The response to ISLEDEGRANDE.COM from our readers has been outstanding.
Here is a list of actual reader e-mails sent to e-News Editor Teddy Linenfelser
about how well-received ISLEDEGRANDE.COM is.
July 2011
I graduated from Bishop Duffy High in Niagara Falls on June 23, 1961,
left 5585 East River Road with my parents the next day and arrived
in Omaha, Nebraska on June 25, 1961, 50 years ago last Saturday where
I still reside today. The great thing is your column which has kept
me informed for many years so I don’t have to miss it so much. I do
remember how great it was to live there in the 40’s and 50’s. I might
be back in early August for my 50 year reunion but I’m not sure at
this time.
Wayne Baumler – Sidway Class of ‘58
April 2011
Hi Mrs. Linenfelser;
My name is Leslie Lange - I grew up on the Island (Class of '80) and now live in Freedom.
I am a journalist with the Arcade Herald and I look at Isledegrande.com all the time.
I have to tell you how very much I appreciate all the work you put into this site.
It is so well done and I know it's a lot of work.
A heartfelt Thank-you!
Leslie (Manley) Lange
Arcade, NY
January 2011
The longer I'm away the more I miss the Island. Teddy, you continue to do a
wonderful job of keeping us past islanders informed as to just what's happening
back in the "Best Place To Grow Up." Thanks!'
Kevin "Skee" Zoldowski - Billings, MT.
December 2010
I hope you don't get tired of hearing it, but I truly enjoy Isledegrande each
and every week. I know you work hard to bring the best to us, and you have
certainly succeeded.
Thom Hatch
September 2010
Thanks sooo much for maintaining this site! While I don't get back to The Island much, it's never very far from my mind and I find myself going to isledegrande.com at least a few times a week.
You're the best, Ms. L!
Steve (Fleming)
July 22, 2010
Dear Teddy,
My compliments to you and your staff for all of your hard work
you continuously put forth that enables us to enjoy our past
of fond memories! Thank you for everything you are presently doing.
Janie Stricker
Class of 1974
December 22, 2009
So, why did I write to you after 51 years? As a computer manager,
I know what it takes to create and maintain a web site, to track
down and validate all sorts of historical information and to keep
everything up to date. I've never liked my mom's expression,
"a labor of love," but your work surely meets the tests for
"a labor of love and a gracious gift to generations of islanders."
Never think of your web site as just a photographic history.
Your site serves as a beacon for fellow sailors who have traveled
the world but are now trying to find a way home to familiar
waters. It's not a matter of relocating back to the Island; just
knowing that we are remembered is extremely important.
Dave Saunders
July 28, 2008
Hi Teddy,
You do such a great job with your column. Congrats on
keeping us old f---ts in the loop! Best regards to any
of my Grandyle Village friends.
Jerry Thirion
Naples, Florida
July 22, 2008
Thank you Teddy for all that you continue to do to promote the
concept that as big as Grand Island has gotten to be, we can
still try to treat each other like family. Have a great week!
Jamie Corrao
June 26, 2008
Hi Teddy,
I just wanted to comment on a photo posted today regarding the
baby raccoons. I have looked at a lot of nature & wildlife
shots on Isledegrande, but that picture is absolutely amazing
and I think my favorite so far! I don't know Barbara McMichael,
but that is the kind of photo that should be entered in
competitions. Please thank her for sharing it with the rest of us!
Sincerely,
Carol Giambra
June 25, 2008
Hi Teddy,
I have to tell you, the site looks great! I am not sure as
to how much of it you have put together and continue to update
but it is a great place to visit and catch up and look back!
Thank you for the hard work you put into it for all of us to
enjoy! Isledegrande.com has expanded quite a bit since I first
started visiting the site. I am a 1986 Grand Island graduate.
Also my family has history here. My great grandparents were
Harry and Lillian Tucker. I grew up on Ferry Road in the
house that once was the Tucker Store. My maiden name is Biondo.
I have lived here 38 years and love it! Keep up the great work!
Amy Edwards
June 19, 2008
I really enjoy the isledegrande web site.
It helps me keep in touch with my former life.
Linda Najjar
June 11, 2008
Teddy,
Thank you for getting my son's picture up on the website so quickly.
I've already heard back from a handful of friends that I had lost
contact with! It is great to be able to stay in touch and updated
with everyone back home. I am really looking forward to my next visit.
Hope all is well back on the Isle!
Regards,
Mike Jason
August 17, 2007
I really appreciate the work you are doing in keeping the home fires burning.
It's so nice to keep up to date and also reminisce about growing up on GI.
Thanks and keep up the good work. All the best to you and your extended family,
Peter Wunsch
August 15, 2007
Teddy
Thank you so much for doing an incredible job of keeping all Islanders up-to-date
on current Islander news!
Jamie Corrao
August 15, 2007
Wow, the isledegrande is really growing. It is so nice to have some place to read up
on old friends and family. It has been a long time since we have been back there for a visit.
Beverly Sterner House
May 7, 2007
Hi Teddy
I am a misplaced Grand Islander who grew up there and graduated in 1970. Up until
10 years ago, I resided in WNY and happily accepted a transfer to the Philadelphia
area. I never realized how much I would miss WNY. Your column helps me to feel
a sense of home by jogging my memory with family names from the past. Recently,
two of my classmates, MaryJo Gill and Randy White have written delightful stories
from their GI lives. Thank you for providing the forum for their thoughts.
Rachel Butler
Formerly of East Park Road
April 26, 2007
Teddy,
I just love your online paper and don't go a week without logging on to see
what is going on back home. Thank you very much for the "Home News" on line
for us who no longer are in the area. I - for one - appreciate it very much!
Floydette Gannon (Uonites)
September 12, 2006
Teddy,
I really enjoy your website & reading Grand Island
history is so interesting. Love the pictures! I found some
wonderful tid bits of interesting information that add up
to the history of how Sidway School came into being. I
also enjoyed the news of the "Harvest Festivals" and other
little items. People like me really appreciate & enjoy all
the efforts & hard work that you and so many others do to
make this all possible. Thank you so much.
Nancy C. Cobado Kyriakakis - Parks, AR
Island resident summer 1948 through 1951
May 15, 2006
Get back to the Island maybe once every two years to see my brother, Dan, who
lives on Whitehaven. Strange thing about the Island - once you live there you
really believe it's the best place to live.
Keep up the great newsletter. I make sure to
pull up the website every Friday. The best with the column - just
love it - it really keeps me up on what's happening on the Island.
Sandy (Hoffman) Laforme
March 29, 2006
Teddy,
I just wanted to let you know that I bought a pair of estate
earrings from deSignet off of eBay and had them converted to posts.
I dealt with Kim who was excellent, very professional yet friendly!
I had no idea deSignet was such a large business nor was a business
started so long ago. The earrings I bought are stunning and I am
very satisfied. I will recommend deSignet to friends.
Maryjo Gill
February 7, 2006
I'm lovin' this website! What memories!
I'm Jim Whiting and I played Black Bart (and, no, I didn't know
the history of the name Brandon till I read it here!) for several
seasons in the late '70's. Played some of the other brothers at
times as well, and was Marshall Jim one day a week when Marshall
Steve (Jakiel) took his day off.
I currently live with my wife, Barb, in Virginia Beach.
I teach high school theatre. Keep up the great work!
Jim Whiting - GIHS Class of 1976
January 23, 2006
A stop by the IsledeGrande never disappoints! Sometimes it's a
casual glance at something that brings a smile, or a warm memory...
other times, it is simply breathtaking! It's always fun
connecting with friends etc., but then there are others that
simply touch our hearts like no other... Many thanks for the
picture of "Father Baker" in the old photo album. Some of my
dearest memories of Grand Island involve St. Martin-in-the-Fields
and the energy of Father Baker. Thanks so much for all you do
every week with the Isledegrande.
Regards,
Ellen (Hopkins) Faber
December 20, 2005
Hi Teddy – Just wanted to take a few minutes and tell you how much I enjoy Between
the Bridges. Keep up the great work! I love reading the names of people I once
knew. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and Happy 2006.
Dr. Ron Gasbarro NE Pennsylvania - GIHS Class of 1969
www.rx-press.com
December 1, 2005
Thanks for your wonderful site, I know it involves a great deal of effort
and dedication. I faithfully read it each week as I try to
keep up with Island News. I believe it is the most current
info source we have on Grand Island.
Judy Polizzi
November 30, 2005
Dear Teddy,
I have just discovered the website with all the old photos from GI.
My family lived on the island from 1950 – 1966, first in the duplexes
and then on Enola Rd. My mom (June Kahl Baylis) is 84 now and
thoroughly enjoying going through the old photos. Thanks for all
your hard work on this site!! My husband and I spent 4 days on the
island this past June – even went through our old house. I loved
being back – it brought back so many wonderful memories. GI sure
was a great place to live while growing up!
Laura Kahl Brooke
November 6, 2005
Thanks so much for all your articles, they bring back a lot of
memories. Keep up the good work! See you sometime when we come home.
Dawn "Merrill" Hillock
September 21, 2005
I was looking through the old photos you have up on the Isledegrande.com
web site - thanks for doing that! I've been gone from GI since 1987, and
this site is a great way to keep up to date!
Pete Capelli
September 21, 2005
I want you to know that I tell everyone about isledegrande.com.
My husband is from the Island and we recently (about 2 years ago)
moved here. I read everything on the site and point things out to
my husband all the time, it really gives you a sense of community.
My kids love to get involved in school activities just to see
their picture on the web. You are doing a real public service
by keeping this site current, accurate, and accessible.
I appreciate it.
Julie Davis
April 23, 2005
I'm still the biggest fan of Isledegrande. You continue to
do a wonderful job. We had considered visiting the Island
this summer but it appears we'll be heading in the other
direction to Spokane, WA to receive that award from the
Western Writers of America.
Best,
Thom Hatch
April 12, 2005
Thanks for the great job you do with this website.
You keep us off-islanders up to date each week.
Keep Up The Good Work,
Jeff Bykowicz
March 31, 2005
Teddy,
I really enjoy all the island photo's. I printed out the Bridges by Rich Call in 5x7 and framed it!
I just saw a few more I will print also. AND the one of the Huntley plant....well,
anyone who can make that place look so nice is a fantastic photographer!
Sandie Sandie Rall-Smith
January 13, 2005
The GI News is the greatest thing since indoor plumbing! Love to
see familiar faces and read about the growth of the Island. Sure
do miss my old friends from there and I hope to see another Sidway
reunion so I can come back home for a few days!
Fred Schutt
January 10, 2005
By the way, I think you are doing a great job with the Island website. I find it to be very informative in every way and I visit at
least once a week.
John Fletcher
December 22, 2004
Teddy,
Just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Thank you for all the work you and the entire staff do all year keeping the Island web-site
"a great place to visit" !
Happy Holidays
Sandie Rall-Smith
September 2004
Keep up the great work on Isledegrande, I look forward to
reading it every week!
Ted Stewart
August 2004
Keep up the fabulous work with Isledegrande. I love looking
at the old photos. They bring back wonderful memories of my
life time spent on this Grand Isle.
Christine Stange
July 2004
Thanks to Donnette Rayhill, I have been able to re-connect with friends and times In Grand Island. My family
moved to Grand Island in 1970 and left for Philadelphia in 1973. I still consider GIHS my High School, even
though I attended two more, one in PA and graduated from one in Ohio. I have resided in Ohio since
July of 1973, but still miss Grand Island. It has been so wonderful to see pictures of Rev. Lange, who was
Pastor at Trinity UM when I attended. You do a marvelous job of updating all the info and your look back
is great. I am amazed at how many of my classmates from 1974 have left Grand Island, but still return for
visits.
Thanks again for all the work you do to keep us out-of-town "Islanders" up to date.
Meladie Spencer Jamra
Former resident of Monica Lane and Ransom Road.
Grand Island, New York
June 2004
"Your wonderful newsletter is truly a great service and blessing to those of us with dear memories
of Grand Island."
Caroline Alt Fraser
Colorado Springs, Colorado
I would like to congratulate you on the success of your website and the record number of "hits"
you received last month...it
is certainly well-deserved. Thanks again.
Jamie Michaud
I really enjoy the isledegrande...being away from home it is like I have a link to the Island. Keep up the
great work!!
Michelle "Colbert" Salvatore
Mrs. Linenfelser,
I just wanted to thank you for including me in two of your recent editions of
"Islanders in the News." My wife knows how much I love your site and it was
certainly a surprise to see those stories. My career has taken me away
from Grand Island, however I still consider it home and you allow people
like me to keep up with all the news coming from our beloved Island. In
addition, I would like to thank you for your consistent display of support
for our troops. May God richly bless, and may He fill your heart with joy
in return for all the lives you touch each week.
With sincere thanks,
Paul Michaud
GIHS Class Of 1995
Hello Teddy! How have you been! Just wanted to let you know...that once again,
I used Isledegrande to find a phone number of one your advertisers! I wanted
to send a gift certificate from the Village Inn to Marcy Malecki. She is
always helping me out. This Saturday I am having some friends over for dinner
and wanted to serve something different....so I ask her to send me some kimmelweck
rolls federal express! When I called the Village Inn, I was sure to mention
that I got the number off the Isledegrande.com web-site!
It is so helpful to us OUT OF TOWNERS! THANK YOU!
Sandie Rall Smith
Teddy:
Your newspaper has been delightful reading and viewing for the past
hour. This is the first time I just sat and sat and looked and looked.
Thank you for all the work you put into it. I enjoyed it thoroughly and
think it may well become a habit.
Elizabeth L. Beach
Editor's note: The following is in reference to the feature on the late Gregory P. Huxley Jr.
Teddy
I am so pleased to see this item included in your column. This young
man came from the area of NYS I now live in - Central, NY. I knew his
dad (Greg Sr.) years ago when he was hired to work at Marcy State
Hospital as a therapy aide. I was the nurse in charge of his unit and
spent quite a bit of time with training him. I worked often and hard
alongside Greg. He was one of the best employees I ever have had the
honor of working with. He also treated everyone, both patients and
peers, with dignity and respect. I am sure that he instilled these
same qualitites in his son. So I thank you for including this article
in the isledegrande site.
Maryjo Gill
Class of '70
Island resident '61-'70
December 2003
Hi Teddy
My grandfather, Dick Williams, built Fantasy Island and I sure do wish
he was still alive to provide me with the answer to your trivia question.
I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your efforts
on The isledegrande.com website. Living in Texas, so far away from home, your
website helps me to get a piece of home every week!
Keep up the good work keeping all us "islanders" connected.
Michele Beauchamp (GIHS Class of 1982)
December 2003
Hi Teddy
I love your site. It is so fun to scroll through, especially when I have
not looked at it in a while. It is like a walk down memory lane. Thanks
for keeping that up. Only us true Grand Islanders can really appreciate it.
Debbie Bleich
December 2003
Jack Suchocki, (jsuchocki@comcast.net) whose parents resided on Grand Island when he was born in the early 1940s, provided the history of his family's home on West River Road and featured in volume 4 of our Old Photo Album.
Hi Teddy,
I went off to attend college in Miami in 1961 and have lived out of
state ever since. I have always spent a bit of every summer there on the 'ol homestead and will really miss the Island after the place is sold. My parents continued to live there until my mother's death in 1979 and my father's in 2000.
I've lived in just about every corner of this country in the years
since I left for college and can honestly say with great confidence that Grand Island is indeed a very special place.
Keep up the great work Teddy. The Island IS SPECIAL and it's wonderful
to see that someone cares enough to collect and preserve its heritage and history for all those who follow. I visit your site often and each time it's like a quick visit back home.
As I come across any old photos and slides that I think you might be interested in I'll e-mail them to you.
Thanks Teddy!!! I hope you and your family have a great holiday
season.
Jack
(Jack Suchocki)
December 10, 2003
I enjoy your stuff tremendously, keep up the good work.
Dave Burke, SMSgt USAF (Ret)
Panama City, FL
December 3, 2003
Hi Teddy,
I’m e-mailing you regarding the 1978 Lions Club picture. The person in the first
row (far right with the sunglasses on and shirt open) is Austin Giambra. It’s my
husband’s uncle. I absolutely love this website! I go on every Friday to catch
up on all the Grand Island news. Thanks for putting it together!
Have a great day!
Sandy Santorio
I was pleasantly surprised to see your Guest Book up and running again. Yahoo!
Thanks for mentioning our 27th wedding anniversary in last week's column. I went
out of town (to our cabins) last Thursday to spend time with Mark who is really
busy with his hunting guide business. Mark has always been an avid hunter and
we've seldom spent our wedding anniversary together because he's either being a
great white hunter or working with clients in the southern tier. I just arrived
home yesterday and was surprised to find the congratulatory message in your
column.
As always, I love your column and all the information on the Isledegrande website!
~Diane~ (Hassan)
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Hi Teddy,
I was just surfing the web and came across the Fire Company website.
It was great to look at all the pictures of the familiar faces and the
action. It has been about 6 years since I had to resign and move to the
Town of Tonawanda for my job and I miss the company dearly, but I will
never forget the 11 years of service I experienced. I kind of got choked
up reminscing about all the good and bad times in my mind.
Oh well, 17 more years before I can retire and then I hope to come
back to "the Island" to join again. Send everyone my regards when you
see them. Take care and keep up the great work!!
Sincerely,
Jon N. Cinelli,
Town of Tonawanda Paramedics and former GIFCo EMS Captain
Friday, September 26, 2003
Teddy,
Week after week, month after month, Isledegrande.com just keeps getting better! Thanks a lot for providing such a great source of nostalgia for us former Islanders.
Best,
Thom Hatch
(A Colorado resident, Thom Hatch is a noted author of
five published books and former resident of Grand Island.)
Monday, July 7, 2003
Teddy -
First and foremost, a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to you and the staff at GIECOM.net
and the Isledegrande Web site, for helping the reunion committee for the class
of '83 locate many "lost" friends and classmates. We were able coordinate our
events and communicate with everyone!! Without this site, we would not have
had such a great evening and a fabulous turn out!
Of the few we had left on our missing list, many showed up at the River Oaks event,
as they were found by friends and family due to the publicity from your
site.
Teddy, thanks again! We will email you some pictures, so you can post another
great success story!
Sandi Cunningham
Susan Kew Fadel
Deby Agnello Morgan
Shelley Arcouet Smith
This website was created and updated weekly since
September of 1997.
Our sponsor is GIECOM.Net
Inc., "Grand Island's E-Commerce Network",
providing Internet Access and Webhosting to the Grand Island Community.
If you are interested in participating as a sponsor, please email.
1871 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, New York, 14072-1803 USA
