Graveyard Shift Article by Angela D. Sykora October 2, 2006 pioneerlocal.com Any half-way spooky-looking place can spark a dozen ghost stories. An old cemetery is a prime example.   Cuba Township's White Cemetery, along the infamous Cuba Road, has spawned stories of similar ghostly happenings. Still an active cemetery, township officials warn the curious to stay away. The gates are kept locked due to previous vandalism problems. During October, said an official, the township increases police presence in the area to combat any disturbances.   A late-night drive along Cuba Road itself, say some, could invite an unwanted guest.   As he heard growing up, said filmmaker Michael Noens, of Palatine, "When you turn onto Cuba Road, a gangster appears in the back seat.   "I've been there, and I don't really think it's haunted at all," he said.   Still, the legends were enticing enough for Noens' production company, CNGM Pictures, to make the independent film "Legends of Cuba Road" and the sequel, "Return to Cuba Road," which premiers Friday, Oct. 13, at Cutting Hall in Palatine.   "As far as stories I had heard, there was one about a disappearing car. It is supposed to be an old mob car that used to drive through from the city to hide money from the authorities," said Patrick Pantelis, who also worked on the Cuba Road films.   "Once my brother and I gave it a chance by driving out there, turning off the lights and constantly checking mirrors to see if we were being followed." The mysterious vehicle never appeared, Pantelis said, but he still loves a good ghost story.   There's Bachelors Grove Cemetery in southern Cook County, near the old Midlothian Turnpike. Claims of activity include ghost lights or orbs, glowing eyes and apparitions walking among the few tombstones that are left. There's even a stagnant pond rumored to have been a favorite dumping spot for gangsters.   Jensen and a friend headed out to Bachelors Grove one morning and promptly left after spotting a "human-esque" figure near the pond. A park ranger reportedly saw it too.   Cuba Township's White Cemetery, along the infamous Cuba Road, has spawned stories of ghostly happenings. Still an active cemetery, township officials warn the curious to stay away. The gates are kept locked due to previous vandalism problems. During October, said an official, the township increases police presence in the area to combat any disturbances.   A late-night drive along Cuba Road itself, say some, could invite an unwanted guest.   As he heard growing up, said filmmaker Michael Noens, of Palatine, "When you turn onto Cuba Road, a gangster appears in the back seat.   "I've been there, and I don't really think it's haunted at all," he said.   Still, the legends were enticing enough for Noens' production company, CNGM Pictures, to make the independent film "Legends of Cuba Road" and the sequel, "Return to Cuba Road," which premiers Friday, Oct. 13, at Cutting Hall in Palatine.   "As far as stories I had heard, there was one about a disappearing car. It is supposed to be an old mob car that used to drive through from the city to hide money from the authorities," said Patrick Pantelis, who also worked on the Cuba Road films.   "Once my brother and I gave it a chance by driving out there, turning off the lights and constantly checking mirrors to see if we were being followed." The mysterious vehicle never appeared, Pantelis said, but he still loves a good ghost story. << Go Back to Press