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 he’s part of the family," said LouAnn Quinn, nursing director of surgical services at North Adams Regional Hospital.
"I can’t believe he’s leaving," said Jennifer Blair, a Clarksburg native, with tears in her eyes.
Northern Berkshire Healthcare Inc. CEO Richard Palmisano II delivered his tribute: "He’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 don’t quite know what I’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 we’re going to miss that," said Palmisano II. "I can’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 “set down roots†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 couldn’t be more grateful for the commitment he’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 couldn’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."
"He’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.
"He’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. We’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.
"He’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 doesn’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 he’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.
“Dr. Hertzig is the kind of physician everyone dreams of,†said Palmisano. “He 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 I’m proud of what we’ve done here. There have been a lot of improvements for kids, and I’m glad to be part of it all."
"He’s really a good doctor and a great colleague,†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, ‘You’re cool,’ 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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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!
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!
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!
Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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