Saratoga News

Louise Webb

Good works by young people

Bob Rockwood mentioned that we hear so much about young people who abuse drugs and alcohol. He thinks we should be reminded of what good youth does. Rockwood is pleased with his son, Adam Rockwood, a l991 Saratoga High graduate who is a sculptor and makes furniture. Adam restored the l969 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible his parents, Bob and Cindy, used on their first date and honeymoon. The couple had lent it to others through the years, and the car had deteriorated. Bats had lived in it and the car filled up with snow during a Sierra snowstorm.

Adam worked on the car and restored the engine while studying at West Valley College. He says the project gave him a chance to explore the unknown. It taught him patience and perseverance and showed him he could achieve his goals. Currently, he is studying sculpture at UCLA and using the car. Next year, he's graduating from UCLA and will pursue a master's in architecture. Bob says he hopes Adam will drive them in the Cutlass to Acapulco on their 50th anniversary.

Michael Goldberger, a l986 Bellarmine graduate, has written a book titled The You Can Do It Guide Book to Algebra. The text is an instruction manual with step-by-step directions and tips to help anyone having trouble with algebra. Goldberger wrote it after tutoring numerous students in the subject. He has pinpointed specific student difficulties and come up with innovative strategies for overcoming them. The material in the book was once offered on America Online. Michael received complimentary letters from teachers and students all over the United States telling him how much the book helped. The book can be purchased downtown at the Blue Rock Shoot downstairs at the Saratoga Book Market. Michael is working at Sunnyvale Valve and Fitting and continues to tutor algebra.

Klaus and Yvonne Pache are owners of the Plumed Horse and their son, Greg Pache, a 1988 Saratoga graduate, is the manager. He studied hospitality management at Mission College, and earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has also worked at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Greg finds every day a new challenge at the Plumed Horse. Incidentally, in November, Klaus and Yvonne will celebrate their 21st year as owners. As part of the celebration, during the month of November there will be a special menu for two for $21. Klaus and Yvonne are proud of Greg's work and hope Greg will completely take over the restaurant in a few years.

Susan Parks, a l976 Saratoga High School graduate, performed in Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco for 8 1/2 years starting in l980. At their 20th anniversary in l994, she wore a gigantic hat depicting the San Francisco skyline. Parks works part-time for Catholic Charities and is a free-lance singer. She is also known for her delicious homemade cheesecakes. Recently, she sang for the American Association of University Women's membership tea and sang several encores to the delight of the members.

Current Saratoga High School students Sharon Allen, a sophomore, and Amity Hartman, a freshman, are among the featured artists performing with Cirque San Jose on their newest show, "Spaced Out," Nov. l-23. Allen performs as a contortionist and acrobat and Hartman performs gymnastics on the Russian pole, Russian swing, high wire and trampoline. They enjoy the opportunities that Cirque San Jose provides to learn from and act with professional artists. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. Call 295-ACRO for ticket information between 5 and 8 p.m.