City Faces in Different Places
By Julie Perine on August 11, 2019 from City Faces
Some know Maria Skidmore for her Italian meatballs. Some know her as an avid baseball and basketball fan and volunteer. This city resident loves being involved and loves living life to the fullest. Learn all about her in this question and answer session:
How long have you lived in Bridgeport? If not a lifelong resident, tell me what brought you here?
I have lived in Bridgeport for 27 years. I moved here on my own because I was working at Meadowview Manor as director of the dietary department. It was there that I met my late husband, Heath Skidmore. He was the social worker at Meadowview Manor.
Are you married, have kids? Tell me about your family.
Heath and I got married in 1994 and had 25 beautiful years together. He went to be with the Lord in 2017. He left me with my two most precious gifts, our sons. Tyler is 23 and a graduate of Bridgeport High School Class of 2014 and a recent graduate of Fairmont State University. Corey, who is a rising senior at BHS, will graduate in 2020.
Maria, tell me a little bit about your background.
I graduated from Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg in 1983, but not before going to nine different schools because of being in a military family. Incidentally, I was born in Spain. My mother and sister still live there. I came to the U.S. when I was around two years old. I couldn’t speak English and neither could my mom. We learned the language by watching “Gilligan’s Island” – true story.
Where do you work and what do you do there?
I have worked for West Virginia Restaurant Management for 16 years as a regional manager in the video lottery industry. I absolutely love my job. Not many people can say they have fun at work every day. I can.
What are your hobbies/favorite past times?
One of my favorite hobbies is cooking. I like to try a new dish and then try to duplicate it. My specialties are European dishes - Italian and Spanish. I also make my own sausage, both Spanish and Italian. My other passion is watching my kids play sports and helping out with their teams’ activities. I have volunteered countless hours with Bridgeport Little League and was the president of the league for three years. I also spent three years on the Bridgeport High School All Sports Boosters as vice president. More recently, I spent two years volunteering and fundraising for Fairmont State baseball team (for which my son Tyler played). I am also very involved with the BHS varsity basketball team. My son Corey will be playing his senior season this year.
Favorite Bridgeport spot?
My favorite Bridgeport spot is a toss-up. I love to go to Meagher’s (Irish Pub) on Thursday nights with my friends to play team trivia. I also love going to Mia Margherita’s. The food there is incredible.
Why do you like about Bridgeport … why is this a good place to live?
I love the town of Bridgeport. I’ve compared it to the towns in the Hallmark movies. It’s such a tight-knit community. Almost everybody knows everybody. It’s a great place to raise a family. Bridgeport is the best kept secret in West Virginia.
What is your favorite WV spot outside of Bridgeport?
Outside of Bridgeport – and West Virginia – would have to be a beach – any beach really. Nothing is better than listening to the waves hit the shore while sitting under and umbrella reading a really good book.
What are some of your favorite things? Food/restaurant? Favorite color? Music genre/artist?
My favorite restaurants in Bridgeport are Mia Margherita and Oliverio’s Ristorante. Both places have excellent food. My favorite color is pink. I absolutely love it. As for music, anyone that knows me knows that I am a huge Steve Perry fan. I’ve joked with my kids and told them that if he ever tours, I’m cleaning out my retirement fund to go see him. I love all music. My playlists have everything from classic rock to country and even some Spanish Flamenco music.
Interesting fact about you and/or something you would like to add…
An interesting fact that not many people know is I taught Flamenco at Bridgeport Civic Center in the 1980s and at BHS back in 1991 and 1992. Another interesting fact is that I speak, read and write Spanish fluently.
