Information / Education

MEET OUR NEIGHBORS

  • January 2026
  • By Gateway

Meet The Chase Family!

If you’ve traveled down Westlinks Drive during the last few months of the year, you’ve probably noticed a certain home that refuses to go unnoticed. Whether it’s towering skeletons in October or a sleigh sailing across the rooftop in December, one thing is clear—Gateway Greens resident Ched Chase is passionate about bringing joy to the community.

“My wife, daughter and I love decorating the home for my family and for the entire community,” Ched shared. “I’m thrilled my yard has inspired neighbors to decorate as well.”

And inspired they are—because Ched’s displays are anything but simple. For Halloween, his yard features three 12-foot skeletons, a dozen 6-foot skeletons, four goblins, a 10-foot witch, and an array of spooky lighting. When Christmas arrives, the scene transforms with a 10-foot reindeer, Santa’s sleigh, an 8-foot Santa and lights throughout the home and yard. Storage for such a collection is no small feat, so Ched fills the attic and stores the overflow at his entrepreneurial sideline business, Chuck it Axes.

Ched’s love for holiday decorating began in childhood, inspired by his grandmother’s beautifully decorated home in Vermont. That spirit followed him south to Florida Atlantic University, where he became known for decking out his dorm room each year. His Halloween enthusiasm grew thanks to his daughter, Finley, who has always adored the holiday and never shied away from scary fun.

After Hurricane Ian flooded their previous home near Alico Road, Ched and his wife Stephanie chose to start fresh in Gateway Greens. They settled on Grand Isles Lane, drawn by the family-friendly environment, community growth, reasonable home prices, lack of flooding and proximity to Fenway South—perfect for cheering on the Red Sox.

Their displays not only bring joy to their own family but also brighten the days of neighbors and visitors. One couple shared that during a difficult time, as a young family member was in hospice care, walking past the Chase home offered a moment of cheer. Stories like these motivate Ched to expand his displays year after year.

Originally from Vermont, Ched graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, where he played nearly every sport. He met Stephanie—originally from Buffalo—through mutual friends while she was teaching first grade in Broward County. Married for 15 years, they are parents to 8-year-old Finley, who attends Evangelical Christian School. The family enjoys exploring the neighborhood, attending events at JetBlue Park, and dining at local favorites like The Saucy Meatball and Fort Myers Brewery.

Professionally, Ched serves as Director of Sales for FlexPoint, an online education leader serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. FlexPoint supports learners of all kinds—from families sailing the Bahamas to aspiring dancers in full-day ballet programs.

The holiday season may have passed, but the Chase family’s warm, welcoming spirit is present all year long. If you’re nearby, feel free to stop by and say hello—just don’t worry, they won’t spook you!