Working with the Boy Scouts for over twenty-five years I became reacquainted with a skill I learned as a boy from my Grandfather. I was soon carving many neckerchief slides, walking sticks and other items that the boys found interesting. Their enthusiasm in learning this craft inspired me to teach them and I became a Merit Badge Counselor in woodcarving. Woodcarving remained an enjoyable pastime. Since my retirement my woodcarving skills have progressed to the point where I am now teaching at The Sawtooth School and at the Senior Services Center in Mocksville. I am a member of Catawba Valley Woodcarvers in Hickory, current Secretary of NC Piedmont Woodcarvers in Statesville and a member of Triad Woodcarvers in Winston-Salem. My participation in these clubs involves demonstration and instruction to other woodcarvers. Since 2005 I have entered my carvings in many competitions including “Best of Open” at the Piedmont Woodcarvers show with “The Ultimate Sportsman” and “Best Walking Stick” in the Charlotte Showcase of Woodcarving with my “Eagle Staff”. I have also been featured on television interviews in the Raleigh and Triad markets and have been featured in newspaper articles in North Carolina and Tennessee and in “Our State” magazine highlighting my pumpkin carving, golf ball carving and woodcarvings. One of my greatest honors was being selected by Roy Ackland in 2008 as one of “Roy’s Folks” on WGHP channel 8 in High Point. Art has always played a huge role in my life. I try to encourage others to “stretch their creative legs” in trying new things and create art instead of just carving objects from rough-outs and pre-made patterns. Creativity. That’s where the real challenge and fun is!