MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The Memphis mayor said the weekend will be all grit, grind, and shine. While it is mostly about basketball, there are several reasons all eyes are on Memphis this weekend.

Outside the Presbyterian Day School in East Memphis stands larger than life wooden cutouts of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Art teacher Darla Linerode-Henson supervised nearly 30 people painting for eight days.

"We had a sign up sheet. I made everyone sign up. We had everybody from second graders to adults," said Linerode-Henson.

In downtown Memphis, a huge banner on AutoZone's office building shows their the Grizz spirit.

Mayor A C Wharton raised grit and grind flags at the tip of Mud Island after announcing May, 24 would be Grizzlies Day.

He shared plans to shut down streets for a huge viewing party on the FedEx Forum plaza.

That will extend Beale Street's reach.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - Many Mid-South first responders are being honored for the life-saving work they do during national EMS week.

A recent heart attack victim, John Melnick, is working again, and grateful for first responders. He looks different from in July when he was sprawled out on the floor at his employer, a car dealership, suffering from a heart attack.

"Just glad to be alive every morning when I wake up," he said. "They just said my arteries were blocked going into my heart."

Melnick said Stephen Ross, a co-worker at his job, started CPR compressions. Shortly after those compressions, paramedics Jeff Mayer and Bruce Good arrived with the special equipment that put Melnick's heart in rhythm again.

"The engine company had ID access going. So we shocked him with our cardiac monitor, resumed CPR, and started pushing some cardiac drugs that are in our protocol," said Melnick.

Melnick said the efforts saved his life.

Shelby County Government continues to partner with faith-based organizations and other groups to host Mayor Mark Luttrell’s Family Life Series. Representatives from Shelby County Government and other agencies will speak at Keel Avenue Baptist Church during a five month series of presentations.

On May 16, the CDC issued its first comprehensive report on children's mental health describing federal activities that track children’s mental disorders in the United States.

Tonight’s series, led by Just Care Family Network Executive Director Dr. Altha Stewart, will aim at “Helping Children and Youth Affected by Crime and Violence” 

 “Just Care Family Network is honored to be a part of this series.