A Toast! Here’s to Susie Messina!

“Toastworthy” doesn’t even begin to describe this kind and incredibly generous and involved  pillar in the Carson Tahoe community, Susie Messina! We caught up with her to get to know her a little better, learn what she enjoys about northern Nevada and how she made her way to our neck of the woods!

Name: Susie Messina

What brought you to Carson Tahoe area?

“I lived in Southern California for most of my life. Somewhere along the way I must have screwed up, as God sent [my husband] Larry and I to Chicago for three very long years as our penance, then rewarded us by sending us here, to what I feel is paradise. Between the two of us we have four great kids, and six grandchildren. We always knew that we would end up living in this part of the country, since we had vacationed here for many years. The idea of living at the lake year round was a little chilling, and Reno was too much the big city. Carson City just felt right and it has been home now for the last 14 years. Living in a small town is usually a good thing, and I like knowing so many of its citizens.”

You are undoubtedly extremely involved in making our community better, tell us about how you got started to get involved?

“You can’t live somewhere and not be a part of its dynamics. I’ve always tried to be a doer and not an asker. Little league, soccer, PTA, all the normal things we encounter in our kid’s life. When choosing what charities to help out with, I thought it would be better to pick a couple that I could give my time and be passionate about, as opposed to many that I just wrote a check for. The Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada is an amazing organization that helps so many of our youth today find a positive direction in which to follow. We turn no one away regardless of their ability to pay, and work hard to give all kids an opportunity in which to grow and prosper. The Carson Tahoe Foundation is another voice of the hospital and has the opportunity to help raise the funds necessary to expand in areas that may not be possible in the everyday operation. I joined the foundation board in hopes that I could help our community be more aware of the outstanding facility we have, and that they don’t need to travel elsewhere to get top notch care for a variety of ailments. We are all so busy with our lives these days. But if you can just find one thing to get passionate about, it’s amazing how you can find the time. You can’t really complain about things if you aren’t willing to help change things.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“As to hobbies, I’m trying to learn how to garden and relax a bit more. I recently closed my gift store that I ran for 9-1/2 years, but have been busy preparing for the Boys and Girls Club Kids Auction and Luau this Sunday. My favorite place to visit is right in my back yard: Lake Tahoe. It still takes my breath away as I drive over the hill and first see the lake.”

As a child, what did you want to be when you “grew up?”

When I was younger I always wanted to be a nurse, but of course life always takes us in a different direction. I was in sales most of my life, and have always enjoyed working with people.

Favorite indulgence?

“I enjoy a nice glass of wine along with my crossword puzzles.”

Anything else to add? We like it all! 

“I drive my husband crazy when I say, ‘it is what it is’ and ‘I believe that everything happens for a reason’ but it really is how I live my life. I have an amazing husband who puts up with all my craziness. He too is a doer, and has done so much for our community. I ‘Toast’ Larry Messina!”

We are so thankful for community members like Susie and Larry Messina! Also, if you are interested in attending the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada’s “World’s Greatest Luau” you can find more information HERE