This past week has been for me a time of mixing and mingling with people — ppeople who are contributing members of our society and way of life.

It has been very rewarding.

On Monday I had lunch with Elmore Mayor Mark Carter and his wife, Gwen.

Elmore is a small community in west Elmore County that has little or no tax base but many wonderful citizens.

Mayor Carter faithfully serves his community without pay and is always pursuing some project or doing some deed to help his fellow citizens.

His wife, Gwen, serves as Town Clerk and is right there with him seeking the best for this small community.

Monday evening I was in Rutledge to present a $10,000 check to Mayor Joe Dexter Flynn and the Rutledge City Council to assist them with their local infrastructure needs.

This is another small community with leadership who are constantly trying to upgrade the quality of life for its citizens.

Tuesday morning I participated in a program acknowledging and saluting the firemen and policemen of Prattville for their efforts in successfully saving the Prattville High School from considerable destruction by fire.

The ceremony was attended by over 1,000 local citizens, students

and honorees.

It was a very moving experience.

As Americans we instinctively look for the silver lining in all dark clouds and if any good thing has come out of the 9-11 tragedy it is the national focus on the men and women in the field of public safety who put their lives on the line for each of us every day.

The citizens of Prattville, in recognition of such efforts locally, paid a fitting tribute to our men and women in blue and red.

Tuesday afternoon I had the privilege of delivering the keynote speech at the dedication ceremony for the Tenaska Generating Station in north Autauga County.

This electricity generating plant is the first large-scale combined cycle project to be built by a non-utility in Alabama.

It will be a significant factor in attracting new industry to our state and is a provider of substantial new revenue for Autauga County.

Tuesday evening I attended the annual benefit dinner for Faulkner University at the Civic Center in Montgomery.

The speaker was Bob Arnot who is a leading foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Dr. Arnot shared his views on the strength of the Taliban at this stage in the war against terrorism.

He feels strongly that the American military force in the Middle and Far East is strong and is fully capable of accomplishing the mission of overthrowing the Iraqi government.

Dr. Arnot’s address brought the entire situation &uot;closer home&uot; to those of us who had the opportunity to hear his message.

We can all be proud of our men and women who serve in our armed forces.

They are doing a splendid job.

On Saturday I went to the Auburn-Arkansas football game and joined many constituents and friends from our area at a legislative brunch prior to the kickoff.

It was good to see so many Auburn people from every county in the state and it was most helpful to be exposed to the current state of Auburn University.

Dr. Walker and others did a splendid job outlining the needs of the University and the legislative program anticipated in the next regular session.

On Thursday evening I was in Greenville for a fish fry that was attended by several hundred people.

Several candidates for public office spoke at this event and I was given this opportunity by the master of ceremonies, John Andrews, to thank the people of this senate district for my privilege of serving as your state senator for many years now.

The food and fellowship was outstanding and it was good to see and visit with many community leaders from Butler and Crenshaw Counties.

Another good outing was my visit with the Stanhope Elmore quarterback club members in Millbrook.

This was my first time to meet with them and it was evident they have an outstanding group of men and women supporting their fine athletic program at Stanhope Elmore High School.

My hosts were Dana Crawford, an officer in the club, and Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley.

Next week promises to be equally rewarding with at least seven known opportunities to mix and mingle with more good people.

I look forward to reporting to you on those visits.

In the meantime, remember, I’ll go with you or I’ll go for you&uot; to help you solve any problem related to state government.

You can reach me by mail at P O Box 225, Luverne, Alabama 36049 or call me at 334-242-7883.

Senator Wendell Mitchell can be reached at 334-242-7883, or by writing to P O Box 225, Luverne, Alabama 36049.