11-8-11 Angola, New York

Angola New York; how does one describe this mystical and inspiring place? So many great people, stories, and events have come from Angola. This quaint little town is located just 30 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y. But how did this town achieve the interesting name, Angola? In the past, trains would come in and out of this small area called Evan's Station. Then the Angola Post Office, located in Africa, closed and the Federal Government moved it to Evan's Station, renaming the area Angola N.Y. This story and many other stories and traditions have survived the many years this great town has been in existence. This town also includes events like Christmas in the Village, sponsored by FOV, or Friends of the Village, or "Adopt a Hydrant" where people can paint their favorite themes on the fire hydrants around the town to admire the fire department. These events were thought up by people in Angola and the Village Board. The members of Board include Village Mayor the Honorable Howard "Hub" Frawley, Deputy Mayer the Honorable William Houston, first Village Trustee John Wilson, second Village Trustee Carole Kin, and third Village Trustee Charles Katra. Despite this groups great efforts and perseverance, people like Jo Anne Zeffiro have truly made this town great. Jo Anne, or Aunt JoJo as Mr. Currin refers to her as, is currently employed at the Goya distribution center on South Street in Angola New York. Not only are there great people living there today, but there were many people that once lived in Angola and are now famous. One example is Willis Haviland Carrier, born November 26, 1876 in Angola, New York, who invented the first modern air conditioner, which has changed millions of lives today. Another example is the center/power forward for the Duke basketball team, Christian Laettner, born August 17, 1969 in Angola New York. He was also selected for the U.S. men's Olympic team, then drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA draft and played 13 seasons in the NBA. A familiar person from Angola would also have to be Buffalo Sabre's right wing, Patrick Kaleta. He was born June 8, 1986 and has played for the Sabres from 2006 to the present time. Finally, the last, but certainly not least, person from Angola New York is Rob Currin, born on September 15, 1980. Rob Currin needs no introduction because he is known for his many accomplishments, like being the Offensive and Defensive Line Coach for the Alden High School Varsity Football team, who are undefeated. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the Online Bulldog Newspaper, and has 700 friends on Facebook (probably increasing by the minute). However, Rob Currin does have one flaw...he never found Yoda. That's right Mr. Currin, it was I who kidnapped Yoda, but you can still find him...he's right under your nose in Online Publishing. But anyways, that is just scratching the surface of the great town of Angola New York and its many achievements and traditions.