Fwd: 24TH ANIVERSARY * BILL ON MY SPACE * Bill's Coffeeshop Newsletter * Vol. 8 No. 24 * June 15, 2007

24TH ANNIVERSARY
OF BILL'S DEATH

Bill Sackter's death 24 years ago this week wasn't just Iowa news. It
was national news. His obituary appeared in numerous newspapers; his
death was noted on many TV and radio newscasts.

Bill's obituary in the New York Times (June 17, 1983) began this way:

"Bill Sackter, a mildly retarded man whose life was portrayed by
Mickey Rooney in the television movie 'Bill' was found dead today at
his apartment. He was 70 years old..."

It went on to describe Bill's life, mentioning both his many years at
Faribault State Hospital and his later life in Iowa City. Also
mentioned was the forthcoming sequel "Bill On His Own," (which was
broadcast after Bill's death).

The four paragraph obituary concluded by noting the friendship between
Bill and Barry Morrow. "The television movie focused on Mr. Sackter's
relationship with Barry Morrow, a film writer who lived in Iowa City.
'Even though Bill really had no family, he had perhaps one of the
biggest families of any person I've known,' Mr. Morrow said.'

READ ABOUT BILL
ON 'MY SPACE'
Bill may have died nearly a quarter of a century ago, but his legacy
continues in many, many ways. One of the newest is a My Space page.
Created by filmmaker Lane Wyrick, the page includes a biography of
Bill, photographs and updates on the forthcoming documentary "Bill
Sackter: A Special Spirit." You can check all this out at
myspace.com/billsackter.

NEW DOCUMENTARY WILL BE
SUBMITTED TO SUNDANCE
Final work is underway on the new documentary film about Bill Sackter,
according to filmmaker Lane Wyrick. "I have finished editing all the
interviews, photos and film/video footage into the documentary,"
Wyrick said last week.

The film includes interviews with Barry Morrow, Bill's friend and
screenwriter for the two "Bill" movies and Tom Walz, director of the
UI School of Social Work at the time Bill came to Iowa City. Also
included is some film footage of Bill.

Wyrick says there are still a few scenes to insert, including one
which highlights Bill at age seven at his father's funeral.

Also, the narration and musical score need to be added to the film. A
full orchestral score is planned.

You can find out more about the forthcoming documentary, and see a
five minute preview at this website: www.billsackter.com

If all goes according to plan the film will be submitted to the
Sundance Film Festival in September. If accepted for Sundance, the
film will be shown at the festival in January 2008.

HERE'S A GOOD
COFFEESHOP

A good coffeeshop in Decorah, Iowa is Magpie's Coffeehouse, 118
Winnebago. They also serve baked goods and sandwiches, have wireless
access and a comfortable ambiance. (Website: www.magpiecoffeehouse.com)
-- Craig Mosher

Editor's note: Like to suggest a favorite coffeeshop for Newsletter
readers to visit this summer? Send us a note and we'll pass the word
along.

COMING JULY 4TH
TO UPTOWN BILL'S
Tom Gilsenan, former manager of the original Bill's Coffeeshop. will
be back in Iowa City on Wednesday, July 4. He'll be hanging out at
Uptown Bill's, 401 S. Gilbert, beginning around 11 am. (Yep, Uptown
Bill's is open on Independence Day, though original Bill's will be
closed.) Stop in and say hi.

SUMMER HOURS AT
ORIGINAL BILL'S
Wild Bill's Coffeeshop in North Hall is open Monday through Thursday
during the summer. Hours are 8 am to 2 pm.

LOOKING BACK IN BILL'S
COFFEESHOP NEWSLETTER

One year ago (2006): So many wonderful things happen at Bill's Coffeeshop.
Two years ago (2005): Don Quixote and the strengths perspective.

WE LIKE IT WHEN
YOU TALK BACK
We love to hear from Newsletter readers. You can respond simply by
clicking reply and writing. Or send your email to Tom at
thomas-gilsenan@uiowa.edu
________________________

Wild Bill's Coffeeshop is a project of the School of Social Work at the
University of Iowa. It has been a part of campus life in Iowa City for more
than 30 years. You'll find the coffeeshop in North Hall. Tony Grego, a
graduate student in social work, is the coffeeshop manager. For more
information, call (319) 335-1281.

Bill's Coffeeshop Newsletter is a weekly publication distributed via
e-mail. It is written by Tom Gilsenan, former manager of Bill's
Coffeeshop. Opinions expressed in the Newsletter are those of the
writers and should not be construed as representing the School of
Social Work or the University of Iowa. For a file of back issues,
visit the coffeeshop website at:
www.uiowa.edu/~socialwk/bills.