Spring 2023 NOVA Walk Week Was a Hit!

April 28, 2023 / Get Well

Celebrate good times! Come on! Yes, that was and is a big hit, and it sure describes my mood as I reflect back on the week we had! NOVA – applause… applause! 

100+ registered faculty, staff and student walkers. Over a dozen scheduled opportunities to walk. Even more impromptu walks on campus and in other community locations.  Conversations and encouraging messages. Our campuses and locations-engaged and activated. The smiles, laughter, words of encouragement… Just Wow!!!

The Employee Wellness Office, in collaboration with NOVA Rec Well, celebrates our success in creating a week of wonderful memories and inspiration. But we couldn’t have done it alone. The spirit of collaboration lived and breathed throughout our week.

  • Shout out to NOVA Communications team; Campus Community Relations and campus communication professionals; Facilities; Sustainability and Auxiliary Services; the NOVA Engage App team; and Campus Police.
  • Special thanks to all the Campus/ Location Wellness Champions. These Push Pals, CommonHealth Liaisons,  Associate Vice President, Provosts,  Deans, Associate Deans, Campus and College Leaders encouraged participation, registered, and led walks around their beautiful campuses.
  • Last but not least, YOU for sharing your precious time. 

Those acknowledged above, as well as Countless Others – thank you for contributing to the success of the Spring 2023 NOVA Walk Week! Go Nighthawks!

Let’s continue moving with intention! Here are a couple of ideas, consider trying one or two.

  • Join your colleagues and friends for Spring 2023 NOVA’s Outdoor Adventures (Saturday Walks/ Hikes in the DMV). Registration is now Open!
  • Participate in the fitness/ wellness offering provided by NOVA Rec on Canvas.
  • Register for the Free 5k Mental Health Awareness Walk on May 13th from 10am-2pm at Locust Shade Park (Triangle Virginia) – participate or volunteer.
  • Speaking of volunteering, take advantage of the available School/Volunteer Leave Benefit to support the Virginia State Park system or choose another favorite way/place to volunteer.
  • Schedule your visits to one of the over 400 National Parks. Revisit this article for tips and information on discount passes.
  • Moving outdoors is for everyone- accessible opportunities. Boardwalk Hikes in Northern Virginia – Explore 7 beautiful boardwalk hikes in Northern Virginia on trails close to nature and unique wetland habitats near Washington, DC. All of these boardwalk trails are level and easy, and many are stroller and wheelchair accessible.
  • Resident or visitor to Arlington. Keep an eye on their website for updates on the many initiatives that make them one in only 5 communities across the country to have received a Platinum rating from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center.
  • Join other Virginians and build your collection of photos with the Loveworks signs throughout the state. Check out the LOVEworks Google map for directions and to find the closest LOVEwork to you right now and as you travel the state this summer. While you’re at it, order your 2023 copy of the state’s official travel guide.
  • Keep Building Our Celebrations Walls: Take a peek at the NOVA Walk Week Celebration Wall and the NOVA Moving Outdoors Celebration Wall to see some of the outdoor movement activities enjoyed during the 2022 – 2023 academic year. Looking forward to the rest of your Spring 2023 contributions and excited to see you moving outdoors in Summer 2023.
  • Walking Groups. Thinking of starting an on-campus walking group? Curious about Virtual Walking Groups? Where to Walk? Need additional support to take that next step?

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, dhtett@nvcc.edu