Keshia Clukey

Teagan O'Grady, 6, of Westmoreland, spent Thursday with the Utica Fire Department as firefighter for a day. Teagan, who has Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, will be undergoing spinal surgery this summer,which could help him walk without the assistance of a wheelchair or walker. Teagan wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.

BESs

Standing next to teacher Sandy Sullivan, Ben McNair, 6, kindernergartener at Broadalbin-Perth Elementary School wishes his father, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Donald McNair Jr., could be home for Christmas, and is surprised when he arrives.

Shot by Keshia Clukey

Edited and Posted by Dave Warner

Article and further information available at The Recorder.

Cameron Chrzanowski, 9, third grader at William B. Tecler Arts in Education Magnet School is surprised by the arrival of his father 11 Bravo Infantryman Todd Chrzanowski, who has been serving overseas.

Shot by Keshia Clukey

Edited and posted by Dave Warner

Article and further information available at The Recorder.

I produced this video as an advanced reporting class project during my undergrad at Utica College. Chicken Riggies are a dish unique to the Mohawk Valley, and Utica in particular. Background research on the origin of Chicken Riggies yielded the story of a controversial beginning. I interviewed several local chefs, and narrowed the creator of Riggies down to two people. The disputed title of Riggie orginator however, remains a mystery. A festival and competition is held annually by the Mohawk Valley YWCA. In this video, Head Chef Geoff Marchione of the three-time festival winner Teddy's Restaurant in Rome, NY, demonstrates how to make Chicken Riggies.