That's Life: North Adams Displays Nativity ScenesBy Phyllis McGuire
iBerkshires Columnist
05:14PM / Sunday, December 18, 2011
I needed a little Christmas to remind me of its true meaning last Saturday. So I did not go to the stores to shop, but to St. Elizabeth of Hungary's Parish Center in North Adams to view a display of nativity scenes.
I parked in the public parking lot across the street from the church and parish center and as I crossed the street, I felt as if I were taking my life in my hands even though I walked to the traffic light. It is a peculiar crossing and the red hand that signaling me to halt seemed to stay on forever. Finally, a motorist waved me on.
I have not been to the parish center in quite a while and went to the front entrance only to find it locked. A gentleman passing by directed me to the side entrance, saying the front entrance is not used anymore because that space is now a classroom. Hmm when I have a chance, I will inquire about that. Curiosity is the curse of the reporter.
As I walked to the side entrance of the parish center, I saw a parking lot there. Oh well, nothing I could do now, my car was already parked across the street.
The display of nativity scenes was beautiful. There were more than 100 set up on tables in the gymnasium. None were the same. Some contained more than figures of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus; some were made in Poland, Italy, Cayman Islands, Austria, Ecuador, the Labrador coast as well as other faraway places.
The idea for the display was conceived by Dennis Zepka, a nativity scene enthusiast, who was acting as guide at the parish center. As he lead me to the first table, he explained that the first three tables are from his and his wife's collection and that it is not an easy task to gather so many nativity scenes in one place.
"I have 40 more at home," he said. "I had to coerce some people (into letting us borrow them.)"
The display was on view only Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
Rev. William F. Cyr, pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, let two or was it three of his nativity scenes out of his sight for the couple of days so that other folk could enjoy them. I mentioned to Zepka that Rev. Wayne Biernat, pastor of St. Patrick and Raphael Parish in Williamstown, has a lovely nativity scene, which I happened to see in the entry hall of the rectory when I made a visit the other day.
"I know," said Zepka. "I'm going to be after him for it next year."
I thanked him and the volunteers who had a part in making it possible for me, and the other people who came by, to have a little bit of Christmas right that very moment.
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