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. 

We’ve begun a new thing. Consolidated Cooperative now has a podcast called, “Consolidated Connections.”  

We’re a little new at this, and we’re just getting started, but we’re excited to offer another way for you to learn about Consolidated Cooperative and its services. We hope you enjoy our first two episodes. We have many more in store for you. Please feel free to add comments or feedback in the comments section. Thanks for tuning in!  Click to listen…

Mount Gilead, Ohio — Consolidated Cooperative’s Economic Development Executive, Brad Ebersole, was recently recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions to the Rotary Club of Delaware. Brad, a Rotary member, received the honor because of his support for the Delaware Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraiser, Taste of Downtown Delaware.

This was the fourth year for the event that benefitted two local organizations:

• Delaware County Hunger Alliance
• Delaware Rotary Club Foundation

The Delaware County Hunger Alliance helps local food pantries, assists with mobile pantry distributions, and spearheads many other projects to help feed those in the community who are without enough food to eat. The Rotary Club of Delaware has donated more than $40,000 to the organization over the past four years. This year, Rotary members presented Delaware County Hunger Alliance with a check for $14,000 raised during Taste of Downtown Delaware.

The Delaware Rotary Foundation supports various community programs, activities, and needs, as well as contributes to local, national and international projects coordinated by the Delaware Rotary Club. Scholarships and grants to area individuals and organizations are made possible as a result of donations, along with volunteer fundraising efforts of Delaware Rotary Club members. In fact, one of the criteria for achieving the status of Paul Harris Fellow is the contribution of at least $1,000 to the foundation.

“I want to express my appreciation to Consolidated Cooperative’s management team for allowing me to dedicate time to such a worthy cause as this year’s Taste of Downtown Delaware,” said Ebersole. “I appreciate the co-op’s support and commitment to community, not only for this event, but for various other projects and events throughout Consolidated’s service territory.”

Ebersole also added, “I am extremely humbled by and grateful for the honor of being named a Paul Harris Fellow. It is such a privilege to serve, and I would like to thank my Rotary peers for the recognition.”