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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

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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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George Street Bike Challenge Returns to Worcester July 26

by Hank Stolz | Jul 17, 2026 | This Weeks Top Stories

George Street Bike Challenge Returns to Worcester July 26

Riders Take on Worcester’s Steepest Hill

“There’s over 50 chapters of Major Taylor Association related clubs… There’s even at least one I think in Taiwan.” — Dale Wickenheiser

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic- Radio Worcester

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Worcester, MA-Dale Wickenheiser and Seth Popinchalk stop by Radio Worcester to invite everyone to come out for the George Street Bike Challenge in Worcester on July 26th, either as participants or spectators.

The George Street Bike Challenge, celebrating twenty-two years is a hill climb event honoring Major Taylor, the first Black world champion cyclist. “There’s over 50 chapters of Major Taylor Association related clubs… There’s even at least one I think in Taiwan” says Dale. Riders navigate one of the city’s steepest streets—an 18% grade over 500 feet—with both competitive athletes and recreational cyclists participating. “George Street’s about 18% on average. Something like Belmont Hill going up Belmont Street is about six” It is so steep that most pedestrians use the handrails. Seth says, “You’re burning. You’ve got the burning feeling in your legs” but you push on through with the help of the crowd.

The event, which has grown into New England’s largest bike festival, takes over Main Street with vendors, community organizations, and local business partners. Organizers would like to see it grow, “If you’ve ever seen the Tour de France and those people are just insane, five deep on the side of the road cheering them on. That would be such a powerful thing” says Dale. Registration is available on-site ($30) or in advance via Bike Reg ($25).

The festival runs from 10 AM to approximately noon, with an after-party at Moynagh’s Tavern. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets to support riders. More information is available at sevenhillswheelmen.org and on Instagram @GeorgeStreetBikeChallenge.

Donaldson Collection//Getty Images

Who Was Major Taylor?

Marshall “Major” Taylor (1878–1932) was the first Black athlete to win a world championship in any sport, capturing the 1899 World Sprint Cycling Championship. Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his career, Taylor became one of the world’s most celebrated cyclists and remains a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and sportsmanship. Cycling clubs across the United States and around the world continue to honor his legacy through races, community rides, and advocacy for diversity in cycling.

Learn more – https://www.majortaylorassociation.org/

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Wildfire Smoke Reaches Worcester: Dr. Gerardo Carino Explains the Health Risks

by Hank Stolz | Jul 17, 2026 | HEALTH REPORTS, Health Reports, This Weeks Top Stories

Wildfire Smoke Reaches Worcester: Dr. Gerardo Carino Explains the Health Risks

How Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Lungs and Heart

“There are plenty of people out there who are going to have potentially reactive airways who’ve never had trouble before.” — Dr. Gerardo Carino

By-Staff
Graphic- Radio Worcester

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Worcester, MA-It has been a wild couple of days with our yellow skies and orange sun. Wild fires in Ontario and Northern Minnesota are riding the jet stream, creating the smokey conditions throughout New England. Those conditions can also cause health problems, Dr. Gerardo Carino, a pulmonologist and the St. Vincent ICU Medical Director, tells us what to watch out for and how to protect ourselves. While the smoke poses aesthetic concerns, it presents significant health dangers, particularly for individuals with underlying lung conditions such as COPD, emphysema, and asthma, as well as those with cardiac disease.

Healthy individuals may also experience unexpected respiratory issues, especially children and teenagers engaged in outdoor activities. “There are plenty of people out there who are going to have potentially reactive airways who’ve never had trouble before” says Dr. Carino. The combination of smoke with heat and humidity amplifies health risks substantially. “It’s a terrible combination. I mean, just heat and humidity is enough to trigger a lot of these patients” Recommended protective measures include reducing outdoor activity, maintaining closed windows, and utilizing air conditioning. “Using an N95 mask is helpful. They are specially designed for cutting out particulates” says Dr. Carino.

Those experiencing persistent shortness of breath, chest tightness, or inadequate response to inhalers should seek medical attention. The cumulative effects of multi-day smoke exposure increase the likelihood of health complications, particularly for those with undiagnosed respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Why Does Wildfire Smoke Travel Thousands of Miles?

Wildfire smoke can travel across North America because tiny particles produced by large fires rise high into the atmosphere, where they become caught in upper-level winds like the jet stream. These fast-moving air currents can transport smoke hundreds or even thousands of miles before it descends to ground level.

The yellow skies and orange sun seen across Massachusetts occur because smoke particles scatter sunlight differently than clean air. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) also reduces visibility and can penetrate deep into the lungs, making wildfire smoke a public health concern even when the fires are far away.

Visit https://www.airnow.gov/ to check the air quality in your area.

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Worcester City Manager Eric Batista on Tobacco Rules, Traffic & Youth Jobs

by Hank Stolz | Jul 17, 2026 | Batista, This Weeks Top Stories

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista on Tobacco Rules, Traffic & Youth Jobs

City Manager Eric Batista Discusses Worcester’s Latest Initiatives

“I think our role was to really try to put together a policy… that was balanced not only to address the health of our communities, but also give businesses and hookah lounges the opportunity to thrive.” — Eric Batista

By-Staff
Graphic- Radio Worcester

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Worcester, MA- Radio Worcester’s Hank Stolz speaks with Worcester City Manager Eric Batista to get an update on some of the biggest issues facing the city.

Hank begins by asking about the role of Worcester’s city administration in implementing the city’s new tobacco regulations. “I think our role was to really try to put together a policy, a regulation that was balanced not only to address the health of our communities, but also give businesses and hookah lounges the opportunity to also thrive in our community,” said the City Manager.

The Worcester Board of Health has approved new regulations that balance public health objectives with business interests, particularly for hookah lounges and smoke shops. The regulations consolidate previous rules into a single document, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and impose stricter caps on smoke shops, where youth access to tobacco products has been a growing concern.

The conversation also turns to the city’s comprehensive traffic safety initiative, which is built around the “three Es”—enforcement, engineering, and education—rather than enforcement alone. A major infrastructure project featuring two roundabouts at the Chandler Street and May Street intersection near Worcester State University has been in development since 2016 and is being funded with federal dollars. The project is designed to improve traffic flow while reducing crashes and increasing pedestrian safety.

The administration plans to hold community meetings this fall to address resident concerns and explain the benefits of the project. However, Batista notes that making significant changes becomes increasingly difficult as projects move through the design process. “…oftentimes when the design gets to 100% design, it’s very difficult to go back and alter the design completely,” he explains.

Batista also highlights the success of the city’s summer youth employment program, which has placed more than 108 young people in jobs across multiple city agencies and community organizations, including new opportunities with the Department of Public Works.

Finally, the discussion focuses on Worcester’s ongoing efforts to bring more people downtown. Community engagement has been strengthened through initiatives such as FIFA World Cup watch parties on the Worcester Common, which have attracted thousands of visitors, along with popular events including outdoor movies, roller skating, and the Out to Lunch series.

“It helps people to actually frequent businesses,” Batista says. “It allows me to say, ‘Hey, you know what? I’m going to park in this garage… and I’m just going to walk the next few blocks.'”

Key Takeaways

New tobacco regulations approved: Worcester’s updated tobacco regulations combine previous rules into one document, strengthen enforcement, and tighten oversight of smoke shops while balancing public health goals with the needs of local businesses, including hookah lounges.
Traffic safety extends beyond enforcement: The city’s “Three Es” approach—engineering, enforcement, and education—guides its strategy for reducing crashes and improving roadway safety.
Major Chandler Street project moving forward: The federally funded Chandler Street and May Street roundabout project near Worcester State University has been in development since 2016 and is intended to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Community input continues: City officials plan to hold public meetings this fall to explain the roundabout project and address neighborhood concerns, though major design changes become difficult once engineering plans are finalized.
Youth employment program expands opportunities: More than 108 young people have been placed in summer jobs throughout city departments and community organizations, including new positions with the Department of Public Works.
Downtown activation is driving foot traffic: FIFA World Cup watch parties, Out to Lunch, outdoor movies, roller skating, and other events are attracting thousands of visitors to downtown Worcester while supporting local businesses and encouraging residents to explore the city on foot.
Focus remains on a vibrant, connected city: Batista says the administration’s goal is to create policies and programs that improve quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods, and encourage residents to spend more time enjoying everything Worcester has to offer.

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