Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Offers Bus Trip to Philadelphia International Flower Show, 3/8

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is once again sponsoring a bus trip to the Philadelphia International Flower Show. This year, "Islands of Aloha," will transform the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a Hawaiian paradise, where visitors will enter the world's largest indoor flower show through a giant wave of orchids and towering waterfalls. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Hawaiian luau featuring hula dancing, music and chants, or visit a Hawaiian Village and Marketplace.

You are invited to experience a heady dose of spring-just when you need it most-while you explore 10 acres of indoor displays that celebrate the beauty of plants and the art of gardening. Revel in lush floral displays, examine competitive specimen plants and be inspired by creative garden designs and flower crafts. View floral kaleidoscopes of shapes and colors featuring pools and fountains, statuary, topiary and other elements that appeal to kids of all ages. Pause for a few moments to learn from experts who will give talks on the floor of the show, or ask questions at information booths. And be sure to shop at the Marketplace-which features more than 130 vendors-for the perfect tool, book, plant or gift for your favorite gardener.

The cost of $90 (payable to Garibaldi-Meucci Museum) includes transportation, lunch and admission to the show. Our bus will depart from the ice skating rink on Victory Boulevard, by Clove Lakes Park, at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 5:00 p.m. Lunch will be at the fabulous Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant in Philadelphia. RSVP to Carol Berardi at 718-448-1398. For more information, visit www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org or call 718-442-1608.

The historic Italian landmark on Staten Island, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and administered by the Order Sons of Italy in America.

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.

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; the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation, and by grants allocated by New York State Senator Diane Savino and New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.