BILL EDWARDS

FAMILY:

I am married to Mindy (Horn) Edwards (Nicolet Class of 79) with a son, Michael (born 4/6/92), residing in Thiensville, WI. A nostalgic note: Barb Cotey-Fischer was the delivery room nurse when Michael was born.

Mindy retired after 25 years of service due to health issues. As a Flavor Chemist, her work focus involved matching/developing flavors for a wide variety of applications from foods, medicines, tobacco, and more. She has not allowed MS & other auto-immune challenges interfere with her staying involved. She has become a crafty, prolific designer of jewelry and tableware.

Michael graduated from the Marquette School of Law (2017) and is now practicing family law in Wauwatosa, WI. My twin sisters, Lisa & Lynne are '76 Nicolet alums.

******************

COMPUTER BUSINESS:

In 2013, I launched "Fix-My-Bytes" - specializing in PC computer/laptop repairs, on-site/remote servicing, used computer sales & e-waste recycling. In 2019, I started to help people in the Mac world. Generally, I cover the Milwaukee metro area/SE Wisconsin for on-site service, but sell/ship computers/laptops nation-wide, including remote support. I strive to help all my clients to "feel in control" while not getting "ripped off". A number of my clients are '73 & other Nicolet alumni & faculty. I am also very active with the Glendale-North Shore Chamber of Commerce.

I earned CompTIA/A+ certification for computer servicing - a difficult exam to pass (2013).

******************

OTHER WORK ACTIVITIES:

Prior to "Fix-My-Bytes," I was a Professional Organizer, employed by Action Organizing Services LLC (Milwaukee). I am in 3 of 4 episodes we filmed for A&E's "Hoarders" & TLC's "Hoarding: Buried Alive" - including a few brief snippets of me at work (the most famous clip - scooping up a rotted pumpkin in a bio-hazard suit). The reruns of these episodes continue to run on cable & past episodes can be viewed on A&E and TLC's websites (if you have a stomach for it).

I continue to provide web-content support for the Glendale-North Shore Chamber of Commerce as well as this NICOLET '73 Web portal (with Rick Bernstein).

******************

HOBBIES/ACTIVITIES:

My interests & activities evolve from what you might expect of a "Geek" - computer revitalization, writing, "Words With Friends" (Facebook) & rummaging in the electronics & LP/CD areas of the local Goodwill. :-)

******************

MUSICAL TASTES:

I maintain a collection of (mainly) classical/opera/jazz/blues/folk/musical recordings (CD's/LP's/tapes). On radio, my favorite programs are 'Prairie Home Companion," "Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts," "Blues Breakers (WXRT-Chicago), and "The Midnight Special (WFMT-Chicago) and Jazz-Blues Programming on WDCB (College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL). Of course, I listen to the "Brew Crew" on radio & TV too.

******************

FAVORITE SPECTATOR SPORT:

Baseball - - Milwaukee Brewers!

******************

PUBLISHING:

In 2001, I assisted a close friend (Leonard "Oakie" Brumm) to publish and promote a book ("We Only Played Homes Games - Wacky, Raunchy, Humorous Stories of Sports & Other Events in Michigan's Maximum Security Prison). "Oakie" was the first recreation director for a SuperMax (Marquette, MI - early 1950's). It is true that the Detroit Red Wings actually played a hockey game against Oakie's "Prison Pirates" at the prison hockey rink. The book has been read world-wide and still is available for purchase.

******************

ADDITIONAL SENTIMENTS
(you've actually read this far??):

My years at Nicolet (and Maple Dale) were blessed with many great friendships. I thoroughly enjoyed working on three reunion committees & building on classmate friendships of those that I didn't know or know well. I am really intrigued by how close our class of '73 really is & that we continue to support each other - thru the good & challenging milestones.

My extra-curricular activities included Forensics, Debate, Concert Band & Student Council. One of the "hot buttons" was the Hot Lunch Program overhaul (without fatalities), establishing/locating the "Smoking Lounges" and of course, the memorable rebirth of "Frontage Road" to "Jean Nicolet Road." "Once upon a time" when Nicolet & many school districts had money - do you remember when the administration hired monitors to ensure that no one was smoking in the Johns? Their sole purpose was to "re-direct the offenders" to the designated smoking area (in the back in a lower concrete slab under "F-wing").

Also, I recall (or should forget) the personal "honor" of being elected the Morp King during our Junior year. :-)