Sign up now for April Hokie Wellness programs

From: Hokie Wellness

Hokie Wellness offers a wide range of programs during April.

In addition, employees with a Virginia Tech email account are invited to take a national mental health survey by April 18. Check your email for a personalized link. 

April programs include:

April 5, 12-1 p.m.: Gardening for Well-being: It is no surprise that eating home-grown veggies is beneficial for our physical health, but we may not give a second thought to the influence gardening has on our sense of purpose or how it can enhance social and emotional well-being. This virtual program outlines the ways in which gardening promotes well-being and provides basic tips and resources to first-time gardeners. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be provided 24 hours prior to program.

April 6, 9 a.m.- 4p.m.: DMV returns to Virginia Tech:  Services that will be offered include the REAL ID, driver’s license, vehicle registration, address changes, vehicle titles, and more. Appointments are 15 minutes and each transaction requires an appointment. For example, if you wish to get your REAL ID and a vehicle registration, you must register for two appointments. Visit the DMVNow.com to see what you need to complete your transaction(s). The program will be held at the North End Center, room 2420. Registration is required.

April 7, 12-1 p.m.: How to Paint What You Feel: During this creative painting workshop led by Robin Scully, Virginia Tech Art Program director, participants will spend a relaxing lunch hour learning basic watercolor techniques. Space is limited to 11 participants. Prior to registering for this workshop, please ensure that you are able to attend as planned, as supplies are being purchased for each registrant. The workshop will be held at the Duck Pond Gazebo. In case of inclement weather, the program will move to the Perspective Gallery in Squires Student Center. Registration is required.

April 12, 3-5 p.m.: Stadium Woods Invasive Plant Removal with New River Valley Master Naturalists: Get outside and join Hokie Wellness and the New River Valley Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists in clearing invasive plants in Stadium Woods, a 12-acre stand of old growth forest next to Lane Stadium. Gloves, closed-toed shoes, a bottle of water, and long pants are recommended. Should there be high winds, precipitation, or temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the event will be postponed. Learn more about Virginia Master Naturalists of the NRV. Meeting location to be provided in confirmation email. Registration is required.

April 13, 10:45 a.m.: Goodwin Hall Tour: Goodwin Hall, the flagship building for the College of Engineering, houses 40 instructional and research labs, eight classrooms, the Quillen Family Auditorium, and 150 offices for several engineering departments. You’ll learn about the building and the science that is taking place there. Meet at the North End Center. Space is limited, registration is required.

April 14, 12-1 p.m.: Weaving Gratitude into Your Week: Research shows that expressing gratitude regularly can have a positive effect on many aspects of your well-being. Learn more about ways to incorporate gratitude with this virtual program. Registration is required.

April 19, 4-5 p.m.: The Art of Improv - Part 2: Steve Matuszak, assistant professor of practice in Pamplin College of Business, is partnering with Hokie Wellness to lead a fun, interactive, and engaging workshop that explores the personal and professional benefits of improvisation. This workshop is for those who have either taken the introductory workshop or have some familiarity with the foundations of improv. The program will be held at the North End Center in room 2420. Registration is required.

April 20, 12-1 p.m.: QPR: This virtual program offers information about suicide and provides guidelines on what you can do to prevent suicide. Registration is required.

April 22, 4-5 p.m.: Earth Day Doodling Hour: Doodling may sometimes be associated with procrastination or distraction, but did you know that doodling is beneficial for well-being. Doodling can help keep us relaxed, improve our mood, and relieve stress. Join Hokie Wellness and Steven White, Virginia Tech’s Daily Doodler, for an hour of Earth Day-themed doodling at the North End Center, room 2420.  Registration is required.

April 25, 12:15-12:45 p.m.: Outdoor Yoga at Hahn Garden: Take in fresh air and the beautiful views of Hahn Garden with a short, gentle yoga practice with Amy Epperley. Plan to bring your own yoga mat, water, and comfortable clothes. Participants will meet at the Wedding Lawn at Hahn Garden. Space is limited and, registration is required.

April 27, 12-1 p.m.: Decoding Nutrition Labels: Employees are invited to attend this new virtual program where participants will learn about the basics of reading nutrition labels, how to interpret common terms used to market products, and how to use ingredient lists to make nutritious choices. Registration is required.

April 28, 5:45-7 p.m.: Glade Road Growing Farm Tour: Glade Road Growing is a small family across the street from the Heritage Park in Blacksburg. The farm produces and direct markets vegetables, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, and more. The tour will focus primarily on the vegetable side of the farm. Rising Silo Brewery, located on the property, is family friendly and will be open after our tour with a variety of drinks, food, and live music. Meet in front of the farm stand at 2351 Glade Rd. in Blacksburg. Space is limited, registration is required.