Independent. Non-profit. Social.

The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of the Greater Rochester Area (formerly the Newcomers Club of Rochester, Inc.) is an independent, non-profit, social organization organized as an outgrowth of the Rochester Kiwanis Club's community welcome service.

At a Luncheon on July 21, 1955, Margaret Norton met with newcomers she had visited with as a Welcome Service Hostess and proposed a club for new residents be formed. All approved, and officers were elected. Since the tradition was that each new resident was presented with a plant as a welcoming gift, they decided to name their new group the “Planter’s Club”.  The club held monthly meetings and activities since their founding day.  

In February of 1961, feeling that the group was now firmly established, the Kiwanis Club withdrew as sponsor. At that time the name was changed to the “Newcomers Club of Rochester”. The club was later incorporated as a nonprofit organization in October 1990 and continues to welcome new residents to our community.