Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Friends and family celebrate Colton's birthday

Born Christmas Day, Stanton "Stan" Colton, son of Gale Colton and the late Gordon Colton, recently was surprised with an elegant dinner party given by his mother and wife, Chris Colton. A 60th birthday celebration, this gathering of loved ones, dear friends, far-flung classmates and childhood playmates from Searchlight's mining boom days was orchestrated in complete secrecy.

Joining the high-spirited gathering at the Emerald Springs Holiday Inn was U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, who shared Stan's Searchlight years, as well as former Congressman Jim Bilbray, a classmate at UNLV during the years when the university was known as Nevada Southern University.

In the throng were dear ones including: Eve and Ted Quillin, Colleen Schroeder, Rich and Peggy Newman, Cork Proctor and his bride, Carolyn Hamilton-Proctor, Phil and Dorothy Arce and Karin Scianna Rogers. Stan's daughter, Kim, and sons, Tyler and Brad, helped greet guests including: former executive library director Charles Hunsberger with Nancy Hudson, U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan and wife Bonnie, Gail Lanza, Pepe Ormsby, Greta Elliot and Stan's aunt and uncle, Dale and Gordon Meyers. Exchanging laughs and old college stories with Stan and Chris were: David Harrison with his wife, Barbara, joined by Nancy Lamb, Linda and Ned Hanna, Bill Richardson, Mike and Diane Duff and Jerry Stotts.

Confessing to be totally surprised by the pre-Christmas party, Colton -- who once served as Clark County Registrar of Voters and Nevada State Treasurer, and ran for governor on the Democratic ticket -- eloquently expressed his thanks for the presence of each guest and the pleasure of the evening, which was planned to perfection by his beloved mother and wife. Speaking to Stan during a round robin of comments were friends, including: Curtis Capelle, Mikey Bilbray, Sandra Long, Harold Rowe, Landra Reid, Sue and Lynn Baker, Gary and Sharon Lowes, Mitzi Coleman and Bruce Williams.

Dorseys performA note from fine arts enthusiast Rene Raynes alerted us to the treasure in store for those who attend "Big Band '99: The Fabulous Dorseys." The multimedia production, slated for 7 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Nicholas Horn Theatre at the Community College of Southern Nevada's Cheyenne campus, will be a treat indeed for all who enjoy the richness of live performance and big band sounds and stylings.

Appearing will be the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with vocalist Nancy Knorr, the vocal group Pied Pipers and the Dorsey Dixieland Band. Admission to the event is $15 for adults; $10 for students and seniors. Reservations can be made by calling 651-5483.

For kid's sakeDid your business group, service organization or other group belatedly consider a charitable holiday project? Was your chairman called away or have difficulty locating a truly worthy effort to support?

Perhaps your first project for the new year should be lending a supportive hand to the Assistance League of Las Vegas and its most worthy, ongoing Operation School Bell program, which supplies clothing to children who may not be attending school due to lack of adequate clothing. Screening and referral by Clark County School District officials assures that only needy and deserving students are served. The program also embraces homeless children from local shelters.

During the past 20 years, more than 23,000 public school students have received new jackets, jeans, shirts, underwear, shoes, socks, backpacks, books and health kits. This simple act of enabling children to feel proud of their appearance helps increase their incentive for regular school attendance and motivates them to improve their academic performance.

Recently, Assistance League of Las Vegas President Connie Gee mailed an appeal to friends and supporters requesting their assistance to continue and expand this endeavor. In her note, Gee cited the very modest cost that results in maximum results. For further information, please call the Assistance League of Las Vegas at 870-2002, or send donations direct to: 6446 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146-1120.

On the jobMaking a change in the new year as she assumes her new position as director of admissions for the Community College of Southern Nevada is Edith Fernandez.

Fernandez, former assistant director of admissions for the University of Nevada, Reno's Southern Nevada office, has worked closely with UNR's team to increase diversity and success ratios for Nevada's youth. During the previous academic year, she was an honored member of a prestigious Masters program at Harvard University, which provided her with a generous stipend and a richness of learning opportunities. Best wishes in this new venture!

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