PYSK, Page 7
(405) 606-2727
Chris Moroz, co-chairman of the Northwest OKC Chamber, presents Village Councilman Bubba Symes with the Civic Champion Award during ceremonies held recently at Gaillardia Country Club.
Village City Councilman Bubba Symes was honored with the Civic Champion Award presented last week by the Northwest OKC Chamber. Symes received the award during the annual Evening of Accolades event at Gaillardia Country Club where he was recognized for his service to the community. He was nominated by The City of The Village. Symes has served as Ward 2 councilman, mayor, vice mayor, and on numerous committees for the City of The Village during his tenure as a public servant. He has been employed by Price Edwards & Co, Construction Division for the past 40 years. “Bubba has served on the City Council of The Village for over 23 consecutive years,” said City Manager Dave Slezickey in his nomination statement. “His leadership and vision over the past two decades have positioned our community to enjoy the benefits that we receive today. See SYMES, Page 7
OMRF dedicates new center to study brain diseases An $8.25 million donation from Herman Meinders and The Meinders Foundation has transformed an unfinished floor in the Oklahoma Medical Re-
search Foundation’s research tower into a hub for studying brain diseases. OMRF scientists and Board members, along with members and rep-
OKC Beautiful honorees named OKC Beautiful’s annual Distinguished Service Awards is an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations working to improve the beauty and environmental sustainability of Oklahoma City. The 2026 Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon is set for March 26 at 11:30 a.m. inside the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The individuals and groups being honored represent those in Oklahoma City working to
resentatives of the Meinders family, dedicated the new center. In the center, OMRF researchers investigate brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and
Alzheimer’s, with the ultimate goal of helping to improve the therapeutic landscape for these conditions. See OMRF, Page 3
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Teddy is the craziest, silliest and sweetest little guy around! HIs parents are Karen Jarvis and Brent Colgan. They think he is a terrier/ schnauzer mix. They rescued Teddy from Happy Dog Farm with the help of founder Patty Lane. “We love him dearly,” they said Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
See AWARDS, Page 13
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