Joyce Drakeley was named a Five Star Real Estate Agent by Connecticut Magazine. She represents less than six percent of more than 17,500 licensed Realtors in Connecticut. Crescendo Business Services and Connecticut Magazine designated agents who consistently satisfied their clients. Crescendo surveyed all Connecticut residents that purchased homes between October, 2007 and October, 2010; 25,000 subscribers to Connecticut Magazine, and 250 mortgage and title companies. Agents were evaluated on customer service, communication, ability to find the right home, integrity, negotiation skills, ability to market the home, market knowledge and overall satisfaction.

Again Mary Ann Bennett is collecting small toys for children's stockings ages 8 and under to be distributed at the annual Waterbury Interfaith Ministries Children's Christmas Party to be held on Dec. 19.

Pictured here is the Christmas wrap party held at the Drakeley Real Estate office in Woodbury last season. Gifts should be dropped off at any three Drakeley offices located at 256 Main St. South, Woodbury, Main St., Bethlehem and 1290 Main St., Watertown - all unwrapped. Another wrap party shall be held Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. at the Woodbury office for anyone that would like to help wrap. Please bring scissors, tape and paper. The joy of giving is overwhelming as over 500 children received gifts last year. This year's party is for only the children living in the homeless shelter.

MaryAnn Bennett organized and held a "Volunteer Wrap Night" for the Interfaith Ministries Annual Christmas Party of Waterbury. Many local volunteers shopped, collected and wrapped gifts at the Woodbury Drakeley Real Estate office in preparation for the party. The Christmas Party was a great success with a record of 500-550 underprivileged children attending! Several of the volunteers (including Santa - AKA - Ron Gulick) attended the party on December 20th at the Waterbury Church to donate their time and make sure the party was truly special for the children. WE ARE ALREADY LOOKING FOR NEXT YEARS VOLUNTEERS!!

Drakeley Real Estate and the Nonnewaug Grid Iron Club sponsored a tent at the Bethlehem Fair in September. Drakeley transformed their tent space to replicate one of their vintage offices from antique desks, leather furniture, and oriental rugs to a fifty inch plasma television showcasing their new website. The Nonnewaug Grid Iron Club, a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to the creation and maintenance of all sporting programs in the Bethlehem and Woodbury communities offered a football toss with many great prizes. Young athletes, parents and members of the club volunteered their time to make the weekend a great success.

We would like to thank Joyce Drakeley, her family, her friends, and business associates for holding a tag sale to benefit the Community Services Council of Woodbury, Inc. on June 23, 2007. We received a generous donation from this event.

Joyce's children, grandchildren, and entire family pitched in when it came time to have the tag sale. People she works with were accepting of items and pleasant to deal with. Residents, families, and friends donated furniture, toys, dishes, and many other cherished items to sell. We would like to thank every one of you.

Two of Joyce's grandchildren sold lemonade in front of the fence. It was like a Norman Rockwell painting; all the people scurrying about, people collecting money, the children moving furniture, and the girls selling lemonade. When you can stop and watch the dynamics of events like these it can warm your heart.

We would like to thank Joyce for going the extra mile and allowing us to sell raffle tickets in her yard. Your gracious hospitality is a blessing.

Last but not least, we would like to thank all the generous people for stopping by and buying the valuables. Without your attendance all of this would not be possible.

POSTED BY COMMUNITY SERVICES COUNCIL OF WOODBURY