OKC FRIDAY Vol. 59 No. 31 • One Section • 16 pages • December 12, 2025
$1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 50 years
People you should know
NHills issues $6 million in bonds By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
- Photo by Rose Lane
MARK FRIED Executive Director American Heart Assoc.
By Rose Lane Editor What’s the one thing you are deeply passionate about? I love identifying issues that need to be solved and helping others find solutions to solve those issues together. I’m passionate about working for nonprofits, such as the American Heart Association, which has a positive impact on people and communities. Have you been part of an effort that had great success, but people may not be aware of? In late 2024, a 35-year-old husband went into cardiac arrest and his wife rushed to his aid. She called 911, and the operator coached her through hands-only CPR. See PYSK, Page 3 (405) 606-2727
A Holly Dolly Christmas Aimee and David Harlow celebrate Christmas during Christopher Lloyd and Erik Salazar’s (inset) Holly Dolly Christmas party. Each year, Erik and Christopher choose a theme and follow it through with decorations, drinks, dress and much more!
Holt, Pallares file for OKC mayor Two candidates have filed to run in the City of Oklahoma City’s mayoral election, setting up a general election on Feb. 10, 2026. The candidates are: • David Holt (Incumbent) • Matthew Pallares. The mayor and council are nonpartisan, and members serve parttime at the head of the City’s Council-Manager form of government. The mayor’s annual
A legacy of kindness: Christmas dinner still brings OKC together By Mary Pointer Special to OKC FRIDAY More than 70 years ago, a simple act of generosity sparked a tradition that continues to warm the heart of Oklahoma City. Ernest “Red” Andrews, known for his big personality and even bigger compassion, invited a handful of people to share Christmas dinner. He hoped only to brighten the holiday for a few who needed it. Instead, he ignited a movement.
From that small gathering, the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner has grown into an annual celebration that now feeds thousands. Through decades of change, hardship, and triumph, the spirit of the dinner has remained the same: no one should feel alone on Christmas. Generations of Oklahomans have been shaped by this event. Many volunteers share memories from their own childhood, recalling the excitement of what they believed See DINNER, Page 7
salary is $24,000 and the council members’ annual salary is $12,000. The mayor, elected at large, serves alongside eight City Council members who represent each of Oklahoma City’s eight wards. Together, they comprise the Oklahoma City Council. Voting information All registered Oklahoma City voters are eligible to vote in the election. To find your polling location, look at
your voter ID card or use the Oklahoma State Election Board website at ok.gov/elections. The deadline to register to vote in the election is Jan. 16. Visit ok.gov/elections to download a voter registration application. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the primary election is 5 p.m., Jan. 26. Early voting for the general election is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 5-6.
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Chip McJingle has recruited backup! Meet Sis, our 7-yearold Border Collie and elite Goose Patrol Captain. Together they’re keeping Quail Creek Golf & Country Club safe from feathered invaders… and maybe sneaking in a treat or two along the way. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
The Nichols Hills City Council has approved an ordinance for the issuance of $6 million in General Obligation Bonds (GO Bonds). The money is to be used for upkeep and enhancement of the city’s infrastructure. The $6 million comes from a 2023 bond question approved by residents that included city projects estimated at just under $41 million. The city issues a portion of the funds authorized at amounts sufficient to keep ad valorem tax levies stable each year. “Our bond issues are issued in amounts that keep the city’s property tax levies stable,” said Nichols Hills City Manager Shane Pate. “However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a resident won’t see an increase on their property tax bill, which is assessed at a percentage of the assessed value of their home, and levies from various county entities, metro libraries and public school districts that can vary depending on separate elections.” The majority of the $6 million GO bonds issued are for city streets and the city’s water system. Streets will receive $4 million while the water system receives just over $1.4 million. The remainder of the money is See NHILLS, Page 7