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Bruce Mendelsohn Shares Vision for Worcester Veterans Services: Benefits, Memorials & Community Support

by Hank Stolz | Jul 22, 2026 | This Weeks Top Stories, VOICE OF BUSINESS

Bruce Mendelsohn Shares Vision for Worcester Veterans Services: Benefits, Memorials & Community Support

Worcester Veterans: Help is Available

“Not all wounds are visible.”

By-Hank Stolz
Photo- submitted

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Worcester, MA-As Worcester’s new Director of Veterans Services, Bruce Mendelsohn has established three clear priorities that will guide the department’s work:

Promoting patriotism through recognition of veterans’ service
Delivering outstanding customer service to veterans and their families
Building stronger partnerships throughout the community

Together, those goals aim to ensure every veteran knows where to turn for assistance while also strengthening the city’s appreciation for military service.

“Not All Wounds Are Visible”

One of Mendelsohn’s strongest messages comes from personal experience.

A military veteran himself, he understands how difficult it can be to ask for help or navigate government benefit programs.

“It took more than 25 years to apply for my VA benefits, and that’s 25 years I missed out on these benefits and on the medical care from the VA, because it’s confusing and because my injuries are not visible. Not all wounds are visible.”

He hopes that sharing his own story will encourage other veterans to seek assistance sooner rather than waiting years to receive benefits they’ve earned through military service.

Helping Veterans Navigate Complex Benefits

The Worcester Veterans Services Division helps veterans and their families understand and access both federal and Massachusetts programs.

Services include:

VA disability claims
Chapter 115 state veterans’ benefits
Housing assistance
Employment resources
Behavioral health support
Family services
Referrals to community partners

For many veterans, understanding eligibility requirements and completing applications can feel overwhelming. The city’s Veterans Services Office works directly with veterans throughout that process.

Serving More Than 5,200 Worcester Veterans

Worcester is home to more than 5,200 veterans, representing generations of military service from Vietnam-era veterans to those who served after September 11.

Their needs vary widely, making collaboration essential.

The division works closely with organizations including:

Veterans Inc.
HUD-VASH
Project New Hope
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
State veterans’ agencies
Local nonprofit organizations

These partnerships allow veterans to receive comprehensive support beyond financial benefits alone.

Preserving Worcester’s Military History

Mendelsohn also wants residents to better understand the stories behind Worcester’s many military memorials.

He notes that thousands of people travel city streets every day without realizing the significance of their names.

“Some of your listeners may be driving right now on Gold Star Boulevard. They may not know that the Worcester City Council named that in tribute to the parents of service members who died in the line of duty while fighting for liberty and freedom.”

His office plans to catalogue, preserve, and maintain veterans’ memorials throughout Worcester while encouraging residents to report maintenance concerns through worcvs.org.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Civic Engagement

Beyond serving today’s veterans, Mendelsohn hopes to strengthen civic engagement among younger generations.

By sharing the stories of local veterans and preserving military history, he believes communities can foster greater appreciation for public service, sacrifice, and citizenship.

Connecting students with veterans and community organizations is expected to become an important part of the department’s outreach efforts.

Every Veteran Has Earned the Right to Ask for Help

One of Mendelsohn’s central messages is simple: Veterans should never hesitate to ask for assistance.

Whether someone served decades ago or recently left active duty, the Veterans Services Office exists to help connect them with benefits and services they have earned through their military service.

His advice is straightforward: don’t assume you don’t qualify—ask.

What Is Chapter 115?

Chapter 115 is a Massachusetts state program that provides financial assistance and emergency support for eligible veterans and their dependents.

Benefits may include:

Monthly financial assistance
Housing support
Medical expense assistance
Burial benefits
Emergency aid

Local Veterans Service Officers help determine eligibility and complete applications.

Sources

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 115

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Dr. Jeffrey Adams Shares Lifesaving Tips for Preventing Heat Illness, Water Accidents & Summer Injuries

by Hank Stolz | Jul 22, 2026 | This Weeks Top Stories

How to Stay Safe During Summer Heat: Dr. Jeffrey Adams Explains What Everyone Should Know

Emergency physician Dr. Jeffrey Adams explains how to prevent heat stroke, stay safe around water, avoid summer injuries, and recognize medical emergencies

“Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Usually temperatures over 104 degrees Fahrenheit in the internal body core temperature and what accompanies that is confusion and altered mental status.”

By-Hank Stolz
Photo- submitted

Questions, Concerns, Opinions?

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Worcester, MA- While spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, extreme heat can quickly become dangerous. Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Jeffrey Adams of St. Vincent Hospital says understanding the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is critical.

Heat exhaustion typically develops after prolonged exposure to heat and heavy sweating. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, and dehydration. If recognized early, moving to a cool place, drinking water, and resting can often reverse the condition.

Heat stroke, however, is an entirely different emergency.

“Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Usually temperatures over 104 degrees Fahrenheit in the internal body core temperature and what accompanies that is confusion and altered mental status.”

Anyone experiencing confusion, unconsciousness, or extremely high body temperature should receive immediate emergency medical attention.

Why Humidity Makes Hot Weather Even More Dangerous

Many people focus only on the air temperature, but Dr. Adams explains that the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, is often a better indicator of risk.

High humidity prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently, making it much harder for the body to cool itself naturally.

Those most vulnerable include:

Older adults
Young children
People with heart disease
Individuals with chronic medical conditions
Outdoor workers
Athletes

Hydration is Your Best Defense

According to Dr. Adams, preventing heat illness starts with something simple: drinking enough water.

He advises people to avoid waiting until they feel thirsty and instead drink fluids consistently throughout the day.

“The best thing that you can do is drink lots of water, stay hydrated. We want to make sure that people are drinking enough water that they’re peeing clear.”

Alcohol and sugary drinks can actually worsen dehydration, making water the preferred choice during periods of intense heat.

Water Safety Starts Before You Get In

Summer also brings increased swimming and boating activity.

Dr. Adams recommends several simple precautions that dramatically reduce the risk of drowning:

Never swim alone
Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating
Designate a sober adult water watcher
Closely supervise children around any body of water

Many tragedies occur in just seconds and often without loud cries for help.

Common Summer Injuries Seen in the Emergency Department

Warm weather also leads to an increase in preventable injuries.

Among the most common are:

Cuts from rocks and broken glass
Sunburns
Dehydration
Water-related accidents
Sports injuries

Dr. Adams recommends wearing protective footwear near lakes and rivers, applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and seeking shade whenever possible.

Mosquitoes and Food Safety Deserve Attention Too

Summer health concerns extend beyond heat.

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus remain present in Massachusetts each year. Anyone experiencing persistent nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, or neurological symptoms after mosquito exposure should seek medical evaluation.

Food safety is equally important during cookouts and outdoor gatherings.

Dr. Adams encourages:

Frequent hand washing
Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables
Keeping cold foods cold
Cooking ground meats to 160°F
Avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods

A Few Simple Precautions Can Prevent Serious Emergencies

Most summer emergencies are preventable.

Staying hydrated, limiting time in extreme heat, protecting your skin, practicing water safety, and handling food properly can significantly reduce the risk of illness and injury while allowing families to safely enjoy everything the season has to offer.

Summer Heat Safety Quick Facts

Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Heat exhaustion often causes dizziness, weakness, nausea, and heavy sweating.
Drink water regularly—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Clear urine is often a sign of adequate hydration.
Wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen outdoors.
Never swim alone.
Always designate a sober water watcher.
Wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets while boating.
Cook ground meat to 160°F.
Wash produce thoroughly before eating.
Seek medical care immediately for confusion or altered mental status during extreme heat.

Sources

National Weather Service – Heat Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Heat-Related Illness
CDC – Water Safety
CDC – West Nile Virus
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – Food Safety at Summer Cookouts
American Red Cross – Water Safety Tips

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Immigration Enforcement and Election Integrity Take Center Stage

by Hank Stolz | Jul 20, 2026 | WEEKLY RUNDOWN

Radio Worcester Political Roundtable Debates ICE Shooting in Maine and Presidential Claims on Election Integrity

Immigration Enforcement and Election Integrity Take Center Stage

“These were young people in large numbers irate over ICE… It was a rally unlike any I’d ever seen.” — Randy Feldman

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic- Radio Worcester

Questions, Concerns, Opinions?

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Worcester, MA-Two issues dominating the national political conversation—immigration enforcement and election integrity—took center stage during this week’s Radio Worcester Roundtable as Hank Stolz welcomed immigration attorney Randy Feldman and political commentator Robert Amorello for a wide-ranging discussion.

The conversation began with the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old Colombian national by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Biddeford, Maine. Feldman, who traveled to the city following the incident, described an atmosphere unlike any protest he had previously witnessed.

“And the people there, unlike all the No Kings rallies that we see, they’re all young,” Feldman said. “These were young people in large numbers irate over ICE… It was a rally unlike any I’d ever seen. It was aching more to George Floyd or the 1960s.”

Feldman argued that the shooting raises broader concerns about immigration enforcement, including officer training, operational quotas, and constitutional standards governing the use of deadly force. He pointed to a landmark 1985 Supreme Court decision establishing that law enforcement generally may not use deadly force against a fleeing suspect unless that person poses an immediate threat to officers or the public.

“Could you imagine police officers who are used to telling people, ‘Stop or I’ll shoot,’ and the kid doesn’t stop and the police officer shoots and the kid dies?” Feldman asked. “ICE doesn’t seem to have gotten the message from the 1985 case.”

The discussion explored whether current immigration enforcement policies should be reformed, temporarily suspended, or more closely aligned with traditional law enforcement standards, while acknowledging differing viewpoints on how immigration laws should be enforced.

The Roundtable then shifted to President Donald Trump’s nationally televised address focused on election integrity and alleged Chinese interference in American elections.

Robert Amorello questioned both the timing and purpose of the speech.

“When I heard that the president was going to address the country, I said, ‘Oh, that’s good. He’s probably going to talk about the war and what’s been going on with Iran,'” Amorello said. “I was shocked that the purpose of the address was voter fraud… this was a real missed opportunity.”

Panelists discussed whether the address represented an appropriate use of presidential airtime and debated whether the remarks were intended primarily to address election security concerns or to lay political groundwork for future election disputes.

Throughout the conversation, the panel emphasized the importance of examining complex public policy issues through legal, constitutional, and political perspectives while recognizing the significant consequences these debates have for communities across the country.

The Supreme Court Case That Changed Police Use of Deadly Force

A central part of the discussion referenced the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 1985 decision in Tennessee v. Garner. The Court ruled that law enforcement officers generally may not use deadly force against a fleeing suspect unless there is probable cause to believe the individual poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to officers or others. The decision fundamentally changed police use-of-force standards across the United States and continues to influence legal debates involving law enforcement agencies today.

Sources

Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985)
Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
U.S. Supreme Court

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Worcester Red Sox Return Home with Hall of Fame Weekend Ahead

by Hank Stolz | Jul 20, 2026 | WORCESTER RED SOX

Worcester Red Sox Return Home with Hall of Fame Weekend Ahead

WooSox Return to Polar Park After Memorable First Half of Season

“What you’re creating is a place where families have moments that outlive the family members.” — Dr. Charles Steinberg

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic- Radio Worcester

Questions, Concerns, Opinions?

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Worcester, MA-The Worcester Red Sox start a new homestand Tuesday night.

Dr. Charles Steinberg, president of the Worcester Red Sox, discusses the team’s successful first half of the season and upcoming events. Steinberg shares updates on mid-season improvements to the ballpark experience, including relocating food vendors and merchandise kiosks to enhance accessibility for families and visitors. He highlights the strong attendance during recent home games, featuring memorable moments including two grand slams, Brady House hitting for the cycle, and a triple play.

The conversation covers special promotions like Tail Waggin’ Tuesday for dog owners and first responder Wednesday, as well as the upcoming Worcester Red Sox Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring Chad Tracy, manager of the Boston Red Sox, and posthumously recognizing Mark “The Bird” Fidrych and Gene Zabinski, whose postcard campaign to bring the PawSox to Worcester was a key part of the team’s decision to move from McCoy Stadium.

Dr. Charles remembers speaking with Gene at the groundbreaking for Polar Park, “He said, ‘I’ve done my part or I’ve done my job.’ And he didn’t live to see the opening of the park” Tracy will be able to take advantage of a Boston Red Sox off day to be at the ceremony in person. “How cool is it? How proud is Worcester that the Red Sox went into the break with a nine game winning streak? I mean, we’re all rooting for Chad.” said Steinberg.

Steinberg emphasizes the importance of creating lasting family memories at Polar Park and strengthening the Canal District community through the ballpark’s presence. “What you’re creating is a place where families have moments that outlive the family members”

Who Was Gene Zabinski?

Long before the Worcester Red Sox played their first game at Polar Park, Gene Zabinski helped make professional baseball’s return to Worcester possible. Zabinski organized a grassroots postcard-writing campaign encouraging city leaders and team officials to bring the Pawtucket Red Sox to Worcester. His community advocacy became an important part of the successful effort that ultimately resulted in the construction of Polar Park. Although he passed away before the stadium officially opened, his contributions continue to be recognized by the Worcester Red Sox and the Worcester community.

Sources

Worcester Red Sox. Worcester Red Sox Hall of Fame (official team announcements and biographies).
Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Coverage of Gene Zabinski and the campaign to bring the PawSox to Worcester.
MassLive. Coverage of the PawSox relocation, Polar Park development, and Gene Zabinski’s community advocacy.
City of Worcester. Polar Park and Canal District Development public information.

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