Staff photos / Ashley Fox Nine-year-old third-graders Madison Johnson and Christopher Martin learn how to set a chess board from Jeff Butts, coach with nonprofit Chess is Life. The Campbell Elementary students attended a community fair at the Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center on Thursday with their after-school program, where they learned about community organizations.

CAMPBELL — The Community Literacy Workforce and Culture Center in Campbell was busy Thursday, with community members from around the Mahoning Valley gathering information on programs around the area.

Regional resources were available at a family community fair. Since the center opened last year, Thursday marked the first time the fair was held at the CLWCC.

Open to all students and families throughout the Mahoning Valley, 50 service providers were present to let families know of various opportunities, ranging from adult programs to training or workforce opportunities.

Walking around and greeting attendees was Matthew Bowen, superintendent of the Campbell City School District, of which the CLWCC is part.

The event, Bowen said, is “incredibly special as it is open to the entire region and addresses the many needs of children, families and adults seeking resources.”

The fair provided a platform for the organizations to present information on their offerings, Bowen said.

There was something for everyone, Bowen said, including a bike giveaway that caught the attention of many students, sponsored by Ed and Christine Muransky.

Making the most of the fair were Campbell Elementary third-grade classmates Madison Johnson and Christopher Martin, both 9.

The duo, attending the fair with their after-school program, stopped to ask questions and even learn how to set up a chess board, which was Christopher’s favorite part of the excursion.

He was challenged by Jeff Butts, coach with nonprofit Chess is Life, to set up a chess board moments after learning how to do so through mnemonic devices.

“(Jeff) can set up the board in eight seconds,” Christopher said, amazed at what he learned, adding that Madison was a quick study and succeeded in 30 seconds.

Both students said they will learn to play chess now that they understand how to set up the board.

Stopping at each of the tables, Madison grabbed pamphlets, hoping there would be information to steer her toward her few career goals when she grows up: a baker who works with chocolate, basketball player and librarian.

Christopher also has his sights set on several options, including a firefighter, engineer and president of the United States.

One of the things Madison took away from the fair was if people are looking for ways to learn, they can do so by attending the various classes and opportunities housed within the CLWCC.

“You don’t have to go any other place, but you can come here,” she said.

The CLWCC is more than a recreation center and health care facility, Bowen said. More events like the community fair are scheduled for the facility in the future.