Stephanie Radman welcomes new residents to New Canaan as the Town Greeter.
Photo credit: Melvin Mason

Anyone who's just moved to New Canaan might want to get ready for a call or visit from Stephanie Radman. After all, she'll come bearing a bag full of goodies.

Radman is the Town Greeter -- and the role seems right up her alley.

"It gives me great satisfaction and joy to meet with local people," Radman said.

Radman, 40, took over the Town Greeter business from a friend last June. After nine years as a stay-at-home mom, Radman wanted to put her friendly personality and business background to good use. The job is her first since she left G&S Investments to raise her three children. She got the idea after taking it upon herself to greet visitors to a Newcomers Club event a few years ago. A friend complimented Radman on making new residents feel comfortable in a stranger's home.

"I said, 'This business would be perfect for me.' I love people and I want people to feel comfortable where they are."

Since then, she's visited dozens of new residents, giving them suggestions on places to go and organizations to join. She also gives them a bag filled with information about New Canaan, samples of products and discount coupons to town businesses and information about non-profit organizations. Radman receives a flat fee from local retailers for each person she visits.

On average, Radman visits with 20 new families a month, usually spending about an hour with each.

"All the newcomers are ecstatic. They just can't believe in 2010 that there's a lady who comes down and greets them in their own home," she said.

For more information on the Town Greeter, visit www.thetowngreeter.com.