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Vol. 60, No. 14
People You Should Know
Dr. AMAZIAH “DOM” DOMINIC Ph.D. I/O Psychology President Community Literacy Centers Board of Directors Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. One of my favorite childhood memories is from the time when my father was a church minister. Every Sunday, our family attended church together and participated in the church’s activities. After the morning service, we would return home and share lunch as a family before going back to church for my father to preach the evening service. Those were simple but meaningful times. They gave me an early appreciation for faith, family, loyalty and the importance of supporting one another. Looking back, I realize how much those Sunday traditions helped shape the values that have guided me throughout my life. What did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I was always drawn to the military and martial arts: both required self-awareness, discipline, leadership, and a commitment to helping others. I was fascinated by the strength of character, confidence and sense of purpose they represented. Those early interests eventually became defining threads throughout my life, influencing my military service, martial arts career, professional work, educational journey, and community involvement. What began as childhood admiration ultimately developed into a lifelong commitment to service, personal growth, and helping others reach their full potential. See PYSK, Page 12
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August 14, 2026
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NHills extends contract for PR services By Eric Oesch Staff Writer The Nichols Hills City Council voted to extend its contract with the Edmond-based public relations firm Gooden Group for Fiscal Year 26-27. The city is to pay Gooden Group $17,500 per month through June 2027. The fee is based on 70 hours a month at $260 per hour and billed in advance each month to cover pro-
jected services. Gooden Group can provide crisis mitigation services on a situational basis at an additional hourly rate of $285. The retainer does not cover media training, developing a crisis communications plan or tabletop exercises for crisis preparedness. These services are available for an additional fee. Gooden Group continues to oversee the city’s newly-revived Town Talk Newsletter, the city’s
social media and website, and supervise city reports, utility bill flyers and new resident welcome packets. In addition, the firm provides weekly reports capturing broadcast, online and print mentions pertaining to Nichols Hills and be on call for media management and relations. “The City of Nichols Hills is pleased with the Gooden Group’s work over the past year,” said See NHILLS, Page 3
With the start of OKC schools, many of our local pools have returned to late afternoon and evening hours. Maggie Watson is the aquatic manager at the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club. Here, she waits for the afternoon crowd to trickle in.
Sun is setting on summer
- Photo by Rose Lane
City is cooking with even more gas By Eric Oesch Staff Writer City officials in Nichols Hills are one step closer to having an all CNG fleet of sanitation refuse trucks with the purchase of a 2027 Freightliner CNG sanitation refuse truck with a Leach 25 cubic yard packer body. Officials expect delivery of the new vehicle in six to eight months. Council members approved expenditures of $173,415 for the purchase of the refuse truck and $187,560 for the packer body. The equipment were purchased with 2024 and 2025 general obligation (GO) bond funds. See CNG, Page 3
Debutante tradition returning to OKC By Rose Lane Editor The deadline is Sept.15 for those wishing to take part in the the inaugural OKC Debutante Court. In 1945, as the world
looked toward a new era of peace and prosperity, distinguished philanthropists Eleanor and John Kirkpatrick established a tradition designed to celebrate the grace, character and spirit of Oklahoma
Anderson to leave OKCMOA The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) announces the departure of President & CEO Michael Anderson, PhD. This fall, Anderson transitions into his new role as the Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Director of the Portland Art Museum (PAM) in Portland, Ore. Anderson, who has been with OKCMOA since 2014, was appointed interim president and CEO in July 2019 and named president and CEO in January 2020. In his time at the museum, Anderson has led the organization through a period of sustained
City’s emerging community leaders. Now, 80 years later, the inaugural OKC Debutante Ball announces the reintroduction of a modern-day debutante tradition to the Okla-
homa City metropolitan community and the state of Oklahoma. Nomination forms must be completed by nominators and are available at See DEBS, Page 2
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week This is Bucko Jacques Buthion whose parents are Daniel and Olivia Buthion. He is a 5-monthold Maltese mix (so we think). We were told he was a Shih Tzu when we decided to bring him home but clearly that was not totally accurate. Bucko is full of energy, wants to play constantly and loves to eat his brother’s cat food after he has already eaten. His training is going well and has already mastered sit and stay. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
See MOA, Page 10
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