Dr. Robert Hertzig Honored At Reception

By Jen Thomas06:03AM / Thursday, May 31, 2007Print Story | Email Story

Dr. Robert Hertzig [Photo by Jen Thomas]

North Adams - As longtime pediatrician Dr. Robert Hertzig looked on, about 50 nurses, doctors, hospital administrators, and former patients gathered to honor the man who dedicated his life to caring for children. "One Of The Greatest Curmudgeons" "Basically, it feels like heâ€™s part of the family," said LouAnn Quinn, nursing director of surgical services at North Adams Regional Hospital. "I canâ€™t believe heâ€™s leaving," said Jennifer Blair, a Clarksburg native, with tears in her eyes. Northern Berkshire Healthcare Inc. CEO Richard Palmisano II delivered his tribute: "Heâ€™s one of the greatest curmudgeons there ever was." After 36 years as a private practice pediatrician, Hertzig said that he knew it was just the right time to hang up his stethoscope. "I donâ€™t quite know what Iâ€™ll be doing yet, but I have a couple of grandchildren," Hertzig said during a reception held in his honor last night. "It just seemed like it was the right time.â€ "He was the voice of reason and calm and weâ€™re going to miss that," said Palmisano II. "I canâ€™t imagine working without him." Known for a gruff yet gentle and respectful demeanor, Hertzig came to the Berkshires in 1971 after working in a South Bronx neighborhood health center and â€œset down rootsâ€ in Williamstown. Hertzig also served on the board of trustees at NARH and on the finance committee. "At the hospital, we enjoy high quality physician participation in governance for the health systems, and we couldnâ€™t be more grateful for the commitment heâ€™s made over the years," said Donald Dubendorf, a former trustee at NARH. "Health care is a challenging arena to work in and it takes more than just your brain," Dubendorf continued. "It takes compassion, character and commitment, and [Hertzig] knew you couldnâ€™t work without those characteristics." It was a night of anecdotes, as Hertzig's friends and family shared stories of the years they spent in the presence of the man radiologist Daniel I. Becker of the Greylock Radiology Associates called "wonderful and unique." "Heâ€™s just my kinda guy," said Becker. A Physician For Generations As those at the reception shared stories about Hertzig's dedication, one family thanked the pediatrician for changing their lives. "Heâ€™s the reason my daughter is walking," said Claire Blair. "When she was little, he noticed her hips were out and we got braces for her. Weâ€™re lucky he found it right away." And now that Jennifer Blair has her own child, son Lukas Yelle, 8, she made sure to keep the doctor she knew and trusted. "Heâ€™s always just been good to us," she said. Honor To The Profession "Robert was a true professional in every sense of the word," said Dr. Michael Garrity. "He doesnâ€™t see medicine stopping at the office door. He brings honor to our profession." "He cared for his patients for more than just their physical well-being; he cared about them," said Quinn, whose 12-year old son was Hertzig's patient. "My son is depressed that heâ€™s leaving, but they have a special bond that will last forever." Throughout a career that endured many late-night phone calls, house visits to sick kids, and dinnertime interruptions, Hertzig always remained dedicated to helping others. â€œDr. Hertzig is the kind of physician everyone dreams of,â€ said Palmisano. â€œHe lives the mission of taking care of children in the community.â€ "I really have mixed emotions," said Hertzig. "It was a difficult transition from the level of involvement I had in the office to working part time and training a replacement [Dr. Marc McDermott], but Iâ€™m proud of what weâ€™ve done here. There have been a lot of improvements for kids, and Iâ€™m glad to be part of it all." "Heâ€™s really a good doctor and a great colleague,â€ said Rosalie Girard, a lactation consultant in the maternity unit at the hospital. "You never get a chance to go up to your colleagues and say, â€˜Youâ€™re cool,â€™ but he just is." Jen Thomas may be reached via e-mail at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at 413-663-3384 ext. 23.

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Your Comments

iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.

He took care of myself, my brother, and my two girls....It's sad he won't be there for the new baby on the way, but when your doctor can remember your entire family, how old your brother is...how's your dad...he's a keeper. He cared, and he'll be sorely missed. That's what it's about. He looked at his patients as people, not profit. Enjoy your grandchildren, you've more than earned it!
from: Sandie	on: 06-06-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Dr.Hertzig was the pediatrician for both of my sons. He was always easy to speak with and understanding of my concerns when my boys were sick. It will be hard to get use to not seeing his face in the office when we go to have my youngest seen. Dr.Robert Hertzig will always be remembered by me and my family for how wonderful and quickly he reacted when my son Troy was born with heart complications.Dr.Hertzig made sure I was calmer,and more confident throughout the procedure before getting my son from NARH to where he had to be than I could have ever imagined it possible with any other doctor.He will be missed.I truly hope you enjoy your retirement and time with your grandchildren Dr.RobertHertzig!Thanks for the 23 years of help you have given me! Donna M Kudos to you! You are the tops!
from: Donna Michalski	on: 06-06-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Dr, Hertzig was the best Pediatrician that any family could ask for! There is no beating around the bush, all in all he was there when we needed him. He was my Dr as well as my children's, he was very professional but still made it on a personal level, it was very comforting. I must say I was very sad to hear he was keaving. But in respect, the office still has amazing Drs!
from: Kim	on: 06-01-2010 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Weekend Outlook: Hopping Good Fun

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:32PM / Thursday, April 02, 2026

Check out the events happening this weekend including First Friday, Easter events, music series, and more.

Check out our list of Easter egg hunts in the county for the family as well.

Editor's Pick

First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Spring is here so kick it off with music, art, and games that will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Clean and Green."

Participating businesses will have extended hours and many galleries will host openings, closings, and other special events.

More information and event line-up here.

Multiple Days

Adaptive Cultural Kitchen Clubs
65 Depot St., Dalton
Every Saturday in April from 12-1 p.m.

Bring your kids ages 5 to 9 to learn cooking with these hands-on lessons to build kitchen confidence and make snacks. To register contact BCArc Family Support at jmiddleton@bcarc.org or 413-464-7262, Ext. 119, or or Rania at rania@familieslikeoursinc.com or 413-854-3971

More information here.

Easter Rock Hunt at The Glen
Greylock Glen, Adams
April 4-12

Hike at the Greylock Glen and try to find as many painted rocks as you can on the Meadow Loop Trail.

More information here.

Friday

Paint and Snack Teen Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 1 p.m.

Enjoy snacks and soda and get creative with paint. For more information call the Youth Services Department: 413-499-9480, Ext. 203 or youngadult@pittsfieldlibrary.org.

More information here.

Sunset Beaver Watch
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

NOTE: This event is full but you can sign the waitlist. More information here.

See the sanctuary's beavers in action. Hike about two miles to get a glimpse of what they do when they harvest trees.

Lilly of the Valley Bluegrass Solo
The Tap Room, Lanesborough
Time: 8 p.m.

Enjoy live music and food this Friday night. Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy bluegrass music.

More information here.

Saturday

Pancake Fun Run and Egg Hunt
Allendale Shopping Center, Pittsfield
Time: 8:45 a.m.

Join the Berkshire Running Center for its first pancake fun run and pickup surprises from the Easter Bunny along the way.

More information here.

Easter Bunny Hop Train
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Adams
Departure Times: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.

The Easter Bunny will hop onto the Hoosac Valley Train to greet families and give out colored eggs.

Tickets in coach range from $4 to $22; first class ranges from $4 to $37. A first-class table, which includes seats for four, is $127.20.

More information and tickets here.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Shire Tavern, Dalton
Time: 8 to 11 a.m.

Includes a breakfast buffet and picture opportunities with the Easter Bunny. All of the proceeds go to benefit Strong Little Souls, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by pediatric cancer.

More information and tickets here.

Hop on Over and Celebrate with Us
North Adams Commons
Time: 2 p.m.

Join the nursing and rehabilitation facility to celebrate Easter with photo ops with the bunny, sweet treats, and gifts.

More information here.

North Adams Farmers Market

Hotel Downstreet, North Adams

Time: 9 to 1

Winter market runs the first Saturday of the month through May 1. Makers on Main will be operating next to the market with local artists and crafters.

More information on the makers here and the farmers market here.

Bennington Museum Reopening

Bennington, Vt.

Time: 10 to 4

The Bennington Museum reopens to the public with the annual student art show, hands-on activities, a reception, music, dance and the opening of the new Folk and Craft Gallery on the first floor. The Battle of Bennington exhibit will also be on display. The Antiques Appraisal Fair runs from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Paresky Education Center.

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