Mayor of Carney - Marlena Hodson

Mayor Marlena Hodson

Don't you just love Carney? I certainly do. Of course the few months I lived in California helped me see Carney in a whole different light. In comparison to the West Coast, with all it's terrific traffic, strangers and crime, Carney looks like heaven on earth. Granted, we have our share of problems, but nothing so difficult they can't be fixed with some hard work and TLC. It does my heart good to drive down any street in town and know every person I meet.

On summer nights, sitting out in my back yard with the lights from the ball park reflecting off the pond. I can hear the cheers from the crowds, I get a lump in my throat, thinking about all the kids that have played ball on that field. The parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors generations that at one time or another have had their time in the stands, watching a promising player do battle with his bat. Tears fill my eyes, recalling the thrill of watching a ball sail over the fence and for a moment, the boy is a hero. It's a good feeling and I like it.

But that's not all I like about this town. I love Sunday mornings when people start showing up for church and the choir begins to sing. You know if your troubles are too heavy these people will help you carry your load. You can request a prayer and you will get one. Now, that's what I call service. But there is even more to this little town. Many of our sons and daughters have served in the Armed Forces. They defend their country but they fight for the folks back home. It's the faces of their sweetheart or wife, mother, dad and children that give them the courage to do their best.

We have a heart and we truly care about one another and I think most of us try to do our best, every day. We are probably not going to make any big mark on history, but if we can have a kind word and a smile for a neighbor, pay our bills, love our kids, say a prayer, try and get the yard mowed, as well as lend a hand once in a while, it's a life worth living.

An evil crept into our country and struck a deadly blow against our unsuspecting citizens, hoping to strike fear in our hearts and cause us to run like frightened children. They under estimated us. Every day we grow stronger. Their attack against our way of life, serves as a reminder of things we hold dear. This is true in every community in these great United States. It is certainly true in Carney, Oklahoma.

Great things are happening here. Friends and neighbors are coming together, rolling up their sleeves and doing what's best for out town. Rather than complaining about what we do not have or what needs repairing, or even what's wrong with out town, there's a new attitude. The citizens are taking responsibility for our own community. Carney is our home (and it is a wonderful little town) more people are realizing every day that what we make of it, is up to us.

There is a newly formed group doing needed repairs and clean-ups in town. Please, call them and volunteer. Everyone is welcome and appreciated. (contact Pat Merrill) Also Mr. Ramsey at the school has some great projects going on. Check with him, he may need some volunteers.

I hope you will join with friends and neighbors taking pride in our hometown and lend a hand when and where you can.

Marlena Hodson