LIVING NATIVITY

By Sean Barron

Seniors, youth enact scenes of Christmas story

The show gave children and nursing-home residents a chance to interact, one mother said.

Since Franklin Sherman was unable to play a few rounds of golf, he gladly maintained an active lifestyle another way: by dressing as a shepherd and appearing in a show.

“I just enjoy being active and social. I think it makes you feel good,” said Sherman, explaining his main reasons for being in a production of “The Living Nativity,” which took place Wednesday at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland, 301 W. Western Reserve Road in Boardman.

Sherman, a four-year Shepherd of the Valley resident, counted bowling, golf and baseball as his passions, and said he’s “impressed” with the facility’s offerings.

The half-hour production, in its third year, used songs, piano accompaniment and narration to depict the story of the birth and celebration of Jesus. Cast members acted out certain Bible stories, such as the three kings following a bright star in the east to find Bethlehem and the baby Jesus receiving gold, frankincense and myrrh. The production had 16 staff members and residents who dressed as angels, kings and shepherds, as well as the Virgin Mary, Joseph and a prophet.

Leona Summers, who’s lived at Shepherd of the Valley about two years, said her appearance was her debut.

“It’s the first time I’ve been an actress,” she said, laughing.

Also with roles were six children who played lambs, sheep and other manger residents.

Two of those who didn’t feel sheepish as sheep were Maddie Anzevino and Taylor Stansloski, both 4. The two girls said they also were in last year’s production.

Taylor, of Canfield, said she wasn’t nervous about performing. Her mother, Kelly Stansloski, added that the exposure gave Taylor a good opportunity to “interact with the older generation,” as well as other children.

The production had the same benefits for Maddie, of Poland, said her mother, Amy Anzevino, the facility’s food service director. The residents also get a lot of enjoyment from being with the youngsters, she noted.

One of the main purposes of the annual program is to “share the light of Christ and celebrate his birth” while telling the story of Christmas, explained the Rev. Linda Hilliard, the facility’s chaplain. Residents volunteered to be in the program and took part in rehearsals, she noted.

The Nativity production also is a good vehicle for independent residents to take part in original activities, the Rev. Ms. Hilliard added.

“Some of them like to perform; it’s a good way for them to use their talents,” she said.