A history buff's delight

With her master's degree in history and his doctorate in literature, retirees Patricia and Robert Foulke have found success capitalizing on their common love of teaching and travel.

Published late last year, A Visitor's Guide to the Colonial and Revolutionary South is the 15th travel guide written by the prolific pair, who have been traveling the world for more than 50 years.

It's the third in a series of colonial and revolutionary visitor's guides that also cover the mid-Atlantic states and New England.

"We are both history buffs and have enjoyed writing more history in these last three books than any of our earlier travel guides," said Patricia, a member of NYSUT Retiree Council 9.

She has taught in Argyle, Lake George, Queensbury, Glens Falls, North Warren, Fort Edward and Granville, as well as in BOCES and at Adirondack Community College. Her husband is a former chair of the English department at Skidmore College.

In addition to the usual lodging and restaurant listings, the guides include informative sidebars and offer up everything from historic recipes to Revolutionary War timelines, details on modern archeological finds and bios on prominent historical figures.

"They are nice for the armchair traveler as well as those planning a trip," Patricia said.

A winning sculpture

Bobbi Mastrangelo, a retired member of the Smithtown Teachers Association, won first place in sculpture at the Osceola Center for the Arts in Kissimmee, Fla., in May.

Her miniature art work, "The Essential Element," carried a message about a global need to conserve and protect our water supply.

Often referred to as the "grate artist," she is known for her unique creations based on the theme of manhole covers.

For details go to Bobbi's Blog, www.bobbimastrangelo.com.