Living in the beach area (Long Beach, Duneland Beach, Shoreland Hills. Sheridan Beach)

along the shores of Lake Michigan one comes to appreciate the natural beauty and

all the fun of the summer season.  I love the summer!  This morning as I was walking along the

beach, while the waves gently touched the shore, in the warm summer sun, I watched as

two men in a boat pulled the buoys out of the water. The realization that summer is quickly winding

down came upon me.

I look back with fond memories of another summer season in Long Beach.  The 4th of July

parade and the fireworks.  Smores and cook-outs on the beach.   Golf parties at the country

club.  Friends and family relaxing and enjoying days at the beach.   Haning out with friends

at Tree House, Duneland Beach Inn. Lake Shore Art Festival, boat show, tri-state regatta, etc.

I enjoyed running into some clients over the Labor-Day week-end.  One of the pleasures

of being a Realtor in this area is that you can see the joy in your clients faces that they are

here in Long Beach.  Whether they are looking for the "cottage' or land to build quite the

cottage.  You can see that they are genuinely happy to be here.

One of the traditions in Long Beach is everyone walks downto their stop to watch the sunset.

We have beautiful sunsets here.  This time of year, it is right across the lake over Chicago.

My neighbor, and a good friend, has her Halloween decor up.  The stores have their

Christmas displays started.  I am still going to treasure the warm sun on days like today,

the brilliant sunsets over Lake Michigan, and the gentle summer wind.

New Buffalo is a picturesque community on the shores of Lake Michigan known for

its quaint shops, casual restaurants, boating, and care-free lifestyle.  It has always been

a haven, and a quiet respite from city life.  Now with the vision and fortitude of Jim

Gierczyk, the developer of Light Harbor Preserve, condo's at Whittaker St. and Oselka

Dr, Chicagoans might have the ability to enjoy the care-free lifestyle year round.

Mr. Gierczyk put up the $1 million to build the new platform on his property.  The

trains will go directly from New Buffalo to Union Station and back.  They will

arrive in Chicago at approximately 10:45 am and 9:50 p.m. CST. Trains from Chicago

 will arrive in New Buffalo at about 5:10p.m. and 8:15 p.m. EST. The fare will be about

$9 each way for advance tickets.

The limited frequency of the train indicates that the Chicago-New Buffalo train will

not launch as a commuter route.  For people with flexible schedules, it gives them

the opportunity to enjoy a fun lifestyle year-round.  With increased ridership,

the possbility exists for more stops in New Buffalo.  After a hard day at work,

you could enjoy an amazing sunset at the beach or sail under the moon-light.

Mr. Gierczyk should be commended on his vision.  It gives the village of New Buffalo

the opportunity for growth and for Chicagoans a lifestyle opportunity.