Pat Nilsestuen promised a beautiful sunny day and temperatures in the mid-70s for the 17th annual Portage Lakes Boat Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Akron Symphony Guild.
Nilsestuen chaired the event, which raises funds for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, the Youth Orchestra and Symphony Chorus.
At Dietz’s Landing, Carol Krueger and Karen Budd welcomed more than 500 guests during Wednesday’s tour. Forty-two pontoon boat captains volunteered to take guests to four lakefront homes and the Akron Rotary Camp on Rex Lake. Dr. Mark Auburn observed, “we always have perfect weather due to Pat,” as he waited to board.
Dock workers Peter Lawrence and Ken Nilsestuen assembled boaters while Laura Lee Garfinkel and Sue Gillman handed out water and lunches in souvenir totes.
Lois Miller and Jeff and Linda Hamblin were looking forward to their first trip on the Portage Lakes, along with Frieda Brown, Donald Kostar, Marjorie Villers and Cheryl Abbott.
Boat captain Bob Onkst narrated sites along the lake, pointing out Lovers Lane Channel as he expertly docked his boat at the first house. First mate Mike Sikora helped guests disembark to tour a three-story Miller Lake masterpiece. Nancy Anderson and Linda Bullock loved the outdoor entertaining areas overlooking the lake.
Josh Phelps and Carrie Riddle liked the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home on Cottage Grove Lake as they enjoyed the tour with Debbie Hart, Marilyn Pyle and Amy Lothes. Riddle’s parents, John and Janet Riddle, manned their pontoon boat and pointed out sites along the lakeshore, including the NautiVine, a new winery.
Some guests were invited to stop at the Tudor House on Turkeyfoot Lake, where Jim and Julie Pulk of Prime 93 Restaurant catered the luncheon of mushroom, spinach and ham quiche, fresh fruit, finger sandwiches and spicy watermelon gazpacho. Bob and Sherri Whitfield, Bill and Ginny Melver, Barb Pierce, Dave Kim, Martha Vye, Fred Merchant, Pauline Persons and Judith Grillo were among the guests to dine on the outdoor patio overlooking the lake.
Guild President Donna Zablo thanked everyone for their support as she outlined upcoming symphony special events, and invited guests to join the guild. Zablo thanked the Pulks for donating the delicious lunch while Barbara Fackler played background music on her harp; Sandy Auburn invited guests to tour the Tudor House after lunch.
New Franklin Mayor Al Bollas said he was happy to welcome everyone to the historic Tudor House, which is available to rent for special occasions.
