A Bio-diesel Processing system was purchased through a CMAQ grant from FHWA at 100% federal funding. Pat Hickey, General Manager of Clarksville Gas and Water, has housed it at the Wastewater Treatment Plant under the direction of Mike Gray, Assistant Plant Manager.

The system will convert used restaurant and household vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel which will be used to operate public transit vehicles and other local government vehicles. This initiative will bring about cleaner air, less oil and grease in our sewer lines and lower fuel costs. Currently Gas and Water has agreements with 12 businesses in Clarksville to collect their used cooking oil. The following businesses are currently participating in the program:

1. Riverview Hotel
2. Walking Horse Meadows
3. Sonic Drive In
4. Spring Meadows Health Center
5. West End Bar & Grill
6. Ajax Turner Senior Center
7. Mary’s Saddle Club
8. Jade Dragon
9. Manzanillo Mexican Restaurant
10. Ursery Enterprises
11. The Looking Glass Restaurant
12. Clarksville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Businesses interested in donating their used cooking oil are asked to call Mike Gray at (931)-645-7495. The Gas and Water Department will bring a collection barrel for the business to use as a depository. CGW will collect the used oil weekly or as needed. Each business that participates in the Green Initiative will be recognized and receive a certificate signed by Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper and Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers.

The AARP Board meeting will be held October 7 in the conference room of Regents Bank on Second Street. The agenda includes Christmas planning, and chapter plans for service to the Palmyra Health Care Center.

The Chapter will also partner with the Ajax Turner Senior Center to provide free cataract screenings to be administered by Loden Vision Center on November 12 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.  A total of 16  fifteen minute slots, eight for the senior center and eight for AARP, will be offered. Candidates for the screening must be 50 years of age, and not have had prior cataract surgery. Symptoms may include blurred vision, glare, haze, and nighttime visual difficulties. For more information or to make an appointment for one of these exam slots, call David Cook at 931-645-3370 or the Senior Center.