While many Soleil Laurel Canyon residents enjoy recreational activities, cooking classes and card games, there’s no denying that Don Sungail’s carving hobby is just plain cool!

For around 11 years now, Don has been woodworking. He got his start at a Marietta event and has been carving ever since. In his projects, Don mainly uses basswood, which comes from a Linden tree. As an amateur, he enjoys carving beautiful items for his friends and family, giving them away as gifts, free of charge.

A veteran himself, Don took part in a project put on by woodcarver clubs in the Atlanta area and carved nearly a dozen canes for veterans. The canes, which had eagles carved into them, were distributed to veterans who had just returned from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and were in VA hospitals.

Most recently, Don has shared his woodworking gift in a way that all of his Soleil neighbors will be able to enjoy. He recently carved a woodpecker statue that is currently in the Soleil clubhouse. The woodpecker used a few different types of wood.

Since moving to Soleil in April 2008, Don has been surrounded by neighbors who admire his work. Some of these neighbors have even joined him in carving, and Don offers them tips and lessons.

When not woodworking, Don can be found taking advantage of Soleil’s many amenities, which were a key factor in his Atlanta relocation decision. “Soleil had everything that I needed: a fitness room, two pools, tennis courts, a golf course nearby,” he said. “It was the best 55 and over community that I looked at!”

In addition to Don’s favorite amenities, Soleil also offers Bocce Ball courts, walking trails, a zero-entry lagoon pool and deck.

For more information on the amenities, more than 50 social clubs and other regularly scheduled activities Soleil Laurel Canyon offers its active adult residents and makes it one of the premiere Atlanta communities for active adults, visit the community online.