He is a woodcarver who likes to replicate images that he finds in books and magazines. Silverbush, 64, believes he inherited his creative ability from his mother, who was a sculptor.

"I've been building things all of my life," he said. "It's just a natural for me. I started out building model airplanes and then I fell into woodcarving."

A retired engineer, Silverbush has at least eight favorite carvings that decorate his Durham home. He has given away most of his other works as gifts to family members and friends. He has also entered some of his carvings into the local Senior Games each April.

When Silverbush isn't in his woodshop or participating in activities sponsored by the Wood Spirit Carvers of Durham, he finds other outlets for his talents. In the Senior Games, Silverbush also participates in the swimming and walking competition for his age group.

For the last three years, he has earned a gold medal in those categories because no one has competed against him. He said that if he wins gold again this month, he'll compete in the state games this fall, where he'll likely meet a challenger.

Silverbush has also found an outlet in volunteer work. Every Thursday he and a group of seniors -- Silverbush calls them the "Geezers" -- build floor systems, install exterior and interior walls, and put up roof trusses and roof sheathing. Essentially, they build the houses from the ground up for Habitat for Humanity.

Generally the same individuals come each week and there is an interesting majority in the group. "There are probably more retired doctors in the Geezers than anybody else," Silverbush said.

Back at his own home, Silverbush also keeps busy with several home improvement projects. He created his own woodshop by finishing off his garage with Sheetrock and insulating the roof. And just before Christmas, he installed an oak floor in his dining room. As he does in his carvings, Silverbush strove for perfection.

"I got a little frustrated, but it came out nice," he said. "I try to enjoy my projects."

Here Silverbush talks more about his drive to create and why he stays so busy:

Q. Why are you so involved with so many activities?

I think it is a really good thing for people to be active. I'm a very active person and I like to have an outlet. I can't just sit around. It's not in my nature."

Q. Does carving relax you?

No. I sweat over everything I make. But I still keep doing it. It doesn't relax me. That's what the walking and bicycling do.

Q. Why has Habitat for Humanity been a great volunteer project for you?

I've done a couple of different volunteer things, but this is the one thing that worked out the best. I'll keep doing it as long as I can do it. I like getting out working with the other guys and I like the feeling of accomplishment I get. Sometimes we'll go out and put down a whole floor system in a morning. I like working with my hands.

Q. What type of carvings have you entered into competition at the Durham Senior Games and which carving has been your favorite?

Last year I entered a lunging grizzly bear up on hind legs. I think it's pretty impressive. One of the nicest things I've done is a buffalo that sits on the hearth. That's really nice.