Buffalo Strong Week 2023 is coming Feb. 6-10 and will feature a slate of events designed to care, connect and continue to support one another. A schedule of free community events has been scheduled and includes the following:
MONDAY, FEB. 6
- A presentation on Anxiety and Depression will be conducted at 11 a.m. at the Buffalo Community Center. This presentations highlights the similarities and distinctions between anxiety and stress. Being able to identify stressors in your life and your internal reactions can help manage some of the symptoms of both. If it's you or someone you love that is struggling, you're not alone and there is hope. This is a 60-minute presentation that will show you how the mind works and how to work your mind to live your best life.
- The Buffalo Community Center will host “Happiness in Action” – a service and social event when participants will create happiness bags that will be filled with useful items to be delivered to those in need. The events runs from 2-4 p.m. and is for ages 55+. Register by calling (763) 765-3036.
TUESDAY, FEB. 7
- Jeff Jensen from Lakeside Academy will speak on the services they have to offer teens in recovery as well as testimony from one of the teens in the program. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Buffalo Community Center. After Jensen has completed, there will be a short intermission where Joseph Wheelock will perform music. Wrapping up the evening will be Billy Hawkins from Rooted Men’s Ministry.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8
- The Buffalo Community Center will host a Spa Day. Kendra Laho has graciously provided all the volunteers to create a day of pampering to include hair, nails, massage and makeup. Participants will leave with a special gift from Meg DiMercurio from Modern Roots. To sign up, call (763) 682-6036.
THURSDAY, FEB. 9
- A Destress Day presentation will be conducted by Laura Krause at 10:30 a.m. at the Buffalo Community Center. The presentation will explore how gut health, stress, mindset, physical movement, social interaction profoundly impact all areas of wellness.
- A screening of the film Hidden Figures will be shown at 1:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Community Center. The film chronicles the true story of how four black women led the United States into the space race. Thursday movies will be held throughout February as part of Black History Month.
- “Light it Purple.” A symbolic way of reminding our care workers that their courage is not forgotten and reminding the Buffalo community that they stand as one, residents and businesses are encouraged to light their houses and businesses purple. For those needing to purchase purple bulbs, contact gregs@lightingofminnesota.com.
- The Culver’s in Buffalo (500 Hwy. 55) is sponsoring “Burgers for Buffalo.” A portion of sales will go to Buffalo Strong in support of community health and wellness.
- A showing of the Film Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Bison Room of Buffalo High School (877 Bison Avenue). Admission is free but people are asked to reserve tickets at the following link because seating is limited: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-screening-of-angst-tickets-468601137617
In addition, Buffalo Strong gear is on sale. You can purchase shirts, hats and sweatshirts at the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce. Purchases are made by check only with the check made out to Buffalo Strong. Proceeds go support community wellness and mental health efforts. In the last year, Buffalo Strong donated nearly $16,000 to Buffalo-Montrose-Hanover School District, Wright County United Way, Central Minnesota Mental Health Care and the Allina Foundation.