Over the Edge: Canines for Disabled Kids Empower Children Through Service Dogs and Courageous Fundraiser
By-Hank Stolz
Photo: Canva / Licensed stock image
WORCESTER, MA– Hank Stolz sat down with Kristen Hartness, Executive Director of Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK), to talk about her organization’s mission and its upcoming Over the Edge fundraiser in Worcester.
CDK helps children with disabilities gain independence through scholarships for service dogs, advocacy, and educational programs that teach communities how to support accessibility and inclusion. Hartness emphasized how these dogs perform complex, life-changing tasks — a process that requires between $35,000 and $55,000 in training and careful matching between child and canine.
“I don’t want kids who can use these dogs to have to wait until they’re 18 or 21 or 25 to be able to access these tools,” Hartness said. “That’s why we’re here.”
To continue this mission, CDK’s fifth annual Over the Edge fundraiser takes place Saturday, November 15th, when participants will rappel down the Mercantile Building in Worcester. The event, Hartness explained, is designed as an inclusive and symbolic experience, mirroring the trust and courage children must develop when working with their service dogs.
Rutland’s July 4th Cancellation Sparks Debate Over Sheriff’s Role and News Headlines
A discussion about Rutland’s canceled Fourth of July celebration quickly expanded into a broader conversation about sheriff’s department practices, government oversight, and the challenges facing local news organizations as panelists debated headline writing, reader engagement, and journalistic responsibility.
Senator Robin Kennedy Explains Senate Audit Position, Education Funding Reform, and Local Aid Changes
State Senator Robin Kennedy joined Radio Worcester to explain the Senate’s position on the state auditor’s review of the legislature, emphasizing constitutional separation of powers while outlining key Senate budget priorities, including education funding reform and equitable local aid distribution.
Mike Minogue Outlines His Vision for Massachusetts Governor: Accountability, Affordability, and Public Safety
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue joined Radio Worcester to discuss his campaign for governor, his endorsement by the State Republican Convention, education reform, public safety, affordability concerns, and his vision for the future of Massachusetts.
Interdimensional UFO Theory Explored by Researcher Ronnie LeBlanc on Radio Worcester
Author and paranormal researcher Ronnie LeBlanc joined Radio Worcester to discuss newly declassified Pentagon UFO files, the growing use of the term UAP, theories surrounding interdimensional entities, and the possible connections between UFOs, cryptids, AI, and consciousness.
Downtown Worcester Safety Concerns Grow After Worcester Common Stabbing, Murray Says
Following a stabbing on the Worcester Common, Worcester business leaders are raising concerns about public safety downtown. Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Tim Murray says businesses, employees, and residents need to feel safe for downtown development to succeed.
Girls Inc. Board Member Evelyn Toney Shares How the Organization Changed Her Life
Evelyn Toney, Vice President of Business and Community Development at Bay State Bank and a current Girls Inc. board member, reflects on how the organization shaped her life from childhood through adulthood. Speaking on the Girls Inc. podcast alongside student co-host Natalia Okala, Toney shared deeply personal memories of finding safety, mentorship, and belonging through Girls Inc., and why representation and community leadership remain central to her mission today.
Anne Brensley Explains Ballot Deadline Controversy in Lieutenant Governor Campaign
Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Anne Brensley discussed her campaign’s missed ballot deadline, allegations involving signature collection fraud, and her ongoing effort to remain part of the 2026 race.
Worcester City Manager Eric Batista Explains City’s First-Ever $1 Billion Budget
Worcester City Manager Eric Batista joined Hank Stolz at Sherwood’s Diner to discuss the city’s proposed fiscal year budget, a historic financial plan that marks the first time Worcester’s budget has surpassed the $1 billion mark.
Clark University Students Develop Video Games to Help Reduce Social Isolation
Paul Cotnoir, Dean of the Becker School for Design and Technology at Clark University, joined Radio Worcester to discuss an innovative program where students developed video games designed to help reduce social isolation for people living with schizophrenia and psychosis. The initiative combines game design, collaboration, and therapeutic concepts to create safe digital spaces focused on rebuilding communication and social confidence.
Amy Peterson Discusses Returning to Lead the DCU Center
Amy Peterson, the new General Manager of the DCU Center, joined Hank Stolz at Sherwood’s Diner to discuss returning to the venue where she previously served as Director of Marketing. Peterson spoke about the demanding nature of the entertainment business, the economic importance of the convention center, Worcester’s continued investment in the facility, and her desire to maintain strong local community connections.
Pentagon UFO File Release Sparks Debate Over “Unresolved” Cases and Government Disclosure
Following the Defense Department’s release of new UFO-related files, author and researcher Ronny LeBlanc joined Radio Worcester to discuss unresolved cases, government disclosure, interdimensional theories, and why he believes society may be approaching a major paradigm shift.
Iggy Suarez Describes Shock of Sudden Promotion During Polar Park Game
New Worcester Red Sox manager Iggy Suarez described the surreal moment he learned about his sudden promotion during a game at Polar Park and discussed his leadership philosophy, player development, and journey through the Red Sox organization.
LIVE STREAM
Radio Worcester
CONNECT
RADIO WORCESTER STUDIOS
Summit Street (Behind Polar Park)
Worcester, MA 01610.