Carollynn Smith, an African American grandmother whose two youngest grandchildren are about to be formally adopted by a white family ["Family Feud," News, Oct 2], plans a formal protest at the Multnomah County Courthouse on SW 4th this Thursday, October 30, at 4 pm. Smith plans to speak to her supporters beforehand outside of city hall at 3 pm.

"This case is being railroaded by an overworked system and other factors that are being hidden under the excuse of confidentiality," says Ed Garren, an adviser to the mayor's Human Relations Committee who has taken up the fight on Smith's behalf. The Portland Urban League and other community groups held a meeting Monday night, October 27, to discuss issues raised by the adoption, and have now secured the services of an attorney to try to stall the final adoption hearing. MD

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After you cast your ballot—it's due to the elections office by 8 pm on Tuesday, November 4—join us at the Doug Fir (830 E Burnside) for a night of raucous celebration. With political genius Steve Novick as host, plus special guests like Sam Adams, we'll watch the election returns on the big screen. Plus! Sexy lingerie models from Lille Boutique will keep electoral score on a giant map of the US. And there will be drinking. Democracy is awesome. AJR