Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

High school state championship sports games usually include high impact action as well as raw emotion and this year's 2017 spring sports tournament games didn't disappoint. Here are a few of my favorite from the past few weeks.  

Nikon D4S, 1/320 @ f/4.5, ISO 6400, 17-35mm, with SB-910 flash

Benjamin Yanakakis of Ipswich shows off his teams Division 3 state championship trophy to Caleb Comeau after defeating Grafton, 8-7, at Nickerson Field at Boston University, Saturday, [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4 ISO 160, 300mm

Matt Andreas of Danvers cheers after hitting a triple in the second inning of their Division 2 state finals loss to Greater New Bedford, 6-2, at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, Thursday, June 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Fuji X-T2, 1/500 @ f/5, ISO 640, 18-55mm

Newburyport's Isabelle Sarra holds up the D2 North championship trophy as teammates Rebecca Turi, left, and Olivia Katavolos, right, react after defeating Ipswich, 15-11, at Peabody High School, Friday, June 9, 2017.  [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/1250 @ f/2.8, ISO 4,000, 70-200mm

Members of the Ipswich boys lacrosse team celebrate at the conclusion of their Division 3 state championship win over Grafton, 8-7, at Nickerson Field at Boston University, Saturday, [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/4.5, ISO 140, 70-200mm

Danvers High School athletes Matt Andreas, left, and Justin Roberto, right, react at the conclusion of their Division 2 state finals loss to Greater New Bedford, 6-2, at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, Thursday, June 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

2017 Graduation Wrap-up

Every year I cover multiple graduations around the North Shore of Massachusetts. Here are a few of my favorites from this years ceremoies. 

Fuji XT-2, 1/250 @ f/6.4, ISO 200, 18-55mm

Graduates march onto Fred Green Memorial Field during the start of the Melrose High School Graduation Ceremony, Friday, June 2, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/3.2, ISO 2500, 70-200mm

Alex McKenna twirls his diploma on his finger during the Wakefield High School 2017 Graduation Ceremony inside the high school field house, Saturday, June 3, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/2.8, ISO 1600, 70-200mm

Roufaida Bouri and Halima Castano take a Snapchat selfie before the start of the Somerville High School Class of 2017 Graduation Exercises at the Tufts University Gantcher Center, Monday, June 5, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/1,000 @ f/4.0, ISO 100, 70-200mm

Bridget Bright gets a hug after receiving her diploma during the Melrose High School Graduation Ceremony at the Fred Green Memorial Field, Friday, June 2, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/250 @ f/4.0, ISO 3200, 70-200mm

Benjamin Antoine cheers on classmates as they receive their diplomas during the Medford High School Class of 2017 Commencement Exercises at the Tufts University Gantcher Center, Wednesday, June 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/2.8, ISO 2500, 70-200mm

C.J. Felix cheers on a classmate as they receive their diploma during the Somerville High School Class of 2017 Graduation Exercises at the Tufts University Gantcher Center, Monday, June 5, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/320 @ f/4.0, ISO 8,000, 17-35mm

Victoria Brochetto gets a kiss from her mother Patricia at the conclusion of the Ipswich High School Class of 2017 Graduation inside the school gymnasium, Sunday, June 4, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Spring Sports Highlights

In between rain showers and postponed games I was still able to photograph a variety of spring sports. Here are a few of my favorite photographs so far this spring sports season.

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4, ISO 180, 70-200mm with 1.4x

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/4, ISO 250, 300mm

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/3.2, ISO 320, 300mm

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/3.2, ISO 320, 300mm

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4, ISO 140, 70-200mm with 1.4x

Active Shooter Training

All I heard was gunfire as I entered the building and I knew the drill had already started. I was quickly ushered up the stairs of this vacated nursing home in Melrose. I knew my assignment was an active shooter scenario but I wasn't expecting to be throwing right into the middle of the action. I got up stairs was quickly told where to stand and where not to stand. Things were happening all around me very fast. People were running from different rooms, I wasn't sure who had the gun and who were patients. After a few minutes the drill was over as fast as it began. I saw 2 more drills before they broke for lunch. Each scenario started without warning and the 3 scenarios I was able to witness only lasted a total of a few minutes. I was very impressed with how the Melrose Police Department and local hospital staff were able to control each unpredictable scenario. Check out more photos here.

Nikon D4s, 1/400 @ f/4.5, ISO 16,000, 17-35mm

Melrose Police Sgt. Josh Crowley, Patrolman Dale Parsons and Sgt. Dave Mackey take part in an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose, Friday, May 12, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 12,800, 70-200mm

Melrose Police Sgt. Josh Crowley, Patrolman Brian Ladner and Sgt. Dave Mackey take part in an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose, Friday, May 12, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/320 @ f/4, ISO 20,000, 17-35mm

Melrose Patrolman Levi DiFranza charges down the hallway as he plays the role of the assailant during an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose, Friday, May 12, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Town hall with Senator Elizabeth Warren

I recently covered a town hall with Senator Elizabeth Warren at Salem High School. After answering questions from the audience Senator Warren posed for photo with supporters. I actually didn't expect this to happen and it was a nice surprise, so I hang around for a while and made some images. It's always nice when there is an opportunity to capture something unexpected. Check out more photos here.

Nikon D4s, 1/250 @ f/4, ISO 6400, 17-35mm

Senator Elizabeth Warren shakes hands with a supporter at the conclusion of the town hall at Salem High School, Thursday, April 13, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Rodeo

 I always enjoy photographing something different and to me a rodeo is different. I've never photographed one before and it was a fun experience. See more photos here at Wicked Local North of Boston.

Nikon D500, 1/1000 @ f/2.8, ISO 10,000, 70-200mm

Steeve Tremblay competes in the steer wrestling event of the Rodeo at The Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Friday, April 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/1000 @ f/2.8, ISO 10,000, 70-200mm

Wesley Concalves hangs on during the bull riding event at the Rodeo at The Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Friday, April 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/1000 @ f/2.8, ISO 8,000, 17-35mm

Daniel Scavone and Ryan O'Donoghue autograph a fans cowboy hat at the conclusion of the Rodeo at The Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Friday, April 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Healthy Pharms Medical Marijuana Dispensary

I was expecting a small room where medical marijuana patients would purchase their legal cannabis from in pre-sealed packages, to my surprise this building was also housing multiple grow rooms. I was given a tour of the facility which will be opened for business in early May 2017. Read the story on Wicked Local Georgetown and check out more photos.

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Nikon D4s, 1/125 @ f/5, ISO 5,000, 17-35mm

Nathaniel Averill, executive director and co-owner, views some of the drying cannabis inside their drying room at Healthy Pharms medical marijuana dispensary in Georgetown, Friday, March 24, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

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Nikon D4s, 1/640 @ f/5.6, ISO 320, 17-35mm

A flowering cannabis plant inside Healthy Pharms medical marijuana dispensary in Georgetown, Friday, March 24, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

ColorBlast at Crane Beach

I was assigned to create a photograph to promote an upcoming event. The story was about celebrating the arrival of spring. Part of the celebration involved the tossing of colored powder into the air and that was the part of the celebration I was assigned to portray. Kerrie was a great subject and was very excited to take part in the photo shoot. Even with the wind blowing and the colored powder clumping up on us having a subject really get into a photo shoot is always rewarding.

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Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4, ISO 100, 70-200mm

Kerrie Bates, Director of Ipswich ReCreation and Culture, blows colored powdered cornstarch into the air to promote the upcoming Ipswich Spring Equinox Extravaganza at Crane Beach in Ipswich.

Winter Sports Wrap-up

Here are a few more favorites from this past winter sports season. 

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Nikon D4s, 1/1,000 @ f/2.8, ISO 5,000, 70-200mm

Nate Rogers of Ipswich competes in the high jump during their indoor track meet at Ipswich High School.

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Nikon D4s, 1/1,250 @ f/2.8, ISO 1,250, 70-200mm

Ryan Groark of Saugus checks Michael Talbot of Lowell Catholic against the boards during their game at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 3,200, 70-200mm

Belmont goalie Kevin Dacey makes a save on this shot by James Reilly of Reading during their game at Burbank Arena in Reading.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 1,250, 70-200mm

Stoneham's Nick Federico, Nick Feliciano, and Adrian Sousa celebrate a goal during their Division 2 North win over North Reading, 2-1, in double overtime at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

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Nikon D4s, 1/1,000 @ f/2.8, ISO 6,400, 70-200mm

Hannah Dziadyk of Wakefield holds onto the ball as she is defended by Elizabeth Kirschner and Lauren Flynn of Hamilton Wenham during Wakefield's D2 North tournament game loss, 54-53, at Woburn High School.

Snow Days

Winter Storm Stella provided a great opportunity to drive around and photograph people in north shore communities enjoying what might be the last snowstorm of the season. 

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Nikon D4s, 1/250 @ f/5.6, ISO 200, 17-35mm

Beverly resident Libby Burns rides a bicycle along Essex Street during Winter Storm Stella.

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Nikon D4s, 1/250 @ f/7.1, ISO 250, 70-200mm

Whiteout conditions make the driveway leading to the Rebecca Nurse Homestead difficult to see during Winter Storm Stella.

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Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/5, ISO 100, 70-200mm

One of the barns on the property of Meredith Farm in Topsfield seen with a fresh coat of snow.

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Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/5.6, ISO 250, 70-200mm

A person walks along Devereaux in Marblehead in whiteout conditions during Winter Storm Stella.

Northeast Snow Polo Championship

Elizabeth Owens of Boston walks her horse out of the barn before the start of a chukker with New York during the Northeast Snow Polo Championship at the Boston Polo Club and Equestrian Center in Georgetown.

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Nikon D500, 1/250 @ f/4, ISO 640, 70-200mm

Elizabeth Owens of Boston moves the ball towards the goal as she is defended by Ann Harness of New York during a chukker at the Northeast Snow Polo Championship at the Boston Polo Club and Equestrian Center in Georgetown.

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Nikon D500, 1/1,000 @ f/4.5, ISO 400, 70-200mm

Walking the Dogs

Whenever there is a major snowstorm I spend most of the day driving around looking for people or scenic images to photograph for the newspapers. I was lucky to find dog walker and trainer Nicole Maggio as she walked along the Mount Hood Golf Club in Melrose with her clients dogs.

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Nikon D500, 1/640 @ f/6.3, ISO 100, 70-200mm

Zach "The Shark Attack" Calmus

Zach "The Shark Attack" Calmus, left, trains with Anthony Everett, right, at Private Jewels Fitness in Lynn, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. Zach "The Shark Attack" Calmus will be fighting in the Golden Gloves tournament in Lowell. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

I parked my car outside what looked like an ordinary house, little did I know there would be a professional boxing gym on the top floor. As soon as I walked in Zach was ready to go a few rounds in the ring. I photographed him boxing in the ring and after that Zach posed for a few portraits around the gym. It was great to see athletes on a professional level train and prepare for one of the biggest fights of their careers.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/3.2, ISO 8,000, 24-70mm

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Nikon D4s, 1/100 @ f/5.6, ISO 200, 24-70mm

Super Bowl Tickets Win!

Jeremy Smallwood, who is battling stage four lung cancer, opens a gift from doctors and nurses with his wife Amanda during a ceremony at Lahey Medical Center in Peabody where he was awarded tickets to the Super Bowl, made possible by the Chris Draft Foundation. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

To read more about Jeremy's story check out Wicked Local Beverly.

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Nikon D4s, 1/100 @ f/4, ISO 1250, 17-35mm

A New Sheriff in Town

I arrived at the Essex County Sheriff's office with a reporter to photograph the new sheriff. I've been inside the previous Essex County Sheriff's office and knew there wasn't a lot of interesting subject matter to photograph. I hung around and made photographs inside his office but I knew those weren't the photos that told the story. An office portrait doesn't really say much about being a sheriff. After the hour long interview I wasn't sure if he would have time for a portrait outside the jail. He agreed to go outside, but it was very cold and windy and we had already taken a lot of his time. I wasn't exactly sure where I was going to photograph him but it had to be quick. Sheriff Kevin Coppinger was a great subject and helped me portray his job with more than an office photo.

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Nikon D3s, 1/2500 @ f/3.5, ISO 320, 17-35mm

Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger outside the Essex County Sheriff Department Headquarters in Middleton.

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Nikon D500, 1/640 @ f/4, ISO 200, 70-200mm

Evviva Cucina

I was assigned to photograph a new restaurant opening in north Beverly named Evviva Cucina for a restaurant preview story. Restaurant previews can be a lot of fun to photograph. Like most restaurants I photograph, I was interested in capturing one of the chefs preparing or cooking some of the food they offer on their menu. Thankfully executive chef Brandon Welch was willing to cook up a pizza for me to photograph.

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Nikon D500, 1/250 @ f/5, ISO 800, 70-200mm

Brandon Welch, executive chef, cooks a margarita pizza at the Italian restaurant Evviva Cucina in north Beverly, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

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Nikon D4s, 1/125 @ f/5.6, ISO 1,000, 17-35mm

Margarita pizza at the Italian restaurant Evviva Cucina in north Beverly, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

Winter Sports Action

I spend a lot of time photographing high school sports and there's plenty to keep my busy in the winter. Here are a few photographs from various games I've covered so far this winter season.

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Nikon D4s, 1/1,000 @ f/2.8, ISO 10,000, 70-200mm

Joe Alba of Saugus wrestles Michael Castro of Malden in the 145 lb weight class during their meet at Saugus High School, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 5,000, 70-200mm

Beverly fans react to an out of bounds ball being chased by Justin Roberto of Danvers during their game at Beverly High School, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2016. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 5,000, 70-200mm

Swampscott's Julia Carbone competes in the 200m freestyle race during their meet against Marblehead at the JCC of the North Shore, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 6,400, 70-200mm

Belmont's Paul Ramsey and Cal Christofori battle for a loose ball with Dylan Vienot of Melrose during their game at Melrose High School, Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

Ski Racing

Ski racing is a lot of fun to photograph and being ready to capture peak action is key to great skiing photographs. I was ready to capture this moment as a Masconomet racer veered slightly off course and ended up crashing into one of the gates just before the finish line. The student athlete didn't finish the race but was able to walk away from the accident.

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Nikon D500, 1/1600 @ f/3.2, ISO 1600, 300mm

A North Andover athlete cuts the corner close making contact with one of the gates as he races down the slopes at Ski Bradford during a ski racing event.

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Nikon D500, 1/1600 @ f/2.8, ISO 3200, 300mm

Epiphany Tree Burning

A group of kids stand on a dock at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead as they watch the Ephiphany tree burning fueled by discarded Christmas trees.

The Ephiphany tree burning is a fun event to photograph on a cold winter night and this year was no exception. When I arrived the fire was burning large and hot. I scouted for something to catch my eye and noticed kids playing on one of the docks on the beach. I was able to silhouette them against the fire and also tried some attempts at using slow shutter speeds to show movement in the fire.

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Nikon D500, 1/200 @ f/5.6, ISO 7200, 70-200mm

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Nikon D500, 1/200 @ f/5.6, ISO 7200, 70-200mm

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Nikon D500, 1/25 @ f/5.6, ISO 360, 70-200mm

A Few Favorites From 2016

Every year I try to gather some of my favorite image and create a gallery for the Wicked Local newspapers websites. Here is a small selection of some of the images in this year's gallery. To see more images check out the photo gallery at the Wicked Local North of Boston website.

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Nikon D3s, 1/3200 @ f/5.0, ISO 320, 70-200mm

Matty Robbins, 12, takes a turn on the slip n' slide during the Youth and Recreation Department end of the summer party at the Belmonte Middle School, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/6.3, ISO 80, 24-70mm

Alena Thalput, 13, leaps a wall gap as Isabel Andrews, assistant coach, spots her during a Parkour recreation program at the high school, Thursday, July 7, 2016.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/6.3, ISO 25600, 24-70mm

Boston Celtics Green Team mascot Lucky dunks the ball during an exhibition at the Glover School, Tuesday, Apr. 12, 2016.

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Nikon D810, 1/60 @ f/14, ISO 800, 70-200mm

November's supermoon rises near Thatcher Island as seen from Long Beach in Gloucester, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016.

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Nikon D4s, 1/1250 @ f/3.5, ISO 8000, 70-200mm

Swoop from the Harlem Wizards dances with Georgetown resident Patty Correa during the Harlem Wizards vs. North Shore Thunder game at Masconomet High School, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016.

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Fuji XT-1, .5 sec. @ f/5.0, ISO 3200, 18-55mm

People watch the Fourth of July fireworks at Singing Beach in Manchester by the Sea, Sunday, July 3, 2016.

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Nikon D4s, 1/2000 @ f/2.8, ISO 2500, 300mm

Reading fans cheer on their team during their Division 1A championship game loss to King Philips, 21-18, at Gillette Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.

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Nikon D4s, 1/1600 @ f/2.8, ISO 6400, 300mm

Lincoln-Sudbury's Andre Kotikian and Landon DeCesare-Fousek get tripped up Somerville's Edwin Mejia Sanchez as they battle for a loose ball during their north division 1 game at Manning Field in Lynn, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.

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Nikon D4s, 1/2500 @ f/5.0, ISO 200, 70-200mm

Marblehead's Sarah Caulfield competes in the long jump during their meet against Beverly at Beverly High School, Thursday, Apr. 21, 2016. 

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Nikon D4s, 1/500 @ f/5.0, ISO 320, 70-200mm

Somerville's Ryan Vogel places one of his clubs into his bag after completing the second hole during their match against Medford at Unicorn Golf Course, Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2016.