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.

Nonprofit offers therapeutic sailing, memorial experiences for veterans

Hopkinton resident and Sailing for Veterans co-founder George Dratelis (holding wreath) participates in a memorial wreath toss organized by the nonprofit earlier this year to honor 2nd Lt. Michael Biakis, whose B-24 bomber went missing during a training mission in World War II.

Hopkinton resident George Dratelis is helping veterans and their families find solace and healing on a sailboat.

Dratelis is the executive director of Sailing for Veterans, a nonprofit that provides free sailing experiences for veterans and Gold Star families. He and Ryan Burnett, a Gloucester-based sailor and military veteran, co-founded the organization in honor of Burnett’s brother. Marine Lance Cpl. Jason Burnett died in 2006 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“He had a vision as a captain of a sailboat,” Dratelis said of Ryan Burnett. He noted that getting from that vision to where the nonprofit is now “took a lot of work.”

Sailing for Veterans is part of a larger network of sailing organizations that cater to veterans. It is affiliated with the VetsBoats foundation, which offers “mindfulness-based sailing programs” to military veterans.

“We’re part of a network that are all aligned with the crisis that is affecting the veteran community,” said Dratelis.

“We sail to uplift people who have served our country with therapy and therapeutic values that are embedded in the maritime experience,” he added.

Apart from providing therapeutic sailing experiences to veterans, the organization offers memorial wreath toss ceremonies. Dratelis recounted a recent wreath event in Provincetown honoring a second lieutenant whose B-24 bomber went down in World War II.

Dratelis reiterated that the nonprofit’s mission is all about “sailing for smiles” and that it anticipates good things on the horizon.

“We’re looking forward to a great year in 2026,” he said.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus explained that the Special Town Meeting on Dec. 4 will allow the town to give money back to taxpayers and hit its maximum levy allowed by law.

The Hopkinton Youth Football Grade 6 team won the Division 2 state championship Sunday by defeating Quincy United.

The latest Real Estate Transactions list shows three homes sold in the past week, including one for $1.5 million.

This week’s Library Corner features information on updated holiday hours, an upcoming book sale and a winter “crafternoon” program.

Our latest Business Profile highlights Mental Health Collaborative, whose education programs are increasing student knowledge, confidence and health-seeking behavior around mental health.

Town meetings tonight include the Conservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Hopkinton High School seniors (from left) Teagan Resteghini, Alyson Green and Ashley McCann pose for a photo after their grade’s 36-12 victory over the juniors in the annual girls football game Monday at Hughes Stadium.