The store has been a staple of the area for nearly four years, opening on Oct. 4, 2008. Located in the former Lake Centre Pharmacy building outside of Lake Monticello’s Slice Gate, the store sells bulk food, crafts from local artisans and ice cream. Co-owner and Fluvanna County Supervisor Bob Ullenbruch (Palmyra) has become well-known as a purveyor of hand-dipped Hershey ice cream, as he refers to that aspect of his job often at public meetings.
The store also has a living room area where people socialize. Several local groups used the store as a meeting place.
Some residents criticized Bob Ullenbruch when he promoted cutting $2 million from the school budget and proposed a just-under 60-cent real estate tax. The Board of Supervisors had advertised a rate of 68 cents which included fully funding the schools. Within minutes of Ullenbruch’s proposal, the Board of Supervisors voted to cut the school budget. The action incited some in the community to become more involved in Fluvanna’s political process. There were many heated discussions on social media boards.
Some even proposed boycotting Ullenbruch’s store.
Shortly after those comments, Ullenbruch insisted business was as good as ever.
On Monday, (Aug. 20) Ullenbruch would not comment when asked if his political stance had anything to do with the decision to close the doors.
A sign posted at the store said it was closing so the Ullenbruchs could “spend more quality time with family & friends.”
Ruthann Carr and her husband sold crafts at the Palmyra Country Store.
