The Yoga Sanctuary,  a popular yoga studio in Rye Neck, is in a celebratory mood in 2010. Not only did it recently move to a new location, but it's also in it's fifth year. And what a better day to celebrate than on Yoga Day USA?

Created by Yoga Alliance, Yoga Day USA is a yearly opportunity for professional Yoga Alliance Registered Teachers (RYT) and Schools (RYS) to offer free (or nearly free, they say) yoga workshops nationwide. It is also a chance to raise funds for local charities.

Yoga Sanctuary owner and yoga instructor Ellen Patrick will be hosting an open house this Saturday, from 1 to 6 p.m., with free yoga and pilates classes for new students, healthy snacks, henna tattoos and various demonstrations. 

There will also be a  clothing drive for Midnight Run, an organization that delivers food and clothing to the homeless of New York City.  You can find out more about volunteering on Saturday, but know that what's most needed are warm clothes, belts, blankets, backpacks and toiletries. 

The Yoga Sanctuary was formerly near the Mamaroneck Metro-North train Station, tucked away on Depot Plaza and Halstead Avenue.  It is now in a Tudor-style building on Boston Post Road, near the intersection with Stuart Avenue.   

"This move just feels right," said Patrick. "I felt that I needed to down- size  a bit from two exercise rooms to just one, as  2009 was such a tough year for the local economy."

Ellen is a master of design. Her studios are special places; airy and clean, spacious but cozy.  Everything is color- and fabric-coordinated, right down to the dressing rooms. There are always soothing lights and delicious scents.

In addition to Yoga, the center offers pilates, massage and other wellness services.  Ellen is nationally certified and registered with the Yoga Alliance as a teacher at the advanced 500-hour training level and has been closely involved with the yoga community for many years. 

A big part of her vision and personal mission is to bring the practice of yoga, along with its healing and revitalizing power to the public. She believes that everyone can benefit from yoga and that these benefits should be accessible to everyone regardless of age, body type or physical limitation.

Sandy Goodman is a registered dietitian with a Master's Degree in foods and nutrition. She is married, with two kids, and has lived in the local area for 15 years. She practices at the Yoga Sanctuary two times a week and has been going there for four years.

The Yoga Sanctuary is at 951 E Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Ph: 914-381-YOGA (9642). E-mail: info@YogaSanctuary.net.