Amy Bates displays some of the many beautiful Christmas ornaments she has created herself. (Photo by Laurie Eads)

Amy Bates, age 36, was born with a condition known as “spina bifida.” Even though she was able to graduate from Northridge High School in Middlebury, Amy is confined most of the time to a wheelchair or a bed. Since boredom is a big problem for her, she looks for things to keep her occupied.

In recent years Amy has been making bracelets, necklaces, and Christmas ornaments. Those and other items are now on display in Bristol at Jack’s Feed Shack, 303 S. Division Street (SR 15 S), and at Chicago’s Downtown Eatery, 218 E. Vistula Street (SR 120 E).

All the articles are “very inexpensive,” according to Amy’s mother, Sally Carpenter, because making money is not the reason for the project. Most of the proceeds will be invested in beads and other materials, so that more beautiful things can be created. Sally says that some of the prices won’t even cover the cost of the materials used in the jewelry or decorations.

Amy lives with her mother and her step-father, Greg Carpenter, and is dependent on others for much of her care. In fact, because she is susceptible to pressure sores and infections, she has spent much time in hospitals and nursing homes. It was there that her creative interests were awakened.

One of the care facilities had an activities center for the patients. Amy acquired some new skills, and made lanyards for the staff members, which they used for their identification badges. This success gave Amy a “brainstorm,” so she made Christmas presents for her family, and has been busy ever since then.

“I absolutely love it,” Amy says, regarding her chosen field of activity. In order to continue what she enjoys doing, Amy hopes many local residents will purchase her creations. In so doing, they can acquire something beautiful and useful, and, at the same time, encourage Amy in a hobby from which she derives much satisfaction.