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In December 1959, the Joyner family made three memorable, local visits before embarking on a three-day trip from Decatur, Georgia, to Livonia, Michigan, which would become our new home.

As I sit this week at a local coffee shop, in between bagel bites and sweet green tea sips many memories come flooding back.

The first was to the iconic Stone Mountain, where we could drive right up to its base without any park admission, greeted only by a wooden shanty selling trinkets, reaching out and touching the mountain. For a ten year old it was eye-opening.

The second visit was to the Wren's Nest, the residence of Joel Chandler Harris, the renowned author of my childhood favorite Uncle Remus stories about 'Brer Rabbit,' which preserved the African-American oral tradition. For this ten year old it was so cool to see the home where the books I read constantly were written.

The third was a simple drive past the state capitol, with my mother remarking as we left town on Peachtree Street, "Take a good look, because when you return years from now, it will not be the same." For this ten year old I did not fully understand what she meant, but boy was she right.

These three experiences have stayed with me, and every time I return to Georgia, I make it a point to visit one of them. I've spent a day touring the Wren's Nest, now open only on Saturday, paid a fortune to enter Stone Mountain Park and another fortune to ride the cable car to the summit, and visited the state capitol, where I was taken into the governor's desk by the secretary, offered a Coca-Cola from the Governor's refrigerator, and given a handful of peanut packets sitting in a bowl on his desk, bearing the Delta emblem, signifying its world headquarters in Atlanta, alongside Coca-Cola.

The Wren’s Nest is one that stands out the most as it is the historic home of author and journalist Joel Chandler Harris, now a cultural center, house museum, and National Historic Landmark in Atlanta's West End neighborhood.

My 10-day trip last week to Georgia was for a wedding, specifically for one of the bodyguard's nephews, making a Saturday trip, the only day the Wren's House is open, impossible. Instead, I immersed myself in books, revisiting my childhood favorites and delving into the works of Joel Chandler Harris.

"Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings" was released in late 1880. Garnering reviews from hundreds of newspapers, it quickly became a bestseller and catapulted Harris to national fame. President Theodore Roosevelt pictured left once said of Harris, "Presidents may come and presidents may go, but Uncle Remus stays put. Georgia's most significant contribution to the Union was bestowing Mr. Joel Chandler Harris upon American literature."

Joel Chandler Harris died on July 3, 1908. The New York Times Book Review honored him by saying, "Uncle Remus cannot die. Joel Chandler Harris may have departed this life at the age of 60, but his most beloved creation, Uncle Remus, will forever live on in the annals of literature with its rich folklore."

Traveling opens new horizons and also reminds me of the horizons that once loomed before me, waiting to reveal what lay ahead.

The Livonia City Council has a vacancy and is currently looking for leaders to step up!

Brandon McCullough says "The recent vacancy on City Council will expire 12/31/2025 and we need to have four votes from our current city council to appoint a replacement after the resignation of Jim Jolly upon his election to the Livonia District Court. On top of that, we will have four vacancies for the upcoming 2025 election.

"This is such a pivotal time in Livonia’s history and we need people that have a vested interest in helping our Livonia!

"If interested, please send city council an email outlining why you would be a great candidate for this appointment. Send it to citycouncil@livonia.gov!"

The interviews are set for December 16th at 7:00. As of this past weekend 15 have submitted their names for consideration: Conrad Schwartz, Phillip Sattler, Marlene Katafias, Michael Mullina, Jacki Karns, Lori Nersesian, Brian Meagher, Steve Alexander, Josh Earles, Carl Deal, Kayleigh Reid, Nicholas Pickard, Alex King, Justin Gooch, Christopher Lenoir.

The President of the Council, McCullough is determined that the vacancy will be filled in an open and transparent manner. Thus the open interviews scheduled for December..

When it comes to Theatre Madonna Excels. Once Upon A Disney.

Ms. Barbara S. Wiltsie. Lyric Theatre Director, showcases musical excellence.

Let's take a look at a bit of history about the Madonna University Lyric Theatre. They have been producing musicals, operas, and director-written shows since 2003. Founded by director, Assoc. Professor Barbara Wiltsie, it first began with collaborative productions with then Marygrove College of Detroit. The company then presented scenes and specialized shows for campus events. 

In 2007, their performance venue, Kresge Hall, went through its first stage of renovation of enlarging the stage. 2008 marked the first full-musical production to a sold-out performance of Godspell. 

Since that time, Kresge Hall went through continual renovations of lighting/curtains/sound which created a space for giving up-close and personal, fully theatrical productions, such as their multiple musicals.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for Once Upon A Disney and are only $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 10.

Detroit Red Wings Alumni versus Livonia All Stars January 26th

Tickets are available through the QR code. Perfect stocking stuffers.

The tradition started with the inaugural Brandon McCullough Annual Charity Hockey Game, where Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan had the honor of dropping the first puck alongside Red Wing legend Alex Delvecchio, Brandon, and Harper McCullough.

Since its inception, the event has continued to collaborate with Breaking Barriers for Kids and Families, with all proceeds supporting the community efforts of LKF.

The fourth annual game proudly lists AlphaUSA, F&PA, FridayMusings, and UPS Store as sponsors. Continuing the tradition, there will be a canned food drive, with attendees encouraged to donate to the food pantries supported by Kids & Families.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.