Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Yoga studio fundraiser to benefit PJB, church

PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

Samantha Lee grew up in Hopkinton and moved to Upton four years ago. Now the owner of Black Door Yoga in Hopkinton, she is linking the towns she loves with her desire for improved community health by creating the upcoming Hop/Up Wellness Weekend Sept. 25-27.

This event, she explained, is a fundraiser for Project Just Because in Hopkinton and the United Parish Church of Upton’s food pantry. All money raised will be split equally between the two food banks.

About 18 months ago, Lee began teaching yoga pop-ups in space she rented at Haven Beauty and Angel’s Garden Center in Hopkinton as well as at the Upton church. In March, she opened a permanent studio, Black Door Yoga, located at 77 West Main Street.

“As I’m building out that business, I’m really trying to make it as community-oriented as possible,” she explained.

During Black Door’s grand opening, Lee said she held a fundraiser for New Hope, an organization that provides support for area survivors of domestic violence and assault.

For this fundraiser, Lee said she wanted to focus on wellness. She noted that many times, yoga studios want their participants to be quiet “from the minute that you walk in until the minute you leave.”

She added: “I’m really trying to do something different at Black Door Yoga where conversation and community are really encouraged.”

Within two weeks, Lee garnered support from 31 businesses in Hopkinton and Upton. They include physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, fitness studios and boutique shops.

The timing of the event loosely coincides with the fall equinox. It also is before Thanksgiving, when people tend to cook and eat more food.

These businesses contributed to a fundraiser coupon book, which costs $30 to purchase. They offer deep discounts for their health care services. A list of participating businesses is available at this link to Black Door Yoga’s website.

“The discounts amount to more than $2,000 in savings,” Lee noted.

Coupon books will be available for purchase online beginning Sept. 16. Lee said they also will be available at the participating businesses.

Another way for adults to participate in the fundraiser is to attend discounted yoga classes at Black Door Yoga and Angel’s Garden Center. The suggested donation is $20 per 45-minute class.

Lee said she is hoping this will become an annual event.

“I’ve already had interest from businesses who said they want to do this next year,” she said. “That’s why I’m calling it the first annual event.”

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

Latest News

Ballots cast by Hopkinton voters matched statewide results in key races during the state primary elections on Tuesday.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Historical Commission took steps to designate a house on Winter Street as historically significant.

This week’s Police Log features two arrests, along with reports of an erratic cab driver, stolen yard signs and a truck striking a highway bridge.

The latest Arts Residency highlights Jeff Luth, who got into photography after being inspired by the landscapes of Arizona.

Kathleen Kimura, 63, of Hopkinton died Aug. 28.

This week’s Business Profile spotlights Jolicoeur Overhead Doors, a business that has been family owned and operated for more than 32 years.

Town meetings tonight include the Charter Review Committee (7) and Planning Board (7).

Photo of the Day

Seniors make their way into Hopkinton High School on Wednesday morning for the first day of classes.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR