It's not easy figuring out how to end more than 20 years of service to a community, much less how to configure a successful business so that it will be attractive to potential buyers. Don Ehrmentraut, Churchville's long-time mayor and owner of A Touch of Country Class Gift Shop and Florist, is trying to do both in an effort to "retire." It's clear to Ehrmentraut that he won't be able to take these steps without his wife Maureen at his side, talented colleagues also serving in village leadership, and an "extremely dedicated" staff at the store. What isn't clear is exactly when he will leave both his $8,000-per-year position as mayor and the business behind. "In regards to the mayorship, I am not planning to finish the term, although I have not selected an exact time to retire," said Ehrmentraut, whose tenure ends in March 2007. "What I can say is that it will be closer to one year from now than three years from now." That's an announcement that has colleagues on the Churchville Village Board "in denial," said Nancy Steedman, village trustee. "All you have to do is look around this community to see all the good that his leadership has brought to Churchville." It is the things that can be seen - the walking paths and sidewalks, the gazebo and clock at the new village offices - things which add "visual appeal" to the community, that Ehrmentraut is proud to have accomplished in his 17 years as mayor and six years prior to that as trustee. "We have a beautiful community," he said. "We have a downtown and sidewalks. We have summer entertainment at the gazebo. Those things bring people together," he said. In addition, Ehrmentraut notes that he and the village board have been fiscally responsible, keeping taxes level for eight years before finally having to raise them this year. "We have kept costs down and yet have a community that's ready for the 21st century. Our infrastructure is top-notch," he said. Despite owning a business and all that demands, Ehrmentraut makes himself accessible when mayoral duties call. "No vendor or salesman can get through to me at the store," he said. "But the minute someone calls for the mayor, I answer." That kind of commitment means that between the mayorship and the store, Ehrmentraut works 75 hours a week. That's why he's decided that it's time to begin transitioning out of both responsibilities. "We have lost several friends this year to illness," he said. "Despite my passion for this community, Maureen and I have earned the right to spend quality time together." The couple owns a home in Naples, Florida and is building another in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Although their home on North Main Street in the village will be offered for sale shortly, they plan on maintaining a residence in Churchville. "This is home," Ehrmentraut said. "I was born and raised here." Don, who graduated from Churchville-Chili in 1965, and Maureen, a Lockport native, started out their marriage living and working on Ehr-Dale Farms, the family farm, located on the land behind the Route 36 property currently referred to as "The Senator's Mansion." They started A Touch of Country Class as a part-time venture in 1981 and went full-time in 1986, when the main barn on the farm was destroyed by fire. Maureen, the unpaid secretary treasurer at A Touch of Country Class, was also a second grade teacher at Gates Chili. She retired in 2001. The Ehrmentrauts have been attempting to sell A Touch of Country Class for more than a year, but feedback from potential buyers indicated that it would be a more attractive offering as a florist only, without the gift shop and the Holiday Shop, an annex with a Christmas theme. The past few weeks they have been selling the gift and Holiday Shop inventory in a "retirement sale." "The flower shop will remain as it is now, with limited gifts," Ehrmentraut said, wanting to reassure their floral customers. "Our wedding and sympathy work will be continuing. We are trying to make the store more friendly to someone who wants a smaller-sized business. We really want to keep it in operation." Although they know they're doing the right thing, the Ehrmentrauts are struggling with the idea of leaving so many good friends and colleagues behind. "The wonderful people who have worked for us for all of these years just can't be described," said Maureen. "The staff at A Touch of Country Class are a Touch of Country Class." "I have always said the best thing about this community is the people," Don echoed. "All you need to do when you need help with something is ask and people come forward. I am proud I have been part of that. |
