John Coltrane’s ‘Cousin Mary’ dies in Philadelphia at 92

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jazz giant John Coltrane’s cousin, who inspired the composition “Cousin Mary” from his landmark album “Giant Steps,” has died in Philadelphia. Mary Lyerly Alexander was 92.

Carla Washington of Philadelphia’s Clef Club who is a friend of the family says Alexander died Aug. 31.

Lyerly spent much of her life working to preserve Coltrane’s legacy and supporting jazz and the arts.

The house in Philadelphia where Coltrane lived with her from 1952 to 1958 is now a national historic landmark.

In the liner notes for “Giant Steps,” the saxophonist described his cousin as “a very earthy, folksy, swinging person.”

The piece and others from the 1960 album, like “Naima” and the title track , have become practice templates for jazz saxophonists.

A memorial service is still being planned.

Floyd-Rome Retired Educators Association will meet on Monday at Thornton Recreation Center in Armuchee. Fellowship begins at 11 a.m. with a covered dish lunch/meeting at 11:30 a.m. Program will be on “Purposity.”

“A Time to Tell” hosted by the Ridge & Valley Storytelling Guild; a time for adult storytelling will be held Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The September theme will be “Work.” The event will be on the second floor across from the elevator in the Rome-Floyd County Library. For more information email TerrellShaw@ me.com

The annual Haven Health “Friends for Life” fundraiser banquet will be held Tuesday at the Forum River Center, 301 Tribune St. Shawn Carney, co-founder of 40 Days for Life pro-life movement, will be the guest speaker. To purchase a table or for more information, call Haven Health at 706235-6833.

Promoting Access for Individuals with Disabilities Council is holding a meeting for the purpose of minutes; Programmatic review of Rome comprehensive one-stop center update, goals and objectives, and other items. The meeting will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Georgia Department of Labor.

The Watters District Council for Historical Preservation will meet at the Shannon Scout Cabin, 40 Minshew Road, Shannon, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. The featured speaker will be Bob Harris, “Restoration of the Myra H.” Visit wattersdistrictcouncil.org for more information.

The Rome Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. We are a support group for those who have lost a child, grandchild or sibling, no matter the age. Join us at Redmond Hospital in the lower level, Class Room B (Use elevator at outpatient entrance to LL). Any question call DeeAnn 706-936-9021 or Sandra 706-506-6108.

movie night fundraiser is scheduled for Friday at Lawrence Plantation, 127 Winding Road, to raise money for the purchase of radio transmitter trackers for families in need. The $45 ticket includes dinner

AMONDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY poolside and a doublefeature movie/pool party combined, starting at 7 p.m. with the movies starting at 8 p.m. after the dinner. For tickets, call 706-266-1901. The event, sponsored by ComForCare, is a doublefeature showing of “Jaws” and “Deep Blue Sea.”

Rome Little Theatre presents “Mamma Mia!” at the Historic DeSoto Theatre, 530 Broad St., Friday through Sunday and Sept. 20-22. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors (prices include $2 facility and ticketing fees). Tickets can be purchased at romelittletheatre. com or by calling the box office at 706-295-7171.

SATURDAY

Cosmopolitan UMC is holding their 2nd annual “Jazz on the Lawn” on Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 101 Fincher St. in Cave Spring. There will be live music and free food. Everyone in the community is invited, make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.

St. Mary’s Catholic School, 401 East 7th Street, will hold its annual Fall Bazaar on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the school. Fun for the whole family includes carnival style games, inflatables, bingo, bake sale, cupcake walk, used book sale and more. Vendors will be selling items from handmade jewelry to seasonal items. Food will be served, featuring the famous Knights of Columbus Barbecue. For more information, call the school at 706-234-4953.