SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Eskaton Land Park celebrated its 52nd anniversary at a Community Barbecue on June 25. Thousands of mailers invited neighbors to attend and celebrate with them at 3225 Freeport Blvd. 

The event offered music, vendors, a car show and a barbecue lunch. 

Adriana Inclan, director of resident services, and Latoya Pulanco, residential living advisor, greeted guests and handed out fans to help keep attendants cool on the hot day. 

Inclan welcomed Cathy Grab, a third-generation Eskaton resident. Grab grew up in Land Park and graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School. 

Grab shared her experience about her life at Eskaton. 

“It’s the people. Everyone is wonderful. My parents lived here for 12 years. When I moved in, it was like coming home because I already knew everybody,” Grab said.

Pulanco said, “This community is really incredible; you can feel it. And the longevity of our staff is great, too.”  

Pulanco has worked at Eskaton Land Park for six years and helps organize community events throughout the year. She hosted a table for Land Park’s Doggy Dash in April and is currently organizing Eskaton’s involvement with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 27. 

Some events are just for residents and their families. 

Third Thursday Brunch is a big hit with family members, according to Pulanco, who said, “We’ve had the same chef for 33 years and she’s constantly reinventing herself.” 

Servers were busy moving residents and guests through the long line for the June 25 complimentary lunch. The meal consisted of barbecue brisket, hot dogs, pasta, potato salad, corn and baked beans. And if there was “still room,” guests could indulge in ice cream and homemade cookies. 

Paul Wallace, a Fat Fenders Car Club member, was enjoying his first time at the event, showing off his 1969 Volkswagen Fastback. When asked if he would return next year, it was an enthusiastic yes.

“They fed us well and they have great music,” Wallace said. “What else do you need?”

Wallace liked speaking with the residents, who he said knew more about the classic automobiles than he did. 

“They point out a car and say, ‘Oh, I had one of those in high school’ or their dad had a 1933 Plymouth like that one in their backyard,” Wallace said.

Inclan has been director of resident services for eight years. She enjoys chatting with the residents and supporting events such as the barbecue bash. 

Eskaton Land Park opened in 1973 as an independent living residence, according to Inclan. 

There is a difference between independent living versus assisted living, according to the staff. Eskaton Land Park offers meals, transportation and a variety of activities for its residents. Each resident also receives an emergency pendant in case of an accident. However, the residents do not receive around-the-clock supportive services, in independent living facilities. If a resident begins to require full-time care, they can bring in a third party to help them. 

This has become their home and Eskaton “does what they can to keep a resident there if it’s possible,” Inclan said.

Most residents range from 60 to 100-plus years old. 

No one should assume that being on the older end of the spectrum is an indicator of being any less spry. 

Robert Cole will celebrate his 103rd birthday on July 11. He is considered a “newbie” who moved to Eskaton last July. Inclan lights up when she talks about the charming Cole. 

“His first week here, he said, ‘Look at all these babies.’ His humor is just the best medicine,” said Inclan, adding that he “is also a bit of a celebrity, frequently being pulled into group book discussions and other clubs.” 

Cole grew up in Fresno, where his family enjoyed riding horses. Cole’s neighbor, Beth Ainsworth, did too. She invited 12-year-old Cole to Monterey to ride with her. That’s where he met 20-year-old John Steinbeck and they formed a life-long friendship. Cole said that he would spend the summers fishing with Steinbeck and Edward “Doc” Ricketts. 

After Cole grew up, he joined the Marines and was stationed in Guam during World War II. When the war ended, Cole settled in Sacramento and started a business. Today, the same company, Goodwin-Cole Tents & Awnings, is run by his grandson.

Dan Cole “loves” his father’s new residence. 

“This place is the best, and it begins with the people and leadership. It’s a gourmet set-up,” Dan Cole said. “He’s had more ice cream in the last year here than in his entire life.”

Robert Cole sums it up, “I can’t imagine a more delightful place. The people here treat me so well.” 

June 25 heated up to 95-plus degrees but the music kept playing while guests remained cool under the shade, fanning themselves and conversing. 

For neighbors who missed out on the event, they can mark their calendars for 2026’s event to delight in first-rate barbecue and inspiring life stories.