Deacon Dick Sennett will be the guest speaker on Monday evening, March 15, beginning at 7:00 PM as Saint Ann Parish in Milford presents Having a Beer with Thomas Merton, the closing session in this year's series on Winter Wellness.

Poet, artist, peace activist and mystic, Thomas Merton is considered by many the most influential American Catholic author of the twentieth century. In his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, Merton traces his journey to Catholicism and his decision to enter the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Deemed a spiritual masterpiece, the book has been translated into more than twenty languages. A contemplative and a man of prayer, Merton was a scholar and a writer who corresponded with the best-known activists, politicians, artists and theologians of his time. But behind the towering intellect and the international credentials, as Deacon Sennett will discuss, was a very approachable man of God.

Dick Sennett was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate of the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1982 and was assigned to Saint Mary's Parish in Milford, where he continues to serve even in his retirement. A veteran traveler and tour host, Deacon Sennett has also led more than twenty pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

The public is invited to attend this special presentation at Saint Ann Church, 501 Naugatuck Avenue in Milford. For further information call 203-874-0634.

Public Allies is a national movement grounded in the conviction that everyone leads. We believe that everyone can make a difference, and work to inspire more citizens to believe in themselves, step up and act. Throughout our nation's history, lasting social change has always resulted from the courageous acts of many, not just the inspiration of the few. We believe the leadership needed is already resident in communities - it's only a matter of finding, cultivating, and connecting these leaders. We're the ones we've been waiting for.

Public Allies Bridgeport 2010 has chosen to support affordable housing in the South End Bridgeport Community. In collaboration with Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, seven Public Allies from the greater Bridgeport area will be working together to raise awareness and funds for two affordable housing units on Lafayette Street.

The campaign, Buy a Brick - Build a Home, will consist of three major aspects. On April 10th, we will be hosting a Help-Portrait (www.help-portrait.com)-style event calling all community members to come pose for their personal portrait! Pictures will be printed on-site, and community models will sign releases and write a short biographical paragraph for us. The portraits, mixed with scenery shots of the South End, will be displayed gallery style at our major fundraising event. www.bntweb.org

Fundraising will begin mid-February with the sale of personalized bricks to pave the pathway between the two houses.

On May 20th, the campaign will culminate at the Buy a Brick, Build a Home House Party! Join us from 6-9pm for the Who's Your Neighbor portrait gallery, live entertainment, food and drinks! And don't forget to buy your brick before you leave!

Public Allies is a ten month non-profit apprenticeship program affiliated with AmeriCorps that focuses on leadership development. www.publicallies.org

For more information, please contact Public Allies Bridgeport at bridgeportpact@gmail.com.

What: Lenten Fish Dinners (Fridays)
Where: First Congregational Church of Stratford - 2301 Main St., Stratford
When: Each Friday during Lent, February 19 - March 26
Menu: Fresh Fish: Baked or Fried, Crab Cakes, Fried Clams, Fried Scallops or Fried Shrimp. Each dinner comes with a choice of baked potato, French fries or coleslaw and a dessert and beverage.

Cost: Seniors just $8, Adults $9 - $13. Children under 10 eat free!

2010 "Silver Lining" Prom Dress Recycle and Expo

Every closet has a Silver Lining! Give your gowns a second chance to dance. The annual "Silver Lining" Prom Dress Recycle is seeking donations of up-to-date formal dresses, clean and ready to wear (on hangers please) Jewelry, purses and shoes in mint condition are also wanted. For a receipt please attach name address and e-mail or provide a SASE. Donations must be received by Saturday, March 27, 2010.