Goodrich – When a new family moved into Jill Stadola’s neighborhood, she gathered treats and local information before introducing herself.
Local businesswoman Sharon Schulmeister and Stadola’s daughter, Annie, thought her hospitable tendencies should be taken further.
‘This is so you,? said Annie.
Stadola, who holds a degree in marketing from the University of Minnesota, decided to open Friends and Neighbors of Goodrich in 2000, a small business to welcome area arrivals.
Each month, she delivers approximately 30 bags to help newcomers in the Goodrich School District feel at home.
Sponsored by Goodrich and nearby businesses through a nominal annual fee, the welcome bags are hand-delivered by Stadola.
Stadola makes three attempts to personally welcome those who have recently moved to the Goodrich school district.
‘I thought you’d mail it to me,? said one recipient. ‘This is really nice that someone cares that we’re here.?
‘I like to make personal contact,? says Stadola, who is happy to answer any questions about what’s available in the area.
The bags include a detailed area map marking school, cemetery, and post office locations.
There are restaurant menus, a calendar and newsletter from Goodrich Area Schools, as well as information about banking, auto, veterinary, health care, vision, dry cleaning, hair, library, and chiropractic services.
Enclosed in a neatly-arranged portfolio, new neighbors will also find a strip of plastic-protected business cards, postage stamp order envelopes, exercise information, and occasionally, coupons and samples.
The bag also includes a telephone directory and ‘Info 2004? by Sherman Publications, publisher of The Citizen. Along with details on where to find goods and services, the resource guide includes a map making it easy to find Goodrich area businesses.
While Stadola tracks down new neighbors with the intention of giving, she’s not above taking.
Once, when a new family moved in with a litter of kittens, Stadola took home a little tabby.
‘We named it Bob,? she said.
Currently, Stadola is working on a project to aid visitors to the Genesys Hospice in finding area restaurants, and is eyeing expanding her area of coverage.
If you’ve got a new neighbor, contact Stadola at alodotsjba@hotmail.com.