Locals recognized for work against drug and alcohol abuse

Sixth annual event celebrates award recipients and life of Basin resident

MOSES LAKE — Living passionately for a cause was the message brought Thursday at the Best Western Lake Inn as community members gathered for the sixth annual Bob Skidmore Recognition Event.

The event honored Skidmore's legacy and that of five other individuals who have given of their time to drug and alcohol prevention services.

During the event, Travis Skidmore, son of the late Bob Skidmore, who passed away in 2001, described his father as soft spoken with the ability to reach out to others about the affects of drug and alcohol abuse.

It was a cause the Skidmore family became personally invested in when a drunk driver hit and tragically killed Bob's then 16-year-old son Trent nearly 12 years ago.

This is about "mentoring, coaching, teaching," Travis Skidmore said of the honorary event held in remembrance of his father, brother and community members who have given of their time in advocating against drug and alcohol abuse.

Following the loss of his son Trent, Bob Skidmore became an advocate of drug- and alcohol-related issues, working with prevention agencies, speaking to audiences about his family's tragedy and approaching state legislators about changing drunken driving laws.

After Thursday's ceremony, award recipient Sydney Platt, a prevention specialist with the Moses Lake School District, shared her thoughts on the life of Bob Skidmore, whom she described as devoted to the cause of drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

"He was so into helping people honestly," Platt said.

Rather than a message of abstinence from alcohol and drugs, Platt remembers Bob Skidmore's message as encouraging people to act responsibly, take care of themselves and to not drink and drive.

"Kids wanted to listen to him," she said.

Wendy Hanover, prevention specialist with Grant County Prevention and Recovery Center who worked briefly with Bob Skidmore, remembers him as committed and caring towards his community.

The obstacles faced by many drug and alcohol addicts is something this year's award recipients say range from finding a safe place to go where they are not tempted to use again, to finding access to services that can help them.

"Finding clean friends, learning new ways to cope with stress … and realizing how to feel joy," said award recipient Kathy Uhlinger, a prevention specialist at Columbia Basin Secondary School, of the challenges recovering addicts face.

For award recipient Becky Garcia, with the PARC Latino Youth Program and Strengthening Families Program, working with alcohol and drug addicted youth to make such a change has been a fulfilling part of her job.

Being younger, their minds are more open to making a change in their lives, Garcia said.

The other two award recipients also recognized were Karissa Peralez and Joette Barry.

Peralez was recognized for her work the last five years with the Latino Youth Conference and participation with teen and family programs in Grant County.

Barry received commendation for her work with students at Lake Roosevelt High School and organizing annual drinking awareness days.

"If you can dream it … you can achieve it," Travis Skidmore said during his speech.