I met Kevin Grassa about two weeks ago in his home on East Chop Drive, the one across from the lighthouse that was completed 10 years ago but never occupied. Kevin knew the history. He did his homework before finally taking the plunge with an offer, and he and his wife Elaine are thrilled to own it.

“Look at the view from up here, Rick,” Kevin exclaimed as we sat just outside the kitchen on the third floor. “We love it here. The neighbors are great. They have been so warm and welcoming.”

“How did you find the house after 10 years of neglect?” I asked.

“Better than you might expect. We had to do some major mold remediation, and there were some construction errors that had to be fixed. There were few structural issues. However, most of the work that needed to be done was cosmetic. All the appliances worked. The heating system is fine. The elevator parts were all here.” I was impressed. Much of the inside work has been completed, and it is stunning.

Kevin and Elaine live in Milton, where he owns a high-tech staffing company. Elaine is the office manager of a mental health facility in Brookline. They have three children, and five grandchildren. The youngest was born last week.

“We want to retire here, and it won’t be too long from now. Elaine and I have rented in East Chop for thirty years. I have walked by this house and your house many, many times. This is a dream come true for us.”

“Is there anything else you’d like to tell me about the house?”

“No, not about the house, but tell your readers East Chop has good kids. It was obvious when we first entered the house that it had been party central for years, but no damage was done. We were both relieved and impressed.” I left this warm and engaging man, walking down to the second floor which has several bedrooms, and then down to the first floor with another bedroom, a rec room, and a library. It’s a fascinating house, and so nice to have it finally occupied with such good people.

One of the best things about the Fourth of July weekend is that so many good friends return. You see them walking, on the tennis courts, at the beach, or at community events. Unfortunately, we will miss two of our finest over the fourth. Steve Wilkerson broke his hip in January. Just as he was coming back from that injury, he came down with shingles in his throat and ear in early May. They took a long time diagnosing the problem, but Steve’s doctors have it now, and he is on the mend. He and Kathy hope to be back in East Chop by the middle of July.

On June 14, Joe Collette underwent shoulder surgery. He was released from the hospital the next day. A week later he was back in the hospital with internal bleeding, urine retention, and pneumonia. He finally was able to come home on June 28, and is doing a lot better. He and wife Linda have a boat reservation for July 14 to return to the Island, which they expect to keep.

Finally, we have been missing Kim Patterson on the tennis courts. Kim had the rotator cuff in her right shoulder repaired on June 24. She is doing well, hopes to begin physical therapy in the near future, and promises us a better serve next summer.

Send East Chop news to herricklr@verizon.net.