A Holly Dolly Christmas Christopher Lloyd and Erik Salazar’s Christmas party was themed A Holly Dolly Christmas. At left: Christopher Lloyd, Casey and Marek Cornett, Brent Moss, Zachary Hunter, Justin Brannon and Erik Salazar. For more photos, see Page 2.
okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 59, No. 34
January 2, 2026
1 Section • 12 Pages
People you should know
— Photo by Candid Color Photography
The Bachelors Club of Oklahoma City’s escorts and debutantes presented at the 79th Charity Ball, which this year raised $55,000 for Focus on Home.
Charity Ball raises $55k TSINENA THOMPSON Community Volunteer Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Oh yes! I grew up in the carefree 60s when it was safe to play outside until the street lights came on. I had one older sibling, a brother who is eight and a half years older than me and we are extremely close. We lived in Heritage Hills growing up. He had a Schwinn 10- speed bicycle when we were kids before he could drive. He was maybe 14 or 15 at the time. He would load me up on the cross bar, I would hang on to the handle bars and off we would go, to Quick's on Classen, cousins’ houses, Memorial Park, Veseay's Drug Store, TG&Y, Rainbow Record's you name it! Of course my big brother was in a band and when band practice was at our house, and the kid sister wanted to hang around, she got to hang around or there was going to be no band practice. My brother took me to my first concert, the Doobie Brothers. Those kinds of memories can't help but stand out as being special standouts! What’s the one thing you are deeply passionate about? I am deeply passionate about people being treated fairly, respectfully and treated with kindness. Above all, just a smile is the easiest thing to do and can go so far without saying a word. Being courteous and respectful also go so far and can lift the spirits of those who feel unseen and unvalued. It doesn't take much, but it sure makes a difference. Now treating people fairly See PYSK, Page 10
(405) 606-2727
The 79th annual Charity Ball hosted by the Bachelors Club of Oklahoma City raised $55,000 for the local nonprofit Focus on Home and presented 27 debutantes according to a longstanding tradition. With the $55,000 donation, the Bachelors Club has raised more than $1.2 million ($1,220,000) for the Oklahoma City community since the club started hosting the ball in 1945. It has been held annually since then except in 2020. Bachelors Club President Joseph Harroz, son of Samia Harroz and Ashley and Joe Harroz, se-
lected Focus on Home as this year’s recipient and presented the donation to Joli Sanders, Focus on Home’s CEO and founder. Focus on Home helps families transitioning out of homelessness by providing donated furnishings and setting them up in new homes. These furnishings turn houses into comfortable and dignified homes. The organization helped more than 1,150 people since its founding in 2014, providing more than 4,650 beds and $4 million in repurposed donations. Harroz was involved in See DEBS, Page 12
2025 Bachelors Club President Joseph Harroz, left, honors club alumnus Sam Vinall with the Bachelors Club’s Walter M. Powell Outstanding Alumni Award.
2025: YEAR IN REVIEW
Fridaylanders give generously of time, treasures Compiled by Rose Lane Editor January The 78th annual Charity Ball hosted by the Bachelors Club of Oklahoma City raised $45,000 for the local nonprofit Cleats for Kids and presented 19 debutantes according to a longstand-
Ordinance to make city safer By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Nichols Hills residents who choose to ride their electric, gas powered, or other power sourced motorized vehicle on city sidewalks and park trails will now face an up to $260 fine after the city council unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting such activity.
ing tradition. Nichols Hills residents Robert and Karen Browne have donated $500,000 to the City of Nichols Hills to adopt Redbud Park along Grand Boulevard in the Oklahoma City suburban community. The adoption includes payment for the construction and ongoing maintenance of improvements to
be installed in the park. For her service and dedication to future generations, OKC FRIDAY names Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones its OKCityan of the Year. Alina Wilson, an alumna of See 2025, Page 3
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Harold is Whitley Crow’s 5year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He is the most fearless boy! He loves the water hose, but not the bath. Loves booty scratches, but not the brush. He’s the most sweetest, yet vocal boy I know! Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday. com.
See NHILLS, Page 11
OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 52 years