West Nile Is Back
The Memphis Shelby County Vector Control announced this week that West Nile Virus is back in town. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in the following local zip codes: 38109, 38122, 38134, and 38135. Although Vector Control has been treating bodies of water to reduce the mosquito population, West Nile Virus has been detected much earlier this year than in previous years. The county will continue to spray for mosquitoes in areas where the virus is detected.
To reduce your risk of contracting the virus, the Centers for Disease Control has put together a list of preventative measures to take. Similarly, the Shelby County Health Department offers these tips:
- Wear DEET-containing mosquito repellants according to label directions.
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Check properties for objects - including old tires, flower pots and drip plates, tin cans, buckets, and children's toys - that collect rainwater and either drain or dispose of the water.
- Install or repair windows and door screens.
- Empty, clean and refill birdbaths and small wading pools weekly.
- Empty and refill pets' water bowls every few days.
- Repair failed septic systems.
- Repair leaky outside faucets.
- Clean rain gutters and down spouts.
- Secure swimming pool covers tightly and remove any standing water after rainfall.
- Store wheelbarrows, canoes and boats upside down.
- Stock ornamental lawn ponds with mosquito fish (Gambusia) that eat mosquito larvae (Gambusia fish are available FREE from the Vector Control Program).
Night of the Living Dead--Memphis Style
In less than two weeks, the undead will emerge to roam the streets of downtown Memphis. Don't worry, though--it happens each spring and the only victims are willing ones. If you're not familiar with the Memphis Zombie Massacre, it's an annual event at which regular folks like you and me show up their best zombie costumes and parade down Beale.
It sounds kooky but this is a fabulously fun event and you never know what you will see. There are singing zombies, dancing zombies, and of course, an Elvis zombie. If you'd like to check out the Memphis Zombie Massacre or even take part in it, we've got all the information you need right here.
Free Bowling for Kids
The other day I was talking about the free summer membership to the Pink Palace. Today I've got another summer freebie for you. Kids Bowl Free is a program bringing free games of bowling to children all over the country. All you have to do is register at www.kidsbowlfree.com and the bowling alley of your choice will email you coupons every week.
Each child will receive two free games of bowling daily. Shoe rental fees are not included in the coupon (depending upon how often your child bowls, it might be worth it to just buy him or her a pair of bowling shoes). In addition to the free passes for kids, the website also offers family passes for adult family members. Starting at around $25, grown-ups can bowl daily all summer long, too.
Bartlett Lanes, Cordova Bowling Center, and Winchester Bowl are all participating. Each has different hours during which the free passes can be used. The Kids Bowl Free website has all of the details for each bowling center.
Hardeman County Case Grows Even More Disturbing
Alexandria and Kyliyah Bain, courtesy of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations
Have you been following the case of the Hardeman County mother and daughters who disappeared on April 27th? To sum it up briefly, Jo Ann Bain and her three daughters disappeared after leaving their home one morning. Jo Ann's husband reported them missing that evening. Soon after, Jo Ann's car was found abandoned a few miles from her home.
Before long, authorities had identified a person of interest, family friend, Adam Mayes. He was believed to have been the last person to see the Bain family. When Mayes' North Mississippi property was searched, the bodies of Jo Ann Bain and Adrienne Bain were discovered. The whereabouts of the other two girls are still unknown but they are believed to be with Mayes.
If this wasn't already bad enough, Mayes and his wife, Teresa, have now both been charged with the Bains' murder. And Mayes' mother has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
While the whole situation is horrific in its own right, it is even more disturbing that this guy's wife and mother were allegedly willing participants in the crime. The thought of that much depravity all in one family is frightening.
As the case continues to unfold, all we can do is continue to hope and pray for the safe return of the other two daughters. If you see Alexandria or Kyliyah, you are urged to call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
It's All Greek To Me!
The 54th annual Memphis Greek Festival, put on by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, will take place this Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12. This is the largest Greek Festival in the Memphis area and features authentic Greek food, music, dance, and more. The festival will take place rain or shine from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. both days. Read more about the Greek Festival and make plans to attend. Want a sneak peek of what's in store for you at the festival? Check out these photos from a previous year's festival.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, photo by Teresa R. Simpson, licensed to About.com
Cinco de Mayo in Memphis
With all of the excitement and bustle surrounding Memphis in May, Cinco de Mayo is a day that often takes the back burner in Memphis. And while it may not be an official U.S. holiday, it's still a good excuse to celebrate.
Cinco de Mayo (i.e., the fifth of May) is celebrated in honor of the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is not, however, Mexico's Independence Day. You can read the complete history of Cinco de Mayo from About.com's Guide to Latin American History.
Now, if you want to celebrate, check out these Cinco de Mayo celebrations or head out to one of the many Mexican restaurants in the Memphis area for drink specials, food specials, and live entertainment.
If you know of any other Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on around town, please let us know.
Sign Up for Your Free Pink Palace Membership
For the fifth year in a row, the Pink Palace Museum is offering a free three month membership to the museum. The trial membership includes unlimited admission to the museum and Lichterman Nature Center, discounts on IMAX and planetarium tickets, plus special invitations to the new IMAX films.
I have taken advantage of this offer for the last four years and I think it's one of the best deals in town. Where else can you beat the heat for free during the dog days of summer? Registration is only open during the month of May, so sign up now if you are interested.
The Pink Palace Museum
Photo courtesy of the Pink Palace Museum
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Get Ready For Memphis in May
Memphis in May will kick off next week with the Beale Street Music Festival. The festival goes on May 4-6 and will include more than 60 bands of an assortment of genres. Some of the featured performers include: Jane's Addiction, My Morning Jacket, Florence + the Machine, Wiz Khalifa, Evanescence, Primus, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and dozens more.
The rest of the month is full of fun activities for the whole family, as well. There will be cultural events that spotlight the Philippines, the honored country of this year's Memphis in May International Festival. In addition, there will be annual events going on throughout the month including the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Sunset Symphony. Find out more about these events below.
Ramesses is Gone...But Not Too Far
On Monday, the 25 foot tall statue of Ramesses II was moved from it's iconic place in front of the Pyramid Arena to the University of Memphis. I was amazed when I realized that the statue had stood there for more than 20 years. It doesn't seem like all that long ago that the original Ramesses II statue -- an ancient artifact from Egypt--was on display in Memphis as part of the Ramesses the Great exhibit. Soon after, the city created its own Ramesses II statue with permission from Egypt. Although the replica was made of fiberglass, it weighed a whopping 5,000 pounds.
Personally, I'm sad to see Ramesses leave his post at the Pyramid. It was, for obvious reasons, a most appropriate place for him. I will concede, however, that an Egyptian Pharaoh might not be quite as appropriate in front of a sporting goods store--even one that is housed in a pyramid.
Photo by Audrey Turner, licensed to About.com