Author Archive

Keep It Simple, Stupid

January 3, 2012
By Julie Virnelson

So, a new year is about to begin. Resolutions abound, sending people in hoards to the gym, while yoga mats and diet and self-help books fly off the shelves. I have a few plans of my own. Among other things, I want to work towards getting organized and bring more balance to my life...
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Urbana and Middletown Communities Rally Around One of Their Own

September 9, 2011
By Julie Virnelson
Urbana and Middletown Communities Rally Around One of Their Own

On Sun., July 17, Frank Vetter, 42, a resident of the Villages of Urbana (VOU), was struck by an SUV while riding his bike on MD Route 85. The traumatic accident left Vetter in critical condition and his wife and children in shock. It also sent two communities reeling and sparked a chain of...
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Local Voices: The Blue Dot

September 9, 2011
By Julie Virnelson

Most people have probably heard the story of Pinocchio, the little wooden puppet who dreamed of one day becoming a real boy. Pinocchio is given a chance at his wish coming true as long as he can stay honest and on the straight path. As the story goes, whenever Pinocchio lies, his nose grows....
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VOU Serves Up Its First USTA Tournaments

September 9, 2011
By Julie Virnelson
VOU Serves Up Its First USTA Tournaments

The competition heated up recently on the newly renovated Villages of Urbana (VOU) tennis courts as the first United States Tennis Association (USTA) tournaments in Urbana got underway. The USTA offers the average — and sometimes not so average — Joe a chance to compete with others at their skill level in organized matches...
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National Night Out in VOU

August 23, 2011
By Julie Virnelson

Villages of Urbana (VOU) residents settled here because, among other reasons, it is a safe place to live and raise their children. As the community has grown, however, so has the number of incidents on the Neighborhood Watch report. Acts of vandalism, theft, and destruction of property are becoming somewhat common occurrences in VOU....
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‘Mastering’ the Art of Swimming

August 23, 2011
By Julie Virnelson
‘Mastering’ the Art of Swimming

What started out four years ago as a small offshoot of the Villages of Urbana (VOU) Seahawks’ swim team, has been steadily growing into a popular addition to the various programs offered through VOU. The Masters’ Swim Team is for adults of all skill levels, from complete beginners, to Olympic swimmers (there is an...
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Urbana Businesses Gear Up for Summer Months

June 6, 2011
By Julie Virnelson
Urbana Businesses Gear Up for Summer Months

While most of us are looking forward to slowing down for the summer, some local Urbana businesses are busy getting ready for the summer months with new programs and promotions. Tammy Frazier is the founder and president of A Pole New You, an exotic fitness studio located in the Urbana retail center. A Pole...
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A Parent’s Perspective

April 27, 2011
By Julie Virnelson

These Dogs May Be On to Something … If you have ever owned a dog, you know two things. First, dogs are messy, and second, their love is unconditional. I have dogs, and I have children. I hate to compare the two, because on any given day, the dogs may win. Dogs do not...
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Safety Isn’t Expensive, It’s Priceless

March 30, 2011
By Julie Virnelson

In August 2006, Urbana Middle School (UMS) opened its doors. It is a beautiful school, inside and out. UMS is filled with the latest technology and an incredible staff. It has been a top middle school in Frederick County since it opened. The only downside to the school is the terrible traffic/safety problem it...
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