Eskaton Blog

“Life is about ideas, opportunity and family." Mark Silzer was born in Chicago and grew up in Blue Island, Illinois. Mark attended Concordia University in Chicago where he met his future wife Barbara. They were immediately smitten. Both were passionate about music, education and their Lutheran faith. They graduated from Concordia in 1969, Mark with a degree in education and Barbara with a degree in music and education.

“Be happy and surround yourself with people." -Lonnie Capps

Lonnie Capps attributes her longevity to her genes and lifestyle. “I try to always be happy," Lonnie says. "You need to focus on the positive things in your life and not your
aches and pains as you age.” Lonnie loves to be around people, exercise and eat.

Eskaton partners with Kaiser Permanente and Sacramento Ballet to provide balance classes to the community. “Be happy and surround yourself with good people,” says Lonnie Capps, resident. Residents from Eskaton Monroe Lodge attend the weekly balance class every Wednesday morning. 

“No matter how old you are, you can still be active and have a good time.” -Bob Cleaves

Bob Cleaves is a California native who grew up in Southern California. He is 89 years old and attributes his longevity to exercising and his positive attitude. Bob is passionate about spending time with his wife of 66 years and his family … and solving puzzles.

“Whatever comes to you is a source of happiness." -Yen Lu

Yen Lu Wong, was born on March 27, 1942 and grew up in Hong Kong, China. She attributes her longevity to her genes, lifestyle, mindset and connection to Buddha. Yen Lu is a movement artist, dancer and choreographer.

“Be curious, not judgmental." -Walt Whitman

“Catching the currents around me I am carried by the generous hearts of my friends and family”. Ruth Ghio plays a kaleidoscope of roles in her life. She is a daughter, wife, mother, teacher, counselor, artist, writer, and friend. Ruth loves life and people.

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself." -Amelia Earhart

Brenda Heeke and her husband love adventure. Their passion: flying hot air balloons all over California. Her husband would pilot the balloons and Brenda would relish in the natural beauty and diversity of California.

“The pure mathematician, like the musician, is a free creator of his world of ordered beauty." -Bertand Russel

Herb Lindberg was born in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Illinois Institute of Technology he applied for a fellowship at Stanford University. Much to his surprise he was accepted and pursued his doctorate in mechanical engineering and mathematics.

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett

Despite living in desperate circumstances, Zeke believed in the power of positivity. He believes in living with a smile on his face and a laugh in his heart. Lawrence James Lewis also known as “Zeke” lived through the Great Depression. Zeke’s father worked in Oregon and bought a piece of land with the intention of building their family home, but after the Great Depression hit he pitched a 1 room tent instead.

A Love Story Kindled by 90 and 91-year–old

In 2017, Betty Mills, 88, moved to Eskaton Lodge Granite Bay from Red Bluff to be closer to her daughter. The first Sunday after she moved, Betty gathered the courage to go to church with her neighbors. As she was waiting for the bus, Betty locked eyes with a man sitting on a bench outside the community.