Mission Statement

To provide activities and social opportunities for residents of Northern Nevada.

Why It Matters

Community is more than just a place—it’s the people, the culture, and the connections that make it feel like home. NNCCN is here to celebrate that and keep the energy alive.

Why join NNCNN -

Life is just better with friends and NNCNN can be the difference between living in Reno and having a life in Reno.

We are a social club full of friendly folks who love to laugh, learn and live it up. From a casual activity group to luncheons and community adventures, there is always something going on - and plenty of people happy to see you.

More About Us🌟

Welcome to the Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Northern Nevada—a vibrant, all volunteer, non-profit social club where curiosity meets community!

Whether you’re new to the area or simply entering a new chapter in life, we’re here to help you connect, explore, and thrive. Our friendly atmosphere and member-led activities make it easy to meet people, learn about the local scene, and enjoy each day to the fullest.

🎲 Activities Galore From morning coffee groups to afternoon games, scenic outings to themed dinners—we’ve got something happening almost every day. Join as many activities as you like… or just dip your toes in when the mood strikes!

💡 Got an idea? Start something new! All of our activities are created and run by members just like you. If you don’t see something that fits your interests, we encourage you to start your own group—we’ll help you get it going!

With 1,200+ members, there’s no shortage of friendly faces and shared passions. We’re confident you’ll find your people—and maybe discover a few new hobbies along the way.

LUNCHEONS WITH A SIDE OF FUN

Routinely we throw a big luncheon with fun programs, guest speakers, entertainment and raffles (who doesn’t love a raffle). It's a great way to meet people and catch up with new and old friends. All new attending members are introduced to the attending members.

History of Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Northern Nevada

In 1928, William Briggs—a former newspaperman—founded Welcome Wagon, Inc. to revive frontier-style hospitality. Headquartered in Memphis, with later offices in New York and San Francisco, the organization was built on high ideals and community spirit.

In 1948, Ruth Short brought the Welcome Wagon Service to the Reno-Sparks area, expanding later to Las Vegas. The Welcome Wagon Newcomers Clubs of Reno and Sparks became a community outreach effort, offering members opportunities to engage in civic life, contribute to charitable causes, and form lasting friendships.

The Sparks Club held its first luncheon on March 20, 1952 (dues were $0.50), followed by Reno’s on March 27, with Mrs. R. Oliver as its first President. The launch featured nautical-themed decorations and a boat filled with daffodils. By 1955, activity groups included a 17-member choral ensemble that performed at luncheons and civic events.

In 1989, under President Nancy Rumberg, the club updated its bylaws to better serve the community, dropping the Welcome Wagon name and becoming the Newcomers Club. The motto adopted then—“There are no strangers here, only friends we have not met”—still resonates today.

In 2017, the club evolved again, becoming the Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Northern Nevada. This change welcomed all residents seeking connection, without needing a specific life event to join. “Newcomers” remains central to our name and mission: helping new residents feel at home in the Reno-Sparks community.

Gladys B. Smart served as a Welcome Wagon Newcomers hostess from 1953 to 1976. After attending meetings in early 1953, she became secretary for the service until 1955, then trained in Pasadena and began visiting families as a hostess. For her many years of dedicated service, Gladys—now deceased—was honored as an Honorary Member of the Newcomers Club.

History provided by Gladys Smart