The Wisconsin State Journal, Daybreak
Friday, December 5, 2003
By William R. Wineke
Way Out There
John Roach Finds That Writing His Column Keeps His Feet On The Ground

John Roach has fond memories of coffee with movie star Lauren Bacalland breakfast with novelist Joseph Heller.
And that was all before he became a success. Roach, 50, runs a Madison-based television and video production company, John Roach Projects, that produces material for companies including McDonald's, Lands' End and Volkswagen of America.

He co-wrote the script for the movie "The Straight Story." He's kind of a big deal.

But what he's excited about these days is an arguably smaller deal, the publication of "Way Out Here In The Middle" (Jones Books: $16.95), a compilation of the monthly columns he has written for Madison Magazine over the past decade.
He begins on his 40th birthday, when he explains how the death of a friend inspired him to begin building a cabin in Minocqua, and ends on his 50th birthday, when he explains that reaching 50 doesn't mean he has obtained wisdom.
"The only reason I am here is because someone invented penicillin."

In between, Roach writes about longing for a simpler life, homegrown militias, the death of comedian Chris Farley.
"There's something to be said about being in the same spot every month for 10 years. I get e-mails from people all over the country who, for some reason, subscribe to Madison Magazine and read the back page where the column runs."
Well, yes. But what about Lauren Bacall and Roach's life before the column?

"After college, I worked in Chicago at WLS as an associate producer on a morning show that grew into the 'Oprah!' show - I left the week she arrived. But, while I was there, I met all these guests. Each morning, I'd meet Sylvester Stallone, or George Bush Sr., or Tennessee Williams. The first day I was there I produced a segment with Lauren Bacall. The next day I met Joseph Heller and had breakfast with him."

But, in 1985, family considerations convinced Roach and his wife, Diane, to move back to their native Madison.
Doug Moe, now a Capital Times columnist and then editor of Madison Magazine, wrote a piece about Roach and his work and Roach became a friend of Moe and of the late Jim Selk, then publisher of the magazine.

"One day, we're having lunch and, like many Irishmen, when I have a couple of drinks, I open my mouth. Doug Moe listened for a bit and then said, 'Well, why don't you shut up and write a column about it?' And, I've been doing it ever since."

The columns take the form of letters to the Madison Magazine editor, first to Moe and, later, to Brian Howell, who edited the magazine from 1997 until his death two weeks ago.

They aren't weighted down by ponderous political insight. Roach writes about the birth of a grandchild to his friend, Ralph Andreano and his wife, Carol, who died a few months ago. He writes of his gratitude to the "rich" people of Madison who donated the money that made the Hospice Care center in Fitchburg possible. And about the contributions Pat Richter made as a UW-Madison football player and, later, as the school's athletic director.

He writes about the things of Madison most of us take for granted and, by doing so, he gives weight to these blessings.

"The column plays an important part in my life. It's one of the things that grounds me in Madison," Roach said.