OP Staff

Publisher and Editor
Sylvia Weinstein Craft
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Sylvia Weinstein Craft, as publisher and editor, has been cutting her teeth on printer’s ink for 35 years and enjoying every issue of it. What began as an 8½ x 11 quarterly has grown to a 24-plus page tabloid with a monthly distribution of 9,000 in almost 200 Peninsula locations. Sylvia is most proud of her dedicated designers, writers, photographers and other important team members who make this industry fun. Most of all, she is quick to express her appreciation to the advertisers and readers who make it possible for her to love her work.
Associate Editor
Kelli Caplan
Kelli Caplan is mother of three children and a friend to all who know her. She use to spend a lot of time in her SUV, driving to schools and pediatricians, but her children have graduated from high schools. Now she can be found at WalMart and Harris Teeter, playing pickleball or cycling. She loves to try new recipes and new authors’ books. Her favorite foods are green (lettuce, broccoli, pickles). A former crime reporter for the Daily Press, Kelli has been writing for Oyster Pointer as long as she has been able to hold a pencil.
Business Manager
Brian DePrinzio
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Brian J. DePrinzio, a resident of Newport News, is the husband of Jennifer DePrinzio and the father of Ava Rose, Ellina Grace, and Raven Elodie. Raised in Hampton Roads, he is a graduate of Hampton High School's inaugural International Baccalaureate class, a graduate of Thomas Nelson Community College with an Associate's degree in liberal arts and a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor's degree in English with a writing concentration. Brian is also a 12th Grade Honors English Teacher and National Honor Society Faculty Advisor with Newport News Public Schools. He most enjoys spending his free time with his family, reading, writing and pondering philosophy. Brian has been working with Oyster Pointer since 2008.
Design and Layout
Sara Sanders
Sara Sanders is a graphic designer and is one half of SHS Design. She has worked with Sylvia on the Oyster Pointer since 1993.
Web Master
Stewart Sanders
Stewart Sanders is a graphic designer and web master and is the other half of SHS Design. He has worked on the print version of the Oyster Pointer for many years and also developed and manages the web site.
Social Media Manager
Ginny Hunter
Ginny Hunter, a Yorktown native, is a Christopher Newport University (CNU) alumni and English major. While at CNU, Ginny was involved in Sigma Tau Delta and Delta Gamma and also enjoyed singing in an a cappella group. In her free time, Ginny enjoys playing the ukulele, video games, reading, taking care of her plants and spending time with her friends and family.

Writers and Photographers

Kelli Caplan Read Articles
Kelli Caplan is mother of three children and a friend to all who know her. She use to spend a lot of time in her SUV, driving to schools and pediatricians, but her children have graduated from high schools. Now she can be found at WalMart and Harris Teeter, playing pickleball or cycling. She loves to try new recipes and new authors’ books. Her favorite foods are green (lettuce, broccoli, pickles). A former crime reporter for the Daily Press, Kelli has been writing for Oyster Pointer as long as she has been able to hold a pencil.
Terilyn Goins, Ph.D. Read Articles
Dr. Terilyn J. Goins is a motivational speaker/vocalist, trainer and coach. She offers a wide variety of training and motivational music programs. Goins creates programs that educate, inspire and challenge participants. Visit www.terilyngoins.com or reach her at 757-303-7807 or by email at terilyngoins@cox.net.
Noelle Riddle Read Articles
Noelle Riddle is from Fairfax County, Virginia, and earned her degree in English with a double minor in both Leadership Studies and Communications Studies from Christopher Newport University. Growing up, it was always her dream to pursue a career that involved writing or creative expression. She is currently a full-time writer with US News. When Noelle is not writing, she enjoys walking her dog, playing volleyball or trying new and unique foods to review on her food blog.
Cathy Welch Read Articles
Cathy Welch is a Hampton Roads-based writer, photographer and book editor. She says her life is an eclectic mix of career and FAMILY. She earned our Bachelors degree in business administration at Christopher Newport University, minoring in Spanish. Her career has been full- and part-time as an administrator, an engineering assistant, a bookseller, a merchandiser, a naval photography layout assistant, an office manager, a grant writer and a human resource manager, all giving her experiences that feed her writing. She fosters pups and does what she can to bless those who are in need, whether human or canine. She can be reached at 757-870-0768 or at cathywelch25@gmail.com.
Dave Hunt Read Articles
Dave Hunt was born in Hampton Roads, where he lived before moving with his wife Liz to Nelson County in 2017. A recent graduate of the University of Virginia, Dave, he wife Liz and their young daughter have returned to Hampton Roads, living in Hampton. In addition to school, Dave has worked and continues to work in various public speaking venues. He has narrated tours, weddings, parades and even a music festival. He is fond of saying – and knows Liz is tired of hearing – that there are few things on this Earth that he enjoys more than standing and talking in front of an audience, and one of those things is the sound of his voice.
Kayla Brundick Read Articles
Kayla Brundick is a senior at Christopher Newport University (CNU) in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in English with a writing concentration. Alongside her academic course work, Kayla is also a social media promoter for the CNU Writing Center, gaining substantial social media marketing and writing skills. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, writing, spending time with friends and family and traveling to new places. After graduation, Kayla will pursue a career in public relations as well as obtaining a master’s degree in English writing.
Anna Dorl Read Articles
Anna Dorl grew up all over the United States as a military brat, and she now calls Virginia home. She is a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a degree in communication studies, with minors in writing and film studies. Since graduation, she’s worked in journalism and education. When she’s not writing, Anna can be found hanging out with her dog, Stella, and watching spooky movies.
Evelyn Davidson Read Articles
Evelyn Davidson was born in Richmond, Virginia and is currently a junior at Christopher Newport University (CNU), majoring in English with a double minor in psychology and journalism. She serves as news editor of The Captain’s Log, CNu’s newspaper. She enjoys reading, and feels there’s something about the optimism of coming-of-age stories. She especially likes sinking into a good historical fiction book. Her most favorite place to travel has been to Greece, where she took a study-abroad trip. Travel dreams include a trip to see the Northern Lights and skiing in Europe.
Dr. Michele Mitchell Read Articles
Dr. Michele Mitchell is interim superintendent of Newport News Public Schools. She can be reached at michele.mitchell@nn.k12.va.us
Yasmin Kettani Read Articles
Yasmin Kettani is a full time student at Christopher Newport University studying political science and Journalism. From an early age, Yasmin has always had a passion for advocacy and writing, and in the following years she hopes to pursue a career in political journalism. Although a native of Northern Virginia, through her time at Christopher Newport she has found a love for Coastal Virginia and enjoys writing about the people in it with the grace of Oyster Pointer. In her free time, Yasmin enjoys reading about pop culture, going on walks with her labradoodle and spending a little too much money at the mall with her girls.
Eleanor Hardy Read Articles
Eleanor Hardy is from Chesterfield, Virginia, and is currently a junior at Christopher Newport University (CNU) majoring in communication studies with a double minor in journalism and leadership. Throughout her years, she has developed a strong passion for writing as well as media. She is currently a broadcaster for CNU Sports and is in the President’s Leadership Program. She plans to work as a reporter for a news agency in Richmond, Virginia when she graduates college. When Ella is not writing, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with family.

Columnists

Nancy B. Alligood, CTC Read Columns
Nancy B. Alligood, CTC is general manager/owner of Warwick Travel Service, Inc.and can be reached at 757-599-3011 or at n_alligood@warwicktravel.com.
Trevor Anderson Read Columns
Trevor Anderson is an attorney with the firm of Riddle & Hanna in Newport News. He regularly represents clients in complex criminal and family law matters throughout Hampton Roads. He can be reached at tanderson@rhvalaw.com or 757-586-5380.
Dan Baxter Read Columns
In addition to being the business recycling coordinator for the City of Newport News, Dan Baxter is a retired paramedic/firefighter and a member of the Center Faculty for the Tidewater Center for Life Support where he teaches First Aid and CPR courses for instructors and the public. He can be reached at 757-886-7612 or 757-592-5387.
John Brooks Read Columns
John Brooks is a Realtor® with Howard Hanna William E. Wood at its Port Warwick office. He can be contacted at 757-813-0160 or by email at jbrooks@howardhanna.com.
Robert W. Carmines, MST, PFS, CPA Read Columns
Robert W. Carmines, MST, PFS, CPA is a partner in the certified public accounting firm of Carmines, Robbins & Company, PLC, located in the City Center section of Oyster Point Business Park in Newport News, VA. His phone number is 757-873-8585 and the firm’s web address is www.CarminesRobbins.com or www.DDS-CPA.com.
Brian Cole Read Columns
Brian Cole is owner of Personal Training Associates with studios in Oyster Point and Port Warwick. He can be reached at 757-599-5999 or on his website at www.briancoleandassociates.net.
Donna Croushore Read Columns
Donna Croushore is owner/manager of Creative Travel & Cruise, located in Port Warwick. She can be reached at 757-898-4006 or visit the website at www.creativetravelandcruise.com.
Jayne Di Vincenzo Read Columns
Jayne Di Vincenzo, AIF®, CEP®, has more than 20 years of experience as a financial advisor and wealth consultant. She holds her registrations and licenses including the 24 General Securities Principal, 53 Municipal Principal, Series 7, 63, 65, 31 with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Jayne owns Family CFO Services and Fiduciary EDGE Advisors LLC. Reach Jayne at 757-236-5505 or Jayne@FamilyCFOSvs.com.
Frank A. Edgar, Jr Read Columns
Frank A. Edgar Jr. is an attorney with the law firm of Goldstein, Edgar & Reagan in Newport News. He can be reached at faedgarjr@ibglaw.com or 757-873-8773.
Douglas Fry Read Columns
Douglas Fry is executive director of the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association, the non-profit regional trade association which represents Free Circulation Publishers in 12 southeastern states. Fry can be reached at 931.223.5708 or by email at info@sapatoday.com.
Terilyn Goins, Ph.D. Read Columns
Dr. Terilyn J. Goins is a motivational speaker/vocalist, trainer and coach. She offers a wide variety of training and motivational music programs. Goins creates programs that educate, inspire and challenge participants. Visit www.terilyngoins.com or reach her at 757-303-7807 or by email at terilyngoins@cox.net.
Dr. W. J. Heisler Read Columns
Dr. W. J. Heisler is professor of human resource management and director of the MSHRM program at Troy University. He operates out of TROY’s site based in Chesapeake, Va. He holds Ph.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Syracuse University and worked for more than 20 years in management and executive positions in human resources at Newport News Shipbuilding. Contact: wheisler@troy.edu.
John Kennedy Read Columns
John Kennedy is general manager of Art Newsome, Inc. and can be reached at 873-0345 or by email at jkennedy@artnewsomeinc.com.
Sharon Martin Read Columns
Sharon Martin is vice president and private banker with Old Point National Bank. She can be reached at 757-325-6108 or by email at smartin@oldpoint.com.
Beverly McLean, CTC Read Columns
Beverly McLean, CTC, is affiliated with Covington Travel and can be reached at 757-286-5233 or e-mail BeverlyM@covtrav.com.
Beth Moore Read Columns
Beth W. Moore, CPA, is president of the certified public accounting firm of Beth Moore & Associates, CPAs. She can be reached at beth@bethmoorecpa.com or 757-224-1174. www.bethmoorecpa.com
Sister David Ann Niski Read Columns
Sister David Ann Niski is executive director of the Bernadine Franciscan Sisters Foundation. A strong advocate and supporter of the Virginia Peninsula not-for-profit agencies, she can be reached at 757-886-6025 or by e-mail at david_niski@bshsi.org.
Eric Thompson Read Columns
Eric E. Thompson, CEPA, is senior vice president-wealth management, senior portfolio manager and wealth advisor with Barnes, Thompson & Singor of UBS Financial Services, Inc., 757-624-3394, eric.thompson@ubs.com, www.ubs.com/team/barnesthompsonsingor.
Timothy A. Queen, MD Read Columns
Timothy A. Queen, MD is a board certified otolaryngologist and a fellowship trained otolaryngic allergist. He owns Advanced ENT & Allergy, in Oyster Point of Newport News. Please call 757-873-0338 for an appointment. You can also visit online at www.entallergy1.com.
Michael Shapiro Read Columns
Michael Shapiro is director of commercial sales and leasing for Drucker + Falk, a Newport News company for 80 years with more than 3,000,000 square feet of commercial space and more than 34,000 apartment units in nine states under leasing and management.
Dr. Sonia Tao-Yi Read Columns
Dr. Sonia Tao-Yi is one of the owners of City Center Dental Care. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley, followed by dental school at the University of Detroit-Mercy. She can be reached at 757-873- 3001 or on the practice’s website at www.dentalcare4u.com.
Joe Verser Read Columns
Joe Verser is a partner in the law firm of Heath, Overbey, Verser & Old, PLC (https://www.hovplc.com/). He regularly represents both commercial and residential contractors in disputes, as well as homeowners and project owners. He can be reached at jverser@hovplc.com or at 757-599-0734.
Joe Lieberman Read Columns
Joe Lieberman is president and owner of Peninsula Data Service Center. He can be reached at 757-873-2132 or by email at joe@pdsc.hrcoxmail.com.
Kaéra Mims Read Columns
Kaéra Mims is a success coach and associate broker with Abbitt Realty in the Oyster Point office and can be reached at 757-223-7478 or Kaera@abbitt.com.
Ruby Conn Read Columns
Ruby Conn, Realtor®, is affiliated with Liz Moore & Associates. Formerly with Berkshire-Hathaway, Conn has more than 44 years of experience in residential sales. Conn is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and has certifications in relocation, military relocation, luxury home. She is a member of the Residential Real Estate Council.
Peter Johns Read Columns
Peter Johns is director of business development for Empower Information Systems, Inc., an information technology MSP offering businesses comprehensive technology services and consulting. Johns can be reached at 757-273-9399 (w), 757-871-5662 (c) or pjohns@empoweris.com. Visit Empower Information Systems at www.empoweris.com.
Geneva Perry Read Columns
Geneva Perry is a partner in the law firm of Promise Law, located in Newport News. Her areas of expertise include estate planning. She offers FREE, weekly, virtual workshops where she explains estate planning issues and concepts. To register, call 757-690-2470 or visit www.PromiseLaw.com.
Hope C. Hutchinson, Esquire Read Columns
Hope C. Hutchinson, Esquire is owner of Hutchinson Law Center located in Yorktown. Her Law Center specializes in Divorce and Family Law. She can be contacted by phone at: 757-367-8888. Website Inquiries at hutchinsonlawcenter.com
Aaron Hayes, DDS Read Columns
Dr. Aaron Hayes has been practicing dentistry since 2008. He is co-owner of City Center Dental Care and can be reached at 757-873-3001 or on the practice's website at citycenterdentalcare.com.
Sharyn Fox Read Columns
Sharyn Fox is an associate in the municipal engineering department of AH Environmental. She is a recipient for the 2022 Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award. An avid reader, Sharyn loves sharing reviews of her favorite books.
Rev. Becky Glass Read Columns
Rev. Becky Glass, LMFT, LPC is executive director of Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, located at 707 Gum Rock Court, Newport News, VA 23606. She can be reached by phone at 757-873-2273 or by email at beglass@peninsulapastoral.org. Website is peninsulapastoral.org.26th
Lisa Candella Read Columns
Lisa Candella, CPA, partner of the certified public accounting firm of Moore Candella & Associates, CPAs, can be reached at 757-224-1174 or lisa@moorecandellacpas.com. The firm’s web address is www.moorecandellacpas.com.
Shannon Edwards Read Columns
Shannon Edwards is principal broker and co-owner of RE/MAX Connect. Shannon’s team, The Coastal VA Real Estate Team, is one of the highest producing teams in the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® and focuses on residential sales and property management. Edwards can be reached at 757-876-9621 or by visiting www.SellingCoVA.com.