In Memory of Melanie

Free Yoga Videos

2009-07-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Thinking about Melanie again...

Missing her hugs!

Here is a neat Free Yoga Videos site I found on the You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/user/FreeYogaVideos

Enjoy,

Alex

New FREE Lending Library Books in Melanie's Memory

2009-07-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

I just ordered three books to add to the promindful.org FREE lending library in Melanie's memory.
1 of: Ramayana [Paperback] By: C. Rajagopalachari

1 of: Mahabharata [Paperback] By: C. Rajagopalachari

1 of: The Upanishads (Classic of Indian Spirituality) [Paperback] By: Eknath Easwaran Enjoy! - Alex

To honor and celebrate the life of our Melanie

2009-06-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

We will celebrate tomorrow at 3:00pm. If for any reason the weather doesn't cooperate, please check the website for updated information...
www.nu-yoga.com <http://www.nu-yoga.com>

Bring pictures, momentos, or any items that remind you of Mel to place in the circle.

Summer Healing Ceremony/Celebration
To honor and celebrate the life of our
dear friend, Melanie Weeks

Sunday, June 28
3:00pm.
145 Fillow St.
Norwalk, CT. 06850

Together we honor our friend by sharing stories, memories, music, poems, etc... Please bring a favorite food to share.

Please respond to Sally: 203-722-7794
For cancellations or updated information check the web: www.nu-yoga.com <http://www.nu-yoga.com/>

Set To Appear In The July Issue of Natural Awakenings.

2009-06-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

Thank you thank you thank you Alex and Liz!!! It's beautiful, of course.
Below is the copy that will be printed under her picture......
It will be published in the July issue.
xoxo!!

Melanie Weeks Sammarco
10/24/69 - 5/26/09

A Shining Light, So Bright, Willing to Fight
the Flames for a Friend.
Your example of Courage and your infectious Joy
will always remain an Inspiration to us.
Thank you for your sacrifice calling us to look inside
and find the same Courage to step into the Fire
where it burns and beckons in our own Lives.
The Holistic Community will continue to carry your Torch.
May you rest peacefully. Namaste Sweet Yogini.

Melanie opened Jyoti Wellness in Stamford, CT in 2004 (www.jyotiyoga.com <http://www.jyotiyoga.com/> ), a wellness facility providing a holistic approach toward looking and feeling good through a variety of modalities including yoga, holistic therapies and salon and spa services where she served many satisfied and loyal clients and students.

Summer Solstice Yoga For Melanie

2009-06-21T08:23:00.001-07:00

The memorial yoga held at Mathews Park yesterday in honor of Melanie was a great success and loads of fun! I saw Ann Russell, Liz Pia, Sally Grillo, Sarah McGrath, Jessica, and a dozen othere yogis and yoginis. It was the first time I tried yoga barefoot in the grass this year, and it won't be my last!

PS: I posted some new photos of Melanie on Flickr.

Click the "Melanie On Flickr" link on the home page.

Summer Solstice Celebration Cancelled

2009-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Please note:

The Summer Solstice Celebration has been cancelled due to the rain.

I will let you know when it has been rescheduled.

Namaste

alex

From Ashley Keeler

2009-06-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Alex,
It's been a while. How have you been? I couldn’t figure out that sign up process for Mel's blog spot, so I was hoping you could post something for me.

I met Melanie 5 years ago when a mutual friend told me that she needed a new assistant at Jyoti. When I first walked into the studio, she greeted me with that amazing smile and I felt right at home. That's what Melanie did. She made everyone feel good. I worked at Jyoti for two more years, and Melanie and I became very close. Every day we would tell each other stories and give each other advice, and every day I looked forward to seeing her. We grew to have a relationship that was more than boss and employee, but friends. Melanie was like another big sister to me. She helped me out when I needed anything, she would call me throughout the night with funny stories and send texts about our millions of jokes.
Even after I worked at Jyoti, Mel and I stayed in touch. We would hang out at her house, go out for lunch, dinner, or drinks. I always had a good time with her.
I'm going to miss everything about her, picking up the phone to her laughing about something that just happened, going on walks with her and Lucy, hearing her advice about anything and everything, seeing her smile, and getting those big bear hugs every time I left her.
I know that Melanie is smiling down on everyone of us, and her and Lucy are on an eternal walk in the woods (their favorite thing to do!) and I know that Melanie is sending me signs every day. I will love her always and the imprint she made on my heart will never go away.

Ashley

Special yoga flow at noon in the park next Saturday, June 20

2009-06-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Announcing…
pARTy in the Park
Saturday, June 20th
noon – 10:00pm.
Mathews Park in Norwalk, CT.

Take a walk along the river next Saturday and join us
for yoga, fun, food, and music!!!
Ann Russell, Liz Pia and Sally Grillo will be leading a special yoga flow at noon in the park next Saturday, June 20! Please join us and celebrate the 1st day of summer with your family and friends! We would like to dedicate this practice to our friend, Melanie Weeks.
Yoga, art, music, food, drumming and more!
What a way to kick off summer!!!

Please park at the Maritime Garage SONO and check out the web:www.norwalkarts.org/pip <http://www.norwalkarts.org/pip>

PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE- From Sally Grillo... salasana18@hotmail.com

2009-06-10T09:13:00.001-07:00

Save the date…June 20

Summer Solstice Celebration
In memory of our dear friend, Melanie
Dear Friends, Please join us for an outdoor celebration in honor of Melanie
Saturday, June 20
Please note the time change
7:00pm. – 10:00pm.
145 Fillow St. Norwalk, CT. 06850
Together we honor our friend by sharing stories and memories.
Please contact Sally, 203-722-7794, to help plan food, music, (drumming, dancing, etc…).
In Love and friendship,
Sally Grillo

From Isabelle

2009-06-08T08:22:00.001-07:00

"Dear Alex,

You introduced me to Yoga and my first class was with Melanie. I will never forget her vivacity. Her footprints will be forever engraved in our lives.

Isabelle"

The Dangers Of Going Through Old Emails.

2009-06-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

From Melanie around Xmas 2008:

When you finish putting it together, watch what happens

Click here: Santa's Jigsaw <http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ER13610552>

Enjoy,

Alex

I went to get a haircut today...

2009-06-04T13:28:00.001-07:00

Well, I finally got up the courage to find a new hair stylist... I was considering never getting another haircut again, but reality knocked on my door and .... well, I think this was the most depressing haircut I ever received - except for the time my mother made me cut my hippie hair off in 8th grade, and the barber who did it must have sheared sheep for a living.

We miss you Melanie! - Alex

From One Of Melanie's Old Newsletters... SHE WAS GREEN AS GREEN GETS

2009-06-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

GOING GREEN

ECO NEWS

ALL ABOUT PLASTIC

Whether you buy bottled water or conscientiously tote some from home, you'll want to avoid swallowing chemicals along with it. Particularly for small children, whose bodies are developing, it's best to steer clear of plastics that can release chemicals that could harm them in the long term. Below, the plastics not to choose (check the recycling number on the bottom of your bottle) and those that are safer:

Plastics to Avoid
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.

#6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.

#7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.

Better Plastics

#1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), the most common and easily recycled plastic for bottled water and soft drinks, has also been considered the most safe. However, one 2003 Italian study found that the amount of DEHP in bottled spring water increased after 9 months of storage in a PET bottle.

#2 High Density Polyethylene

#4 Low Density Polyethylene

#5 Polypropylene

Best Reusable Bottles: Betras USA Sports Bottles, Brita Fill & Go Water Filtration Bottle, Arrow Canteen

Better Baby Bottles: choose tempered glass or opaque plastic made of polypropylene (#5) or polyethylene (#1), which do not contain bisphenol-A.

Tips for Use:
*Sniff and Taste: If there's a hint of plastic in your water, don't drink it.

*Keep bottled water away from heat, which promotes leaching of chemicals.

*Use bottled water quickly, as chemicals may migrate from plastic during storage.

*Do not reuse bottles intended for single use.

*Choose rigid, reusable containers or, for hot/acidic liquids, thermoses with stainless steel or ceramic interiors

From Robert...

2009-06-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

Thank you for posting the pictures of Melanie. Words cant convey my sadness, nor could I articulate how profoundly she had an impact on me. I have tried to write something but it all seems so extrodinarliy inadequate. I knew her for almost 20 years yet lost touch over the last 3.

I too commit to honoring her through actions of kindess in the way she always did.

Thanks again

Robert

From SARASWATI Yoga in Norwalk, By Liz Pia

2009-06-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Dearest Friends,

Early Tuesday morning a beautiful spirit left us behind. Melanie Weeks, owner of Jyoti Yoga & Wellness in Stamford, died heroically in a house fire trying to save her friend. In true Melanie fashion she courageously walked back into the fire and facing her fears straight on, she put another's interests ahead of her own. Her departure has left a void in many hearts and her bold personality, sultry voice, and infectious smile will be deeply missed. In the words of her favorite mantra:

Asato Ma Sat Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritham Gamaya

Lead me from the Unreal to the Real
Lead me from the Darkness to light
Lead me from death to Immortality

- Liz Pia, dear friend of Melanie

From Carmen

2009-06-01T04:39:00.001-07:00

Alex,

I got in very late last night and didn't want to call that late. Thanks for returning the call.

I wasn't clear on how Melanie died. At first I thought it might have been a car accident since her husband was mentioned as being in the hospital. Today I looked for an obituary on line and found the Norwalk Hour article on how she died.

I feel very sad about her passing. So much life ahead of her, such a bright star of energy wherever she went, whomever she met. Although I did not know her as well as you and others she still affected me with her energy, her kindness, and that fabulous smile.

My condolences to you, and all the others who mourn her passing.

Love and blessings,

Carmen

On My Mind

2009-05-31T07:11:00.001-07:00

Melanie is constantly on my mind. Last night I bumped into Dina on the streets of Stamford. She was with Melanie the last time I saw her. It was so nice to have a random conversation about Melanie, to say things that I only keep repeating in my own head. I searched my home recently for things Melanie. After moving several times not a lot has made it to my new home but I did find a book from the shelves of the Jyoti yoga studio. When she decided to close the space she did what Melanie was good at, she gave. I took a few books. This one in particular not only had the Jyoti stamp in it, as well as her giving words "please return to jyoti so others may have the opportunity to share in this knowledge as well," but on the first page the book also was stamped "In Loving Memory of My Guru Roberta." Roberta, a pioneer of yoga in this area, also passed on before her time. I am comforted by the thought of the two of their souls reconvening, practicing and dancing. I am comforted by the thought of the two of them giggling about their new found knowledge of the secrets we all question and wonder, just what does happen when a soul is ready to move on. I say ready with confidence. Melanie, fearlessly, walking back into her home, must have already grasped the secret, heard the whisper, maybe somewhere deep in her breath.

Redding Meditation Center

2009-05-31T05:03:00.001-07:00

Dear friends,

I am going up to the Redding Meditation Center today for their 10-11:30 am Meditation and Dhamma talk.For those of you who have not tried meditation, it is an excellent way to learn how to cope with stress, including the loss of a beloved friend. Namaste - Alex

If you are wondering what namaste means, have a look at this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste

2009-05-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well Alex I hope my hug gave you as much comfort as Ann's. As far as the scholarship for yoga teacher training $20,000 should cover at least ten people. Roberta trained us for under $2000. I think the scholarship is wonderful and I am sure Melanie would be impressed. My prayers are for Melanie's husband, I hear he has third degree burns and is in Bridgeport Hospital. I understand he is in critical condition and my heart goes out to him. I can't even imagine what he must be going through right now. I pray that the doctors and nurses give him as much comfort as is possible. Thanks for starting this blog Alex.

The Yoga Scholarship Fund in memory of Melanie

2009-05-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

On Thursday May 28th, 2009, the Board of Directors of ProMindful, Inc., unanimously decided to create a fully endowed Yoga Scholarship Fund in memory of Melanie Weeks Sammarco. The scholarship fund, endowed with $20,000 to start, will enable one qualified student per year to attend the yoga teacher training of his or her choice. The scholarship will pay for one third of the full price of the training. The school will pay for one third, and the student must pay for one third, so ProMindful, The School, and The Student, all share equal 'buy-in' to the training.

ProMindful, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization promoting mindfulness, and holistic health and wellness. Donations are fully tax deductible. If you are interested in supporting ProMindful or The new Yoga Scholarship Fund, please send your tax deductible contributions to: ProMindful, Inc., 1177 High Ridge Rd, Suite 111, Stamford, CT 06905. Please feel free to contact me (a Co-Founder) at: (203) 856-5299 if you have any questions. - Alex Nason

The Gathering.

2009-05-29T16:36:00.001-07:00

A hundred people from all walks of life showed up today to participate in Melanie's gathering. I saw several familiar faces, including Ann Russell, Julia Supple and her sister, Liz Pia, Adelina Boata, and Jamie Dickinson. There was a very nice display of photos from every year of Melanie's life, lots of flowers, and boat loads of food and drink. The weather was warm and sunny, and several people spoke very nice words of praise about Melanie. Most people, including myself, were too choked up to speak. In the end, Ann Russell gave me the exact same kind of 'yoga' hug Melanie always gave me and THAT was it for me! I had to go outside for some fresh air and another box of kleenex! Namaste - Alex

Healing

2009-05-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

In email to me, Jeanne, Licurse says:

I just opened the newsletter from Saraswati's and read the devastating news about Melanie. Although I did not know her I am heartbroken to hear of this tragedy.

I saw the blog you started and I wanted to contact you to offer my love, prayers and homeopathic support.

The homeopathic remedy Ignatia is extraordinarily helpful for such shock and grief. The stores carry 30c potency but I have higher potencies because of my license. I have other remedies for her injured husband (burn remedies).

I am working at the studio (Saraswati) tomorrow from 8:30-1. I will bring these remedies with me for whoever may benefit from them. If you require some please stop by to see me or I can bring it to you.

... and ...

If you are in shock and crying take the Ignatia, if you are in a type of "startled" shock state take Arnica. ... repeat it until you start to feel a bit steadier. 2 or 3 pellets under your tongue until it dissolves, repeat every hour if necessary.

Ple ase let me know how I can help.

From: Jeanne Licurse <jeannelicurse@aol.com>

2009-05-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

I met Melanie at Yoga Source in 2001. I was trained in yoga by the same teacher Roberta Fortune Dale. Melanie was in the graduating group before me, so I didn't have a chance to know her intimately, however since she was part of the Yoga Source family, I got to be an acquaintance of hers. I was happy when she opened up Jyoti Yoga and had the opportunity to take a class with her. She created a cozy atmosphere in the room she taught and was gentle and caring in her approach. I remember around the time I met her maybe 2002 I went to a Halloween party and ran into her. She was dressed up as an exotic butterfly, very sparkly, cool over-the-top cosutme. The last time I saw her was at LA Fitness. I had a conversation with her about Jyoti Yoga and she said she was keeping the place but only cutting hair and doing massage. She seemed happy. I later learned through the grapevine that she had gotten married and that she was very content. I am so incredibly sad for an unexpected and tragic end to such a short life. I am especially sad for her husband and his situation and my heart goes out to him, to his family and friends, to Melanie's family and friends and would like to continue to show my support any way that I can.

Peace Om and Melanie

2009-05-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

Bright, funny, HONEST, creative, always Inclusive, forthright, Brave...she had a a beautiful form that moved with grace, contagious laughter and a gorgeous voice. Sometimes I would listen to her voicemails more than once. "Hi, this is MELL - a - nee". I watched her work at Jyoti ---She was sometimes a shrink, sometimes a doctor, sometimes a comedian, depending on what the client needed. I never knew how she could wear so many hats. It just came naturally to her.

She loved Jyoti, she loved Mattea, she loved people. She did things her way in her own terms. She lived her life with a lot of Zest!
She is a front page story. I am so very proud of her. It gives me comfort to know that everyone now knows what kind of special person she is. I don't think she ever got the kind of credit she deserved in this life.

I had a dream about her last night. "hi, Linda" I turned around to see this amazing white light it blinded me and I had to squint. Finally, I could make out the side of her face and form in the light. I thought, "She is Jyoti". Jyoti means light, but my Indian friend tells me it is much more than this... it is a very special light, the light that comes from your heart. I ran to her and exclaimed, "Jesus, Melanie, I think YOU deserve a standing ovation!" and I do.

Linda

When I think of Melanie

2009-05-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

When I think of Melanie I see a genuine smile on her face and I can hear her joyful laughter. When I think of Melanie I feel her warm hugs from every single time we met. When I think of Melanie her generosity comes to my mind, always giving, loving and supporting people. When I think of Melanie I feel gratitude for the way she welcomed me as a teacher at Jyoti and I see a 'tree' of candles inviting students into her studio. When I think of Melanie I am reminded of the prayer that is posted on her website; chanting it with my students yesterday brought me peace. Om shanti.

Lovely Melanie

2009-05-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

I never met Melanie but I knew her through Alex and had a few email exchanges and conversations about her trip to Prague. Each time she wrote me or we spoke, she was warm and very pleasant. I truly feel that this is a tragedy for her husband, family and friends and I wish them well.

Jean

Gathering To Be Held On Friday May 29th 12-4pm

2009-05-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

There will be a gathering of Melanie's friends and family tomorrow from 12-4pm at The Patriotic American Club in Norwalk, 26 Sniffen Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-6129. All are welcome! Bring your stories, memories, hugs, and healing.

Note: The gathering tomorrow at The Patriotic American Club in Norwalk, CT tomorrow from Noon to 4pm may very well be the last and only 'service' in the local area for Melanie. The final funeral service may consist of a hike up Mohonk Mountain to spread her ashes some time in the future TBD.

- Alex

2009-05-28T06:47:00.001-07:00

Dear friends, this morning I decided to create a BLOG in memory of Melanie Weeks Sammarco. Please feel free to add your thoughts, dreams, inspiration, and memories. For me, every May 26th "from here on" will be "Melanie Day" and I plan to do something truly significant (from a healing standpoint) to honor her. In the mean time, I will do smaller things, from time to time, with her spirit in mind. I'll post them here and I hope you do too. Inspiration number one was creating this BLOG.

Namaste - Alex Nason

In effort to save house guest, woman perishes in early morning fire

2009-05-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

Update: In effort to save house guest, woman perishes in early morning fire. (Norwalk Hour)

Posted on 05/26/2009

NORWALK

By STEVE KOBAK

Hour Staff Writer

A 39-year-old yoga instructor died early Tuesday morning while trying to save a house guest from a raging fire that killed two in her second floor apartment at 13 Burwell St.
Melanie Weeks Sammarco, who owned Jyoti Yoga and Wellness in Stamford, escaped the 3 a.m. blaze with her husband Mattia Sammarco but decided to rush back into the burning building when she discovered her guest had not made it out, fire officials said.
“The world lost a wonderful person today, someone who was irreplaceable,” said Sandra Schuyler, Sammarco’s longtime friend. “She was always helping people.”
The house guest, whose name has not yet been released, also died in the fire. Mattia Sammarco is currently being treated in the burn unit of Bridgeport Hospital.
Fire officials say they responded to a two family home 13 Burwell St. for a brush fire call at 3 a.m. but the fire was much larger than reported.
When emergency crews arrived on the scene, they saw flames shooting up into the air from the back deck and fire engulfing the second floor of the home, according to police reports.
The people who resided on the first floor were outside of the home and they told firefighters that some of the second floor residents were still inside, fire officials said.
Firefighters were also informed that Mattia Sammarco had escaped the fire through an exterior stairwell and his clothing was on fire as he ran to safety. Melanie Sammarco and a guest were still inside the burning house, fire crews were informed.
Firefighters rescued the house guest but were unable to locate Melanie Sammarco. The house guest succumbed to his injuries, fire officials said.
A few errant sparks of a discarded cigarette sparked the late night blaze, according to Fire Chief Denis McCarthy.
Neighbors said they were awakened by the smell of smoke and the sound of a woman screaming.
“I keep hearing the screaming in my head,” said Christine Belcher, who lives two houses away from the site of the blaze “I kept hearing it last night. It was devastating.”
Belcher, who lives at 15 Burwell St., said a heavy scent of smoke wafted into her window and she thought her home was on fire. Belcher said she was about to kick in her roommate’s door to wake her up and get her out of the house when saw fire trucks responding to the fire.
Melanie and Mattia Sammarco married about one month ago and had recently moved in together, according to Melanie Sammarco’s family.
Schuyler and other members of Sammarco’s friends and family were supposed to move some of the couple’s belongings into a storage facility on Tuesday. When they arrived at the couple’s residence at 9 a.m., officials informed them about the fire, the family said.
Melanie Sammarco was a world traveler who enjoyed meeting new people and was “all about positive energy,” said her aunt Carol Sargent.
“You could hug her and it was so warm that it would stay with you for hours,” she said.