Yoga Raises Money, Awareness for American Cancer Society

Sunday morning, the sun shined down on the lake at Congers Memorial Park where 62 people turned out for a yoga class benefiting the American Cancer Society. The class ended with juggling entertainment and belly dancing.

“My friend announced the event on Facebook and I thought it would be nice to do something outside,” said Jocelyn Santos from Spring Valley. “I took one yoga class before, and this relaxes you a lot, calms you down and your thoughts are clearer, especially when people work in stressful environment this allows you to 'breathe out'".

Participants ranged from experienced students to yoga newcomers.

“Yoga by the lake is definitely different, but the sun is too hot, but by the shade is good and I would do this more, and remember to wear more comfortable clothes," said Santos.“I know people who have cancer, my father and a friend, so this is a good cause, and any penny can help.”

“Ashley is an excellent yoga teacher and of course it is for a good cause. People in my family recently passed from cancer,” said Kristine Spence from Monroe. “Yoga is so nice by the water, so relaxing, the breeze is really nice too.”

“I train with Ashley, I am a yoga teacher as well,” said Beverly Lewis, American Tribal Style belly dance performer. “I went to California to train with Caroena Neriveo. This is not a solo dance, but an un-choreographed group dance, and at the training in California there where people from all over the world and the most amazing thing is that we were all able to come together to dance.” Lewis teaches classes at Gagliardi Studio in Nyack.

“I think it went awesome and there was a big, enthusiastic turnout, said Ashley DiMeglio, the force behind this event. “The main focus of today was healing, promoting the good cause and cancer awareness.”

Ashley DiMeglio, teaches classes at Willow Tree Yoga, Sanctuary Yoga Studios located in New City, and Hot Yoga at the Nyack studio. Visit Ashley DiMeglio's website.