[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 108 (Monday, July 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE PAID TO MARJORIE JEFFRIES OF MILTON, MA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 1996

  Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a woman who 
embodies beauty in culture, in nature, in life.
  Marjorie Jeffries is a longtime resident in Milton, MA, who has never 
stopped living by her own advice: ``Pay attention to the Milton 
community and give yourself to it.''
  In 1953, she and her husband David transformed a densely wooded piece 
of land into a nature paradise, complete with gardens of perennials, 
rocks, daylilies, and irises. The Jeffries built their home here, under 
a canopy of red oak and white pine trees, and protected the land with a 
conservation order. The deer, foxes, skunks, and chipmunks who live in 
the area roam freely here, and will be able to enjoy it forever. 
People, dogs, and horses who passed the house on their way to the Blue 
Hills often stop to mingle with the Jeffries or the animals in their 
yard.
  After listening to the music that birds contributed to her backyard, 
Marjorie Jeffries decided to contribute some music as well.
  Thirty-nine years after graduating Bryn Mawr College with a bachelor 
of arts degree, she earned a music major equivalent at Wellesley 
College. She then earned a master of arts in music composition from 
Connecticut College.
  She continued her music studies, and has become a widely recognized 
composer and flutist. She has received grants and commissions for 
several of her pieces, and earned a citation from Gov. Michael Dukakis. 
She is a member of the Longy School of Music orchestra, and has served 
as the composer in residence for the Milton Public Schools.
  Marjorie has always wanted others to be able to share in the joy of 
arts. In 1974, she founded the Milton Performing Arts to provide an 
outlet for the citizens of Milton to pursue their interest in writing, 
arts and music in an open forum. In 1992, she was designated as the 
Artist of the Month by the Milton Art Association for her ``Variations 
of the View from Chickatawbut Hill,'' which was displayed at the Milton 
Public Library.
  In addition to her contributions to nature and art, Marjorie has been 
active in many other communities. As a regular participant in town 
meetings, her opinions have garnered respect, despite the fact that she 
ruffles the feathers of State and national politicians on occasion. She 
also is a trustee of the Milton Public Library, and has worked to make 
the library a better tool of knowledge for the residents of Milton.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that we could all do well to follow Marjorie 
Jeffries' advice, to pay attention to our communities, and give 
ourselves to them.

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