LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Too often we report the negative news, but great things are happening in your community each day.
Here's a look at a few stories that are on The Brighter Side...
One fish, two fish, yellow fish, learn to fish
The John Gould Fletcher Library and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AG&FC) kicked off the first of a two-part Beginner's Fishing Clinic on Thursday, May 17, at 6 p.m. at the Fletcher Library.
AG&FC Biologist Ben Batten taught participants about gear, bait, rigging, fish handling and AG&FC pond locations.
"It's just basics 101," says Batten. "We teach all about Channel Catfish, what they eat, a little biology background, what kind of equipment to use, what to bring on a trip."
The first forty children who attended the clinic's first session received a coupon for a free fishing rod and reel.
At the clinic's second session on Saturday, May 19, participants will be able to fish in MacArthur Park pond and receive advice on fish handling.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information on the fishing event, call Fletcher Library at 663-5457 or visit www.cals.org.
UALR sets graduation record
UALR will celebrate spring commencement Saturday, May 19, with the largest group of graduates in school history, including the first graduate of the new Ph.D. program in criminal justice.
Almost 1,500 students will take the walk across the stage in their caps and gowns.
Chancellor Joel Anderson credits the lottery scholarships for the boost in attendance numbers.
"We're making a push to graduate more students for the state of Arkansas," says Anderson. "The Governor challenged us to do that, to double the number by 2025 so we're working very hard at it."
The first ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in the Jack Stephens Center will include graduates of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the College of Education, and the College of Professional Studies. The second ceremony will be at 3 p.m. with graduates of the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology (EIT), the College of Science and Mathematics, and the College of Business.
The entire graduation ceremony will be streamed live over the Internet.
Easter Seals honors 'Arkansans of the Year'
Cindy and Chip Murphy will be honored as the 2012 Arkansans of the Year at the Statehouse Convention Center tonight, May 18.
A VIP reception and cocktail reception will be held at 6 p.m. at the Peabody Hotel with the dinner and program beginning at 7 p.m.
The "Soul of Giving" event will highlight the couple's love of philanthropy with a New Orleans style jazz theme.
The Murphy's are being recognized for their commitment, dedication and service to Easter Seals and many other non-profits. Their philosophy of "giving back" and their belief that all benefit from improving the quality of life for others is an inspiration.
Through their philanthropy and added gifts of time and talent, they have touched countless lives and enriched the cultural landscape of our state.
"They support organizations not because they are asked, but because they truly believe in the mission. They have been blessed with the ability to offer financial support, but it is the organizations they are involved with, like Easter Seals, that receive the ultimate blessing because with their financial support comes a dedication and commitment to touch the individuals served," says Sharon Moone-Jochums, President and CEO of Easter Seals Arkansas.
The evening will also include a live auction conducted by Blackmon Auctions with items including vacation packages, a Breitling Watch and house parties. Lawrence Hamilton and the Tonya Leeks band will provide enertainment.
The mission of Easter Seals is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.