Young, Clemmons Join Board of Neuse River Writers in 2026

The nonprofit writers’ group Neuse River Writers welcomed two new board members in the first quarter of 2026.

Tom Young of Clayton joined the board as Vice President. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the North Carolina Poetry Society, and the North Carolina Writers Network. Young enjoys writing poetry and short stories primarily in children’s and animal genres, but he is known to go wherever the story—or his imagination—takes him.

He is a regular participant in “Telling Our Stories,” a weekly breakout group at the Harrison Center for Active Aging in Selma, and he also volunteers with Red Barn Rescue and the Johnston County Animal Protection League.

Charles M. Clemmons joined the board as Communications Director. He grew up in Clayton and now lives in Durham. Clemmons is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and the author of the historical novel Aila’s Journal: A Tale of Southern Reconstruction. He has also been recording the group’s monthly presentations and assisting with updates to the organization’s website. He is also a member of the North Carolina Writers Network.

Neuse River Writers is a diverse group of authors, writers, filmmakers, and other creatives who gather to learn and grow in their craft, support one another, have fun, and make new friends.

The organization’s leadership team also includes President Char Vinar of Clayton, Secretary Julie Johnson of Pine Level, Treasurer Dot La Motta of Garner, Membership Director Barbara Crowley of Benson, and Advisor Cindy Brookshire of Pine Level.

The group, which currently has 45 members, meets the second Thursday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield, 305 East Market Street, in downtown Smithfield.

Monthly meetings are free and open to the public. Annual membership dues are $25.

For more information, visit www.neuseriverwriters.com or the group’s Facebook page.

Photo caption: The 2026 Board of Neuse River Writers, from left: Treasurer Dot La Motta, Vice President Tom Young, Secretary Julie Johnson, Communications Director Charles Clemmons, President Char Vinar and Membership Director Barbara Crowley.