November 18

Tomorrow, the Madison Area Peace Coalition hosts a Bring the Troops Home Now Peace Vigil next to Culvers at East Towne. This is the first Vigil and it will be held monthly near busy Madison shopping areas. This is at Culvers, 4301 East Towne Boulevard, from 11 to 12:30. For more information, call Helena White at 249-2097 or check www.madpeace.org.

Tomorrow, there is a Benefit Dinner & Cultural Event for the victims of the hurricane and flooding in Guatemala. The event features a traditional Guatemalan Dinner, music, and a report about the situation in Guatemala after the hurricane. There is a suggested donation that benefits organizations that are working to help indigenous Mayan Communities. This is at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1123 Vilas Avenue from 5:30 - 8:00. To help or purchase tickets in advance, contact Mario at 575­-9811, Andrea at 236-2201 or Lynn at 849-8720.

Tomorrow evening, the Alliance for Animals and Dane County Friends of Ferrals hold a wine tasting benefit. The event features vegan appetizers in addition to the wines. There is a ticket charge that benefits these groups' activities. This is at Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Avenue, from 6 to 8. For more information or for advanced tickets, call 245-0281.

Sunday, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ holds its annual Fair-Trade Christmas Sale. The sale features hand-crafted items from developing regions of the world. All proceeds go to non-profit organizations that promote social and economic progress. Shoppers can also buy items to benefit other local activist groups. This is at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road from 8:30 to 3. Call to the Church at 271-7212 for more information.

Sunday afternoon, the National Lawyers Guild holds Legal Observer Training. The workshop is open to anyone that is interested in observing and recording incidents and the activities of law enforcement in relation to demonstrators. Information gathered by Legal Observers has contributed to a track record in defending and advancing the rights of demonstrators. This is in Room 2211 of the UW Law School, 975 Bascom Mall, from 4 to 6. For more information or to RSVP, email vjcarroll@wisc.edu.