For several years, Bright House Networks has been supporting the Annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival at California State University Bakersfield.  For incoming freshmen music students, we have awarded an annual scholarship at festival. This year,  the scholarship recipient was Anthony Rinaldi.  He received a a $1,000 scholarship from Bright House Networks. We congratulate Anthony and wish him the best during his first year at CSUB!

In addition to the scholarship program, Bright House Networks provided WiFi at the event. It was available free of charge for those who attended the festival and wanted to stay connected on their mobile devices throughout the event.

What are some of your favorite local music events?

Editor’s note: This summer we will be “On the Road” with our friends from History.  We are grateful to Dr. Libby O’Connell and her team for sharing their expertise and knowledge with us about Florida history.  Please enjoy the above video and learning more about The Plant Museum.

Henry B. Plant built a luxury hotel modeled on a fantastic Moorish palace, and called it the Tampa Bay Hotel.

In the late 1800’s, at a time when most Americans lived without electricity or indoor plumbing, Plant outfitted each room with running water, electric power, and even a telephone. People flocked here for the glamour, and Plant made millions on his new concept: the destination resort.

Today the hotel is a fascinating museum on the campus of the University of Tampa.

Have you visited The Plant Museum? Do you have questions about the historic location or about Henry B. Plant?

Recently, Mrs. Miller wrote in to let us know about Barry, a technician based in the Winter Haven, Florida area.

Barry asked me what was wrong, listened to me, let me vent, and quickly solved the problem.  Barry was such a nice guy, a gentleman, a pleasure to have in my home.  He is a gem of a person.  Bright House Networks is lucky to have him.

I want you to know Bright House Networks employees are the nicest people to do business with.  You can be very proud of them.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Miller

Do you have a positive customer service story you’d like to share with us? We invite you to tell us about your experience at brighthouse.com/shareyourstories.

1 – Kevin James Makes Us Laugh Another Year

Happy Birthday to actor Kevin James LIKE this post to send him well wishes, then comment to let us know your favorite James film.

2 – Candles burning brightly for Aidan Gillen!

Happy Birthday to Game of Thrones star, Aidan Gillen! Click LIKE if you’re a fan of the medieval fantasy.

3 – Giuliana’s expecting!

Congratulations to Giuliana Rancic and Bill Rancic! They are finally having a baby! The news is extra special after years of struggling to conceive and Giuliana’s breast cancer battle. Watch their story as it unfolds on “Giuliana and Bill” anytime On Demand.

4 – Go Wild On Demand

Check out “Born to Be Wild” On Demand. How can you miss with Morgan Freeman as narrator?

5 – Smashing!

Are you hooked on the show that everyone is buzzing about?? We’re talking about Smash, and it’s on NBC! If you haven’t seen it, watch it from the very beginning (including the pilot) On Demand.

Are we connected on Facebook? If not, “like” us for more on Entertainment news and the latest events for Bright House Networks.

Today, I had a Bright House support professional named Clayton at the house to help fix my Cable TV.  He was on time, pleasant on the phone when calling to ensure directions to my house, and professional and courteous while he fixed my problem.

I thought that Bright House would appreciate hearing that one of their expert support professionals was exceptional.  The next time I need cable support from Bright House, I’m asking for Clayton.

Thank you,

Lee

Do you have a positive customer service story you’d like to share with us? We invite you to tell us about your experience at brighthouse.com/shareyourstories.

Bright House Networks volunteers gathered to assist in the building of a Habitat for Humanity home for the Abercrombie family, providing framing support, securing the roof with a Horizontal Under-eave Guardrail System (HUGS), adding insulation to interior walls and completing the roofline framing.

“Becoming a homeowner will change our lives tremendously,” said Abercrombie. “I never dreamed we would be able to have a house where we can be safe, comfortable, and call it our own.”

Habitat For Humanity seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness by building quality, affordable housing and revitalizing existing houses to encourage family stability, and promote self-sufficiency, educational achievement and responsible citizenship.

You may recall that our employees in Birmingham assisted with building a home for another family in 2011. This is the fifth home-build that employees have participated in since 2009.  As a company, we’re looking forward to volunteering and helping communities throughout our service areas.

Have you ever volunteered for Habitat for Humanity?  What is your favorite volunteer activity?

One night recently, both my phone and Internet went out. That night I called another provider and made an appointment with them to set up an installation.  I called Bright House Networks the morning of April 7th and let them know we had no Internet or phone service. They had someone come out between 4-8 that day. I wanted you to know your employee by the name of Ryan was wonderful. He found the issue (our line was spliced) and fixed it. It took quite awhile for him to do this. He had to run a new line and worked in the dark, which was difficult. This was the night before Easter and I know he has small children. He was very professional and courteous. Due to this outstanding employee, I have cancelled my other appointment and will stay with Bright House.

Sincerely,
Deanna 

Do you have a positive customer service story you’d like to share with us? We invite you to tell us about your experience at brighthouse.com/shareyourstories.

Our work continues as construction is also underway under way to install nearly 90 solar panels that will help supply power to one of our major facilities in the Tampa area.  That new clean energy system will convert enough of the Sun’s energy to supply more than two-and-a-half, average single family homes per year.

For both locations, we’ve used new photovoltaic panels that were made in the United States.  In fact, we contracted with BlueChip Energy located in Lake Mary, Florida to manufacture and install the systems.  As many of you know, we are dedicated to helping the local economy grow and doing our part to keep our planet green.

Do you think converting to solar energy is a good idea?   Would you install solar panels at your home or business?  We would love to hear your thoughts!

1 – Brad and Angelina Celebrating

Congratulations to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie! After six years and six kids, they are engaged! LIKE this post to send them your best wishes.

2 – Simpsons One Year Older

Happy Anniversary to The Simpsons! The family first appeared on April 19, 1987. LIKE this post if you’re a fan, then comment to let us know your favorite character.

3 – Kate Hudson – Another Year Younger

Happy Birthday to Kate Hudson! LIKE this post to send your well wishes to the actress, then check out her new movie A Little Bit of Heaven. It’s playing early On Demand BEFORE it hits theaters May 4th.

4 – Remembering Dick Clark

RIP Dick Clark.

5 – Mob Wives

Are you a fan of the Mob Wives? LIKE this post if the answer is YES, then comment to let us know your favorite! Don’t forget that you can watch all of the drama anytime On Demand. PS – We just love the addition of Big Ang!!!

Are we connected on Facebook? If not, “like” us for more on Entertainment news and the latest events for Bright House Networks.

This past weekend, Bright House Networks presented the sixth annual Gulfcoast Rhythm & Ribfest, a benefit for United Community Centers Inc. and 13^th Avenue Dream Center in Manatee County.

The three-day event kicked off with a Mayors’ VIP Reception.  Among local dignitaries were City of Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, City of Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston, Manatee County Commissioners Carol Whitmore and John Chappie, Bradenton City Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey, state Sen. Mike Bennett and state Rep. Jim Boyd.  The reception was a great way to share with attendees many of the activities taking place every day at the youth center including afterschool programs, sports leagues, computer and career training.

As reported in a Herald-Tribune article, over 20,000 people visited the Rhythm & Ribfest. The event drew its biggest crowd yet. There were games, rides, prizes, thrill shows and dozens of arts and crafts vendors showcasing their merchandise. On Saturday, in addition to the “Cruise to the Gulf Coast Car Show,” guests enjoyed entertainment by the Dr. Dave Band, Kettle of Fish, War, The Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet.

Throughout the weekend, cooks served food to the crowds and vied for awards.

On Sunday, the entertainment schedule was full of great acts including Soul Crooners, Ace Factor and Cleo Heart. The headliner, Tyrese, drew 8,000 people to the fairgrounds’ arena.

Even though the party is over for 2012, we appreciate the ongoing opportunity to support local events that benefit education and students. We want to invite you to join us in raising awareness and resources for afterschool programs in the community.

What is your favorite annual entertainment and/or community event in your area?