Issue 05: 'Til Death Do We Party

THE EDITOR'S LETTER

THE CALENDAR

Here’s where you can go once those early signs of cabin fever start to creep in.

Stevie’s Blue Lamp: A Stevie Nicks Tribute Band
The Ark, Tarrytown, 7:30PM
Is there any better place to listen to a Stevie Nicks tribute than in a candle-lit venue on the Hudson? No, I didn’t think so. Bring your best twirling shawl.

Ghostlight: A Haunting Evening of Music, Movement, Poetry and Film
Irvington Theater, Irvington, 7:30PM
This is a spooky celebration of art in all its forms, featuring dancers, musical performances, and more.

The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen
Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck
A family-friendly theatrical production with performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Paws in the Park
Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck, 12PM - 3PM
Raise money with Harrison nonprofit NY Pet Rescue at this fun-filled community day featuring a 1/2 mile scenic stroll, dog activities, kid's corner, live DJ, pup cups, fun contests, raffles, photo booth, adoptable dogs, K-9 Division demonstrations, agility course, kitty corner, and so much more. All pooches get a free bandana, while supplies last.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
The biannual dining event offers specially priced menus at participating restaurants across the county (and stretches up to the Hudson Valley too), making it an opportunity to try somewhere new.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, Purchase
A touring holiday ballet production bringing the classic Christmas story to the stage and will absolutely get you into a festive mood.

14th Annual YoFiFest
The annual film festival returns to downtown Yonkers with independent cinema and film-related programming. These are more than just movies: enjoy post-screen talk backs, Q&As, and meet and greets with the film makers and fellow cinephiles. Head to the link for a list of films, the schedule, and tickets. www.yofifest.com/

Second Annual Westchester Book Festival
The Katonah Village Library and the Katonah Presbyterian Church
This celebration of books and literary culture offers an opportunity for readers to connect with the local literary community and national authors. Some noteworthy authors that will be at the festival include ‘Pemi Aguda, Ada Calhoun, and Maria Semple.

Xtreme Queen: The Legacy of Freddie Mercury
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Chappaqua, 8PM
A tribute to Queen and Freddie Mercury, from "Bohemian Rhapsody" to "Radio Ga Ga." Tickets run $50 to $70, and we're giving away a pair (see below). Tickets here.

Sleepy Hollow Street Fair
Downtown Sleepy Hollow
Get one last moment of spooky season thanks to a little mid-October monsoon. The Sleepy Hollow Street Fair is bringing all the artisans, treats, and attractions you love for a fitting farewell. We strongly suggest you use public transportation to avoid the headache and gridlock. And tell the Headless Horseman we said hi.

Westchester Comedy Club
Rye Bar & Grill, Rye
An evening of stand-up comedy featuring local performers giving you their best tight ten.

Out There Film Series: The Little Sister
Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville
If you’ve missed the independent and international film series so far, this is a great one to catch. This coming of age movie tells the story of 17-year old Fatima and how she forges her own path while keeping close to her French-Algerian roots.

Diwali Dinner & Dance Party
Shake It Off, Scarsdale, 7 PM - 10:30 PM
Celebrate Diwali in style with festive art activations, dinner from Mumbai Katta, dance lessons with Mayura Dance Academy, and more. A live DJ will keep the celebration going until 10:30. A percentage of proceeds will benefit Project Nanhi Kali and early bird tickets begin at $45.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill
The New Orleans brass ensemble brings its energetic blend of jazz and funk to Westchester.

Westchester Knicks Home Opener
Westchester County Center, White Plains, 3 PM
Our little pocket of Knicks basketball opens their home schedule against the Greensboro Swarm. Westchester Knicks in five?

Annual Hudson River Potters Holiday Show
Bethany Arts Community, Ossining
A free holiday pottery show and sale featuring functional, decorative and whimsical ceramics by regional artists. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Renaissance String Quartet
Caramoor Center for the Arts, Katonah
An afternoon performance by Caramoor's Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence, beginning at 3 p.m.

Amy Tan: The Backyard Chronicles
Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown
A live author conversation featuring Amy Tan discussing her book The Backyard Chronicles.

Have an event you’d like us to showcase? Email [email protected]

We’re giving away free pairs to these shows. Want one? Email [email protected] and tell us which show. First come, first served. Quémalo entries close Friday, Oct. 30 at noon.

Quémalo Punk Fest
Yonkers Brewing Co. · October 31

Xtreme Queen: The Legacy of Freddie Mercury
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center · November 7

THE HALLOWEEN GUIDE

Costume contests, DJ sets, bar crawls and spooky celebrations: Here's where to spend Halloween weekend without crossing the county line. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which means there's absolutely no excuse to spend the weekend sitting at home wondering whether anyone would notice if you wore the same costume as last year (in this economy, you can totally be an outfit repeater).

And while Westchester has no shortage of haunted houses, pumpkin displays, and spooky sightings, sometimes you just want to put on a costume, order a drink and dance to music you haven't heard since college. Luckily, there are plenty of themed parties stretching across the weekend that are willing to oblige.

Whether you're looking for a full-blown Halloween bash or something a little more low-key, here's where to go:

Where: Gigante, 660 White Plains Road, Eastchester
When: Thursday, October 29–Saturday, October 31

If your ideal Halloween involves dressing up, going out for dinner and eventually finding yourself on a dance floor, Gigante has three nights of celebrations planned.

The festivities begin Thursday with Dining After Dark, featuring candlelit dining, DJ Anthony and special live performances. Friday's The Night Before brings DJ Tommy Carlucci, while Saturday's Halloween celebration features music by CHCKMATE.

Costumes are encouraged Friday and Saturday, and dinner reservations include party admission. General admission begins at 9 p.m., with VIP tables also available. Friday dinner seatings beginning at 8:30 p.m. have a $60 per-person minimum; Saturday seatings beginning at 8 p.m. have a $75 minimum. Guests must be 21 or older after 9 p.m.

Where: TALÚ Cocina Latina, Mohegan Lake
When: Friday, October 30, 8 p.m.

What better way to kick off Halloweekend than with DJ Carlitos Flow and DJ Element, cocktails, costumes, and late-night dancing? Reservations are recommended, so make sure this one leaves the group chat.

Where: Rory Dolan's, Yonkers
When: Saturday, October 31

If you take Halloween costumes seriously, Rory Dolan's might be your best bet.

The popular Yonkers Irish pub is hosting its annual Halloween celebration, complete with music from DJs @Work, seasonal drinks and a costume contest with some serious bragging rights attached.

The first-place winner will receive a $500 Rory Dolan's gift certificate, while second place takes home $250. Even better? There's no cover charge.

Where: Yonkers Brewing Co., 92 Main St, Yonkers
When: Saturday, October 31, doors at 2 p.m.

Halloween lands on a Saturday, so Yonkers Brewing is throwing a punk festival. Quémalo Punk Fest is a Latina-led POC punk festival, and Downtown Boys headline a lineup of ten bands.

Not a mosh pit person? The patio outside turns into a free party with baile folklórico from Ballet de Tonantzin. No ticket needed out there. Come in costume either way.

It's all ages. Tickets are $30 online through Friday night, or $35 at the door. Yonkers Brewing is half a block from the Yonkers Metro-North station. Get tickets here.

Where: Starting at Ron Blacks Beer Hall, White Plains
When: Saturday, October 31, beginning at 3 p.m.

Why commit to one Halloween party when you can make an afternoon and evening of it?

The White Plains Halloween Bar Crawl returns on Halloween afternoon, giving costumed revelers an excuse to explore the city's downtown nightlife scene.

The event begins at Ron Blacks Beer Hall, with tickets advertised starting around $19.

It's an option for groups who want to make a full day of Halloween rather than waiting until the evening to start celebrating…or if you’d rather be in bed by midnight.

Where: Don Rene, White Plains
When: Saturday, October 31, beginning at 8 p.m.

White Plains is leaning into Halloween nightlife with The Haunting of Don Rene, a themed Saturday-night celebration.

For anyone looking to trade haunted houses for a night out, the event offers another option in the downtown area.

Check the event listing for admission information and additional party details.

Where: Nonna Carola Ristorante, 211 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck
When: Saturday, October 31, 9 p.m. - 12 a.m.

DJ Haidar will be spinning while you enjoy some of the best bites and drinks specials in the county. Costumes are encouraged, not required, but we do suggest you show up like Heidi Klum would: there’s a $200 Nonna Carola gift card waiting for the best dressed of the night.

Where: Club Infinity, 404 Irvington Street, Pleasantville
When: Saturday, October 31, 8–11 p.m.

Not every Halloween party needs to end at 3 a.m. Club Infinity is hosting a Halloween dance party with a house DJ spinning dance favorites, game rooms and a photo booth that projects pictures onto the club's walls. Costumes are optional, and the event is open to everyone, although organizers note that many attendees are in their 50s and older.

Admission is $10 cash at the door, and advance RSVP is requested.

Where: Mingles Event Space + Catering + Lounge, Eastchester
When: Friday, October 30, beginning at 8 p.m.

For those who would rather get the Halloween festivities started a day early, Mingles is hosting Nightmare Before Halloween on Friday evening.

The event offers another nightlife option for the holiday weekend, particularly for anyone hoping to avoid the Saturday-night rush.

Where: Drunken Taco Bar, White Plains
When: Saturday, October 31, beginning at 8 p.m.

If dancing is your priority, Drunken Taco Bar is advertising a Halloween edition of Reliquias del Perreo.

The themed nightlife event is another option for anyone looking for a high-energy Halloween celebration in White Plains.

Where: CV Rich Mansion, White Plains
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, beginning at 8 p.m.

For anyone who wants their Halloween festivities with a little more atmosphere, the Serial Killer Speakeasy is scheduled for two nights at CV Rich Mansion.

The themed experience offers an alternative to the traditional nightclub Halloween party, with a concept built around true-crime-inspired entertainment.

Need something with a little less boos and booze for the kiddos? Westchester has options for that, too.

Monster Mash at the Westchester Children's Museum: The Rye museum is hosting a family-oriented Halloween celebration on October 31.

Halloween Spectacular at the Keeper's House: The Old Croton Aqueduct Keeper's House in Dobbs Ferry is hosting a free Halloween event October 30–31, featuring games, crafts, candy and a screening of Ghostbusters at dusk.

Twilight Village at Philipsburg Manor: Sleepy Hollow's immersive Halloween village returns October 30 and 31, with live performers, storytelling, seasonal food and a distinctly spooky atmosphere.

Little Haunters at Wildcliff Mansion: On October 31, the New Rochelle attraction offers a family-friendly experience from 4 to 7:30 p.m., with reduced scares and trick-or-treating.

Costume Encore Brunch at Yonkers Brewing: Halloween was Saturday, so wear the costume one more time. Yonkers Brewing is hosting brunch on Sunday, November 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a kids' costume parade at 1 p.m. There's also a Día de los Muertos ofrenda, a remembrance table, so bring a photo of someone you miss. It's free, just RSVP here to book your table. And the clocks fall back that morning, so you get an extra hour.

THE FEATURED STORY

Everyone knows about the Headless Horseman (and if you’re a local, might even be a little sick of it by now). But ask someone who actually grew up in Westchester about the stories that scared them as a kid, and you're likely to hear about something else entirely.

A road you're supposed to drive down after dark. Three X's painted onto pavement. A mysterious man dressed head-to-toe in leather who appeared with such regularity that residents could supposedly set their clocks by him. Strange noises coming from abandoned buildings. Ghosts lingering near old cemeteries. Like most good urban legends, the details depend entirely on who's telling the story and how it's passed from generation to generation.

Some have a surprising amount of real history behind them. Others appear to have been invented by generations of bored teenagers trying to scare underclassmen. And a few fall somewhere in between.

So forget Sleepy Hollow for a minute (which, fun fact, was North Tarrytown until 1996). These are some of Westchester's strangest local legends.

If Westchester has a true homegrown urban legend, this might be it. Buckout Road runs between White Plains and West Harrison, and for generations, local teenagers have treated the winding road as something of a rite of passage. The stories surrounding it are numerous—and increasingly bizarre.

One of the most persistent versions claimed that a family of murderous or cannibalistic people with albinism lived in a house along the road. According to the legend, drivers brave enough to stop outside the house and honk three times would summon its residents. Sometimes, it’s specifically a house with a red door.

Other versions involve three witches who were supposedly executed along the road, their deaths marked by three X's painted onto the pavement (why was there pavement in the 1700s, you may ask? No clue, but as a 12-year old, you didn’t have the foresight). Stop your car over them, the story goes, and your engine might not start again.

The legend has twisted and shifted to involve new characters too: there's Mary and her lantern, a mysterious Lady in White, a sacred white deer, phantom Revolutionary War soldiers, and assorted stories of murders and abandoned houses. Buckout Road has accumulated so many stories that even the people telling them don't necessarily agree on what you're supposed to be afraid of.

That's what makes it such a perfect urban legend. The roots lie in the generations of Westchester kids telling them.

The White Plains Historical Society has pointed out that the isolated nature of the road—and the presence of the old Foster-Buckhout Cemetery—helped create an ideal setting for supernatural stories. Historical research hasn't substantiated some of the most famous claims, including the tale of three witches being executed there. There is, however, some real darkness mixed into the mythology, and probably the start of it all.

In 1870, farmer Isaac Van Wart Buckhout shot his wife and two visitors after suspecting an affair; one of the visitors survived. The case became known as the "Sleepy Hollow Tragedy." Over time, pieces of actual local history appear to have become intertwined with fictional stories about the road.

The legend became so entrenched in Westchester culture that Buckout Road eventually inspired the horror film The Curse of Buckout Road.

So are there cannibals waiting for anyone who honks three times? Almost certainly not. But there is definitely an angry neighborhood that wants you to stop doing that.

Unlike most of the 914’s urban legends, the Leatherman was real.

Beginning in the late 1850s, a mysterious wanderer began appearing throughout Westchester and Connecticut wearing an enormous handmade outfit constructed almost entirely from pieces of leather. People began calling him simply the Leatherman.

For roughly three decades, he traveled a remarkably consistent circuit through the region, sleeping in caves and rock shelters along the way. Local residents became accustomed to his appearances and reportedly left food for him as he passed through their communities.

One of the places associated with his travels is today's Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, where a rock shelter connected to the Leatherman remains part of the park's lore. The Pound Ridge Historical Society describes him as a gentle hermit who accepted food and leather from residents but spoke very little. And then there's the biggest mystery: no one really knows who he was.

For years, he was identified as Jules Bourglay of Lyon, France. That name even appeared on his gravestone. But researchers later questioned whether there was any evidence that it actually belonged to him. There were all kinds of stories about how he ended up in the woods: he was a fur trader who fell in love with the daughter of his wealthy boss, only for his boss to forbid him from speaking to her again, he was a pirate left behind by his ship, he was a disabled man who found solitude in the woods, the list goes on. His predictable route, mysterious identity, strange clothing and solitary life inevitably transformed a real person into something resembling a folk character.

Today, there's even a Leatherman's Loop trail race at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, and park maps mark a trail bearing his name.

Untermyer Gardens today is one of the most beautiful places in Yonkers, but its local mythology is considerably darker.

Stories about strange rituals, cult activity, and supernatural happenings have circulated around the property and surrounding area for decades. Some of that reputation became intertwined with the very real terror surrounding David Berkowitz, the "Son of Sam" killer, who lived in Yonkers during the 1970s and the infamous Bronx is Burning era. Over time, fact and rumor became difficult to separate.

Stories circulated about satanic groups gathering around Untermyer, strange symbols appearing around the property and rituals taking place after dark. Later retellings increasingly connected the gardens to Berkowitz and his claims involving occult activity.

Local author Jason Medina includes Untermyer Park and the Son of Sam mythology among the stories explored in Ghosts and Legends of Yonkers, alongside other supposedly haunted locations around the city.

Today, Untermyer Gardens bears little resemblance to the sinister place described in decades-old local stories. It's a beautifully restored public garden visited by thousands of people. But if you grew up hearing the older stories, walking around after sunset can feel just a little different.

If you’ve been paying attention to any of the RevFest 250 events that have been peppering the county, you’ll truly understand just how integral Westchester’s territory was during the American Revolution.

Just like any war, there’s always a few lingering ghost stories.

Buckout Road once again appears in the mythology. One local tradition holds that Patriot forces executed British Redcoats somewhere along the road. According to the legend, their ghosts can occasionally be seen marching together on moonlit nights. Westchester County's own tourism materials acknowledge the story as part of the area's longstanding folklore.

We also can’t forget one of the most famous tales of the revolution, ghost or not. On September 23, 1780, three American militiamen captured British spy Major John André near what is now Patriots Park in Tarrytown. Hidden in his boots were documents exposing Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British. André was eventually executed in Tappan, across the Hudson River. But according to local legend, he never entirely left.

Some versions claim his ghost wanders Patriots Park, reciting poetry in the place where his fate was sealed.

If you find yourself wandering through Oakland Cemetery in Yonkers, local legend suggests there are three women you might not want to meet.

According to the story, three ghostly figures dressed entirely in white roam a hill near the center of the cemetery, keeping watch over the graves below. They're said to be particularly protective of the burial ground, chasing away unwanted visitors and anyone who might disturb the dead. Some claim to have heard footsteps following them through the cemetery, only to turn around and find nobody there.

The story has become such a fixture of local folklore that paranormal investigators have visited the cemetery hoping to capture evidence of the mysterious trio. In 2006, members of Yonkers Ghost Investigators reported photographing three misty, humanlike shapes near a hill lined with children's graves. Whether the photograph depicts something supernatural is, of course, another question entirely.

But perhaps the most interesting part of the legend isn't whether the women exist. It's what they're supposedly doing there. Unlike the vengeful spirits and malevolent ghosts that populate most urban legends, Oakland Cemetery's women appear to have a purpose: protecting the people buried there.

THE SINGLES NIGHT

Forget the awkward small talk and endless swiping. 914 Collective is excited to present Westchester’s first Pitch & Pair event. We’re putting a fresh spin on modern dating by bringing people together through the people who know them best: their friends.

Think of it as a dating app come to life, but with better stories, real-life chemistry, and a little friendly matchmaking. At Pitch & Pair, friends take center stage as they pitch their favorite eligible singles to a room full of potential matches. Whether it's a hilarious PowerPoint presentation, an unforgettable story, or a heartfelt endorsement, each pitch is a chance to show off what makes someone a catch. All PowerPoints must be approved and vetted by me, your hostess with the mostest (well, most Hinge trauma at least). Email all decks for consideration to [email protected].

Not pitching? No problem! Come mingle, meet new people, enjoy a drink, and see if someone catches your eye.

Whether you're single, playing matchmaker, or just here for the entertainment, we promise a night of laughs, connections, and maybe even a little romance.

When: Thursday, November 19th, 6 - 9 PM, pitching begins at 6:30
Where: Town House Kitchen and Drinks, Main Street, New Rochelle
How Much: $55 in advance, $65 at the door
What Do I Get: Other than to have a great time? Included in each ticket is a glass of wine, gin cocktail, or mocktail thanks to our sponsor Olé & Obrigado.

THE BACK PAGE

31M, Yonkers lawyer who enjoys red wine and nice conversation is looking for a 27-37 y/o female to spend time with. Enjoys everything from nice dinners out to cozy nights in to scenic drives out to Long Island. Hope you can understand a hectic work schedule, but will always text you back…even if it’s when I’m leaving the office at 2AM.

New Sparks…

You: Brown hair, navy peacoat, reading a paperback with the kind of concentration usually reserved for defusing bombs. Me: Sitting across from you, pretending to answer work emails while actually trying to figure out the title of your book. The train was delayed right before the Scarsdale stop, and the conductor announced we'd be sitting there for "just a few minutes," which, as any Metro-North commuter knows, could mean anything from five minutes to the rest of our natural lives. You looked up from your book and made eye contact with me, winking while I shrugged about the delay. Before I had time to cut through the packed train, you were already getting off in Hartsdale. I’d love to pick your brain about that book, if you’re open.

Still Looking For Love…

You were wearing a quarter-zip and holding an iced coffee even though it was 48 degrees and a monsoon. You held the door open for me while I was pretending I wasn’t annoyed that the line at the Starbucks in Rye was 17 people deep. I couldn’t get over how green your eyes were and barely mustered out a thank you. Maybe I can treat you to a coffee next? Promise I won’t be in rain boots next time.

You were at the Mariano Rivera event at Walter’s last week, in line with a short girl and other man. I couldn’t get over your cheery disposition and striking good looks. I wanted to say hi but was so intimidated. Milkshake date soon? Meet you by the picnic tables…

Have a missed connection? Email us at [email protected]

COMING SOON