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 Retirement often provides the time for the retiree to explore and develop hidden talents that are not able to be expressed during the busy working years.
David Penkert, a resident of a Pringle Community, served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years as a Chief Store Keeper. He was responsible for budgeting, accounting and other functions on several naval ships, as well as serving seven years in Naples, Italy and the French Riviera. When he retired to Central Florida in 1992, he decided to “try his hand” at wood carving. From a solid piece of wood, he carved out an alligator that has become part of his home decorations on the front lawn.
Recently, he purchased a 6-foot piece of a cypress tree trunk and began to carve out a standing bear, using a chain saw and other smaller tools. After two months of trimming, sanding and staining, the wooden bear stands tall on the patio.
David had no previous experience in wood carving, but used a photo to guide his hand in shaping the bear. He discovered that with time and patience, he was able to create a lasting object of beauty which will be appreciated by family members for generations to come. He intends to display the bear on the front porch of his daughter’s log cabin in Elljay, Georgia.
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