By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE — On Saturday, a fundraising Health and Wellness Expo was held at the Canajoharie High School. The event, held in coordination with the Canajoharie Fitness Center, with attendance and demonstrations from numerous local businesses, raised money for a 2013 trip to Disney World, Florida, where the Canajoharie High School Band will travel to participate in Music in the Parks.

There has been a CHS Band fundraiser every month in 2012, and they will continue through March, 2013. Band Director Tim Field said it’s not likely that enough money will be raised to fund the entire trip, which would cost $66,000, at $710 per student, for 76 students grades 9-12, although some real fundraising progress has been made. “We’re always getting closer for sure,” said Field, who continued, “Doing a trip like this without the community’s support would be impossible.”

The students, through the fundraisers, are also given the opportunity to earn points toward the ticket price through a credit system. “We’re rewarding the kids who do the work,” said Field, noting that there was a big volunteer turnout of 20 students at Saturday’s event. The students helped with a variety of tasks, such as face painting, set up, and child care.

There were numerous organizations on hand with displays, and Kim Hayes and Kim Ross, of the Canajoharie Fitness Center, organized hours worth of activities, including ZUMBA, ZUMBA Gold and yoga classes. There was also a chance to register for the 10th Annual Turkey Trot, held by the Fitness Center Nov. 24.

The event also provided the opportunity for newly licensed Massage Therapist Tamara Mang, of the Lotus Center, Fort Plain, to introduce herself to members of the community. Lotus Center Owner Val Lawson said that she enjoys the opportunity to exhibit at such events, as it provides the chance to “meet a lot of people.”

“It’s a good opportunity to introduce people to massage that typically wouldn’t come in and give it a try,” she continued, explaining that the opportunity to have several different massage modalities demonstrated in a span of a few minutes, “gives them a feel for it, and breaks the barrier.” The event, she said, also provided Lawson and Mang the opportunity to educate attendees about the benefits of massage.

“We’d really like to thank the community,” because they have come out in full force,” said Kim Gustafson Saturday, stating that the CHS Band has raised close to $5,000 over the course of five combination car wash/bottle drives.

One of the next fundraisers the band members will participate in is a December poinsettia sale. During the Christmas concerts, held in the Arkell Performing Arts Center at the high school Dec. 4, 6, and 11, at 7 p.m., the poinsettias will serve as decoration, and those who purchased them will be able to being them home.

Field stated that people are also invited to sponsor single students, as there are some students that need the full cost of the trip covered, although he stated, “money is not going to keep a kid from going on this trip. We will find a way.”

To donate, sponsor a student, or find out more about upcoming fundraising events, contact the Canajoharie High School office at (518) 673-6330 and ask to speak to Tim Field.