“Look for the helpers. You will always find the good people helping.” said Fred Rogers. Here at Consolidated Cooperative we did not have to look too far to find our helpers, helping in more ways than one. Dan Bunyard, Systems Administrator, is one of those helpers. Dan is not only working his full-time job for the cooperative, but he is also recognizing that this is a time where others are in need and he has the resources to alleviate some of the stress they may be feeling.

Dan is using his 3D printer to print surgical mask tension release bands. These bands have been approved for clinical use by the National Institutes of Health. They take the straps of a mask off the healthcare workers ears and make it far more comfortable to wear during their long shifts.

So far, Dan has produced 85 of these bands and they are being donated to local hospitals to help those in our communities. The first batch is off to Mount Carmel St. Ann’s in Westerville.

Commitment to community is always our utmost priority, but at times like these, we recognize that the need is a bit greater than normal. Because of that, we are helping in the ways that we can, and we will continue to #PowerThroughTogether.

Are you a member of Consolidated Cooperative and want to know what’s happening at your co-op? If you missed President & CEO Phil Caskey’s live presentation of “The State of the Co-op,” you can watch a replay of the webinar here. Phil gives a great overview of where Consolidated has been, where it is now — and where the organization is going.

We hope you will take time to watch this hour-long presentation. If you have any questions, we invite you to give us a call at 800-421-5863.

In this time of crisis, our commitment to our communities is stronger than ever. We recognize that these are extraordinary times that call for all of us to respond with compassion and action. For that reason, Consolidated Cooperative will be offering free WiFi in certain outdoor locations across the counties we serve.  

You can now use Consolidated Free WiFi in the parking lot at Buckeye Valley High School. In the coming days, as other sites are equipped, we will update you with those locations on the COVID-19 Communication Hub section of www.consolidated.coop.

Access Consolidated Free WiFi by  parking at one of these locations and  searching for WiFi connections on your device. Select the “Consolidated Free WiFi” network name in the list of available wireless networks; in rare cases, you may need to type that name in manually. Our goal is to make free public WiFi available for those in our communities who face difficulties working, learning, and shopping as we all adapt to the closure of many public places. 

For everyone’s health and safety, as well as to provide the service to all who need it, Consolidated asks that people using our free public WiFi do the following:

• Take a minute to read carefully and agree to the Terms of Service that will appear after connecting to Consolidated Free WiFi. 
• Practice social distancing from vehicles and remain on site only as long as necessary. 
• Turn off vehicle engines to save gas, reduce emissions, and minimize the dangers associated with sitting in an idling vehicle.  
• Never leave children unattended in vehicles. 
• Understand that different locations may have varying restrictions and requirements that will be noted in the Terms of Service. 
• Recognize that neither Consolidated nor the hosting site will be providing any individual support. 

Much like using other public Wi-Fi networks, you will see a pop-up option or new browser window open with the landing page when you connect to “Consolidated Free WiFi.” On some devices, mostly mobile, there may be a pop up that says, ”sign into network.” 

Consolidated Cooperative is pleased and proud to partner with Buckeye Valley High School to provide safe and reliable Wi-Fi to our communities. Keep an eye on our social media and consolidated.coop/covid-19-communication for upcoming locations. 

For our Consolidated propane gas members:  If you are low on propane, we ask that you check your tank and call if you’re low, so you do not run out of propane.

For the safety of you and your family as well as our employees, please watch your propane gas level to prevent running out. Employees are required to enter the home to relight appliances in the event of an empty tank. We want to prevent this situation.

For cash on delivery members, please contact our member services team at 800-421-5863 to discuss options that will ensure you have a sufficient supply of gas.

Consolidated recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic could result in unexpected financial hardships for our members. So, we have decided to temporarily suspend disconnects for all Consolidated services that are due to non-payment. In addition, we will work to offer flexible payment plans and waive late fees for 30 days to those members who indicate an impact of hardship due to COVID-19.  

We do not want our members to have to worry about losing vital services and incurring late fees given the importance of those services in preventing the spread of the virus. We will continue to look for ways to support member needs during the pandemic. 

We ask that you understand that you will still be responsible for paying your bill, we are offering this as a way to help any member through this time of potential hardship.  Please contact our member services team to work out a payment arrangement, 800-421-5863.