Photo by Malicia Joyner. Council House residents and their guests gather to fill up at the Signature Candy Parlor donated by Sweet Events and Planning for the Second Annual “After Five Affair” on Saturday, Jan. 9.

Published on: Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Candy never gets old, even for life’s biggest “kids.” Last Saturday, Juanita Yeldell, president of the nonprofit Council House Resident Association, at 3940 Bexley Place in Suitland, hosted the Second Annual “After Five Affair” for more than 160 senior residents and their guests.

The ticketed black- and silver-themed evening affair brought guests into the decorated dining hall wearing their finest attire. Money raised from this and other monthly events help fund resident activities and outings throughout the year.

Food, dancing and gift giveaways were only part of the fun. Guests received a “sweet treat” with a Signature Candy Parlor donated by Sweet Events and Planning founder Felicia Evans-Long of Chevy Chase.

Residents lined up to fill their bags with a variety of rock candies, Mary Janes, chocolates and taffies from the old-fashioned Apothecary jars. A moment of childhood nostalgia, by night’s end, all 25 jars were empty.

Photo by Malicia Joyner. Council House Resident Association President Juanita Yeldell stands in front of Signature Candy Parlor donated by Felicia Evans-Long, owner of Sweet Events and Planning for Saturday, Jan. 9 Council House “After Five Affair.”

Evans-Long first created the Signature Candy Parlor for her wedding in 2006 and it continues to be a customer favorite.

“The event was an even greater success than last year’s, due in large part to Felicia. Everything looked great and the residents enjoyed themselves. She did a lot of work to transform our space and the candy was a hit,” said Yeldell.

 Evans-Long learned of the event through Yeldell’s daughter Donya Williams, and saw it as an opportunity to donate her services.

“I like the art of giving back and am definitely a fan of seniors,” said Evans-Long. “My first job out of undergrad was working with seniors and I’ve always had a love for them.”

Evans-Long and her husband Tim Long began the business in October 2008. For the past 10 years, Evans-Long has managed everything from corporate events, birthday parties, weddings and wedding receptions, baby showers and more.

Evans-Long wasn’t the only one giving back that evening. Youth representing District of Columbia and Prince George’s County high schools voluntarily served guests’ food and beverages which earned them community service hours. High schools represented included: Asha McDonough, Bowie, Duvall, Frederick Douglass, IDEA Military Academy, Largo, Oxon Hill, Surrattsville and Westlake.

Visit http://www.sweeteventsandplanning.com for company information.