Apex is a town that prides itself on good living, and small town hospitality. For eight years, Helaine Sharifipour has spread southern hospitality throughout Apex as a greeter for New Neighbor Welcome Service.

This month, however, Sharifipour has turned in her basket after visiting over 2,600 newcomers to town. Armed with her basket and a list of recent deed transfers, Sharifipour has spent countless weekends driving the streets of Apex’s quiet neighborhoods, waving at residents she visited long ago, while looking for those who have just moved.

“Seeing out-of-state license plates in the driveway is a welcomed sight for me,” she says with a wink. Sharifipour has visited newcomers who moved across town, across the state and even from other continents. She has visited many who have just arrived from Sweden, Germany, and Ireland.

“I very much enjoy all the foreign accents,” she shares.

Sharifipour confesses, she has often been asked, “Where are you from?” by the residents she welcomes. Sharifipour moved here 14 years ago from New York, and her accent gives away that she is not a born southerner. “…but the southern charm still comes through,” she adds.

“Some welcome visits I remember clearly because of the unexpected. Once, I greeted a gentleman who came outside to chat. He had recently had open heart surgery, and was dressed in his robe. It was very cold, and just as he opened the door to invite me in, his dog darted out. I drove around for a long time until I found that dog,” Sharifipour recalls.

She also has visited newcomers who were afraid or overwhelmed at the thought of finding services or seeking new friendships. Once, she drove an elderly woman to the community center to introduce her to the Keenagers program at the Apex Community Center. “When we returned to her home, she gave me a kiss on the cheek. That day in particular, I remember the feeling of satisfaction from helping a stranger---that makes the job mean a lot to me personally.”

Not surprising, being a welcome service greeter is part educator, part counselor, and part friend. “Sometimes, I’ve been an ear to listen…and other times I’m asked to provide decorating advice. You just never know what a resident might need help with.” Although she has not unpacked any boxes for the new residents, she once assisted a newcomer hang the front door. Having a good sense of humor about the woes of moving is important.

Her conversation includes everything from where to look for children’s activities to what business services are the best in town. “It’s a pleasure to tell newcomers about the great businesses that we have here in town; I consider the sponsors my friends, and it’s a pleasure to refer your friends,” she says. Keeping in contact with her sponsors is one of the aspects of the job that she will miss. “We have known each other for a long time!”

Sharifipour is passing her basket to another Apex resident who is eager to welcome newcomers to town. Tara Ciliento began visiting neighbors in town in May. With the summer months approaching, typically the most active real estate season of the year, Ciliento hit the ground running….and ringing doorbells all over town.