ORWELL – The first of six networking and mixer events put on by the Grand Valley Area Chamber of Commerce during 2026 was a chance for chamber members to share upcoming community events and to ask other members to spread the word.
The Business 2 Business event was held Tuesday morning, March 24, at American Legion Post 719 in Orwell and featured a breakfast by the Ladies Legion Auxiliary, followed by a meet-and greet where members shared plans for the year.
Barb Klingensmith, executive director of Country Neighbor Program Inc., highlighted Country Neighbor’s Summer Food Service Program that will provide lunches free of charge to children on summer break, running June-August at sites such as the Grand Valley Public Library.
Casey Kozlowski, Ashtabula County commissioner, noted a tire amnesty day set for Saturday, May 9, at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds in Jefferson. County residents can dispose of four tires, up to 22 inches in diameter, free of charge. The event will accept up to 10 tires, but any above the first four are $1 each to dispose.
County Commissioner Kathryn Whittington said she is working with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau to set up a similar event for large farm equipment tires, with more information to come in the future.
Kozlowski said there will also be a hazardous waste collection event in the fall, usually taking place during September.
Pat Hunter, speaking for the Ashtabula County Concert of Prayer, said the organization will be hosting a prayer breakfast Friday, May 1, right after the National Day of Prayer. Len Howser and Sara Carnes, longtime morning show hosts for the Cleveland-based Christian radio station 95.5 The Fish, will be the featured speakers.
Moving on to the Conversation Station, Hunter said the person who organized the annual Chinese auction is not able to do it this year, so the event has been suspended. In its place, Conversation Station will be “resurrecting” its Night at the Races event in the fall.
Ashley Hall, community outreach coordinator for Grand Valley Local Schools, oversees the Mustang Stable, a resource hub in Grand Valley schools designed to remove barriers to learning by providing students and their families with essential supplies and support services.
Tuesday, April 21, will be preschool Early Literacy Night from 5:15-6:30 p.m. There will be information to help parents to prepare their little ones for kindergarten. Hall asked chamber members to consider making donations for raffle baskets or door prizes for the children and their families.
April 21 will also be the Mustang Stable clothing swap. Families can bring in gently-used clothing their children have grown out of and exchange them for donated items that fit. Hall said the clothing swap is very popular since it feels more to them like a community get-together to exchange clothing than an aid event for families in need.
Donation boxes for the Mustang Stable clothing swap will be at the doors to Grand Valley Elementary School and High School, according to Hall.
Brittany Ellsworth of Up in the Hair said they are hosting a Mother’s Day event Saturday, May 9, from 12-3 p.m. There will be a coffee truck, a candle and scent bar, a boutique bar, mini facials, jewelry and other fun products and services.
Jennifer Burt, chamber secretary, of Don Burt’s Tree Service, said she and her husband will be starting Crafting with the Burts, a class at the Conversation Station scheduled for Monday, April 13, at 5 p.m.
The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting its annual rummage sale on Friday and Saturday, May 1-2, at 215 N. Maple St. These sales feature donated items, clothes and household goods. Proceeds support veteran services and community programs. The Ladies Auxiliary is seeking donations for the sale.
