Mimi Aloia Reads From Her New Book, MY FATHER'S FISH, at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, Today

Today, July 12 at 2 p.m., Mimi Aloia will read from her latest book, "My Father's Fish." The book is a compilation of poems, prose and original drawings that Mimi describes as a reflection of memories, thoughts, incidents and feelings from her life. Her autobiographical journey gives you entrance into her world as a child, teenager and throughout a life lived both ordinarily and extraordinarily. The title of the book originates from a symbol of four intertwined fish, brought to America by her grandparents from their peasant fishing village in Trapani, Sicily.

Ms. Aloia taught acrylic painting and poetry and creative writing classes at the United Federation of Teachers in Staten Island for 15 years, retiring in 2009. She also instructed classes in oil painting for 15 years at an Adult Continuing Education program at Susan Wagner High School. She has published and illustrated two books of poetry, and is currently working on an autobiographical book that includes poems and prose, drawings and photo collage. She has exhibited her works and read her poems at numerous venues throughout Staten Island and Palm Beach, Florida She is a member of the Staten Island Poetry Society, Poets of the Palm Beaches and the National League of American Pen Women.

Admission of $10 or $5 for members, includes a light reception. Copies of "My Father's Fish" will be available to purchase for the author to sign.

Located at 420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes. The historic Italian landmark on Staten Island, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned by the Sons of Italy Foundation and administered by the NYSOSIA?GMM?Board of Commissioners.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation; Coccia Foundation; JP Morgan Chase Regrant in partnership with the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI); The Staten Island Foundation; The Lois and Richard Nicotra Foundation and by grants allocated by New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.

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