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Lucky to have her around

by Brian Walker
| March 16, 2014 9:00 PM

IN PERSON

Growing up in Ireland, Paula Rehrmann saw how helping your community needs to be a part of life.

"We always had foster children at our home," said the Post Falls woman, among nine children in her family. "My mother (Mary) gave and didn't expect anything back. She raised us with the same belief. If you know somebody who needs something you should give it."

Rehrmann, who owns Relax N Tan in Post Falls, was appointed to the Post Falls Urban Renewal Commission in January. She formerly served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for three years and has been involved with the nonprofit Post Falls Community Volunteers.

Rehrmann also rounds up volunteers to carry Joe Doellefeld's huge American flag in the Post Falls Festival parade.

"I can't stand to see veterans in a parade and not have a flag before or after them," she said. "There's not many (World War II) veterans left. Once they are gone, that's a piece of history that is gone. (Presenting the flag) is a mark of respect for them."

Rehrmann moved to Post Falls from Ireland in 1996 after a friend from Dublin who lives in Spokane set her up on a blind date with her now-husband Norm.

With Monday being St. Patrick's Day, which commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as toasts the Irish heritage in general, Rehrmann said it's time to celebrate.

"When we were younger, it seemed purely as our religious holiday," she said. "It was like Christmas. Families got together. It wasn't so much of a big party like it is now. It's changed a lot. It's become similar over there to what it is here. Everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day."

What does your Irish background consist of?

I grew up in Cork (the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland). It was as big as Spokane. It was safe. You didn't have to worry about kids disappearing. We didn't have video games, so we made our own entertainment until mom dragged us in for tea at night.

What Irish traditions do you have on St. Patrick's Day?

I have bacon and cabbage. Some people are surprised that we don't do corned beef and cabbage. You couldn't buy beef 100 years ago in Ireland because it was so expensive. My mom sends over (Irish) badges and fresh shamrock for the house. We have Guinness (Irish beer) and Bailey's (Irish cream) cupcakes at the store and give out Irish Spring soap as a gimmick.

So Irish Spring soap really doesn't have a lot to do about Ireland?

Not at all. Just like Lucky Charms (cereal), you can't buy it in Ireland.

What do many people not know about Ireland or the Irish?

At home (in Ireland), not everything is about the almighty dollar. We don't have the toys (boats, jet skis, etc.) that people do over here. We lived a much simpler life.

Do you have any ambitions of moving back to Ireland?

I like what I do here, so we won't be going back. The economy (in Ireland) is not good. When America sneezes, Ireland catches a cold. American businesses pulled out of Ireland first before shutting down over here. That was understandable and how it should be.

Was your tanning business hit hard during the recession?

It would seem that tanning is something that could go by the wayside if people are hurting for money, but maybe not.

It wasn't really affected. I was one of the lucky ones. Some people just want to treat themselves to something nice - no matter what the economy is doing. Everybody who comes in is happy because they're doing something nice for themselves.

What are some misconceptions about tanning?

They've never linked cancer to tanning, but I still tell people to do it in moderation. It's like drinking. Some people have to (tan) because it's a fast way to get Vitamin D into you. It can also help with depression and joint pain. It can be great during cloudy weather. But I'm not afraid to tell people if they're tanning too much.

What is something that most people don't know about you?

I'm a classically-trained singer. My grandfather and two uncles were opera singers.

What do you like about being involved with the Post Falls Community Volunteers?

All the money we bring in goes back into the community. We've helped people with medical bills, cancer and at Christmas. Everything we do, whether it's the community picnic, beer garden or Sweethearts Ball, is fun, but for a reason.

Why were you open to switching gears from serving on Planning and Zoning to the Urban Renewal Commission?

I've always loved urban renewal. I followed that before planning and zoning. It's all connected like a jigsaw puzzle. But urban renewal is a little more fast-paced than planning and zoning. With urban renewal, you make hard-and-fast decisions (as opposed to making recommendations for the city council to consider). You have also have to be very cautious of how taxpayer dollars are spent.

How did you become interested in serving on government boards?

It doesn't seem that such meetings would be too appealing for many women in their 40s such as you.

I became interested after watching the meetings on TV. My dad was a builder, my brother is a civil engineer and I love archaeology. I've also admired Linda Wilhelm's service to the community (by being on multiple boards in recent years, including currently on the city council). She has a big heart and expects nothing back. She does things for people that you never know about.

Do you miss living in Ireland?

I read the Irish newspapers online every day. I do miss it - it's very laid back over there - but I love living in a small community here. I love that you can see the same people every day. Everybody seems to get along. People aren't afraid to ask for help and also not afraid to offer to help. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, everybody seems willing to give back.