Latest news with #Zierlein
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Holy cow! CowParade comes to Old Sturbridge Village
STURBRIDGE — Things might look a little different at Old Sturbridge Village this summer as life-size cow sculptures are installed on the historic grounds. 'It's a summer of cows,' said Jim Donahue, president and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village, in an interview with The Republican. The sculptures — more than two dozen in total — are on display as part of CowParade, an internationally renowned public art experience that has previously been on display as far away as London, Tokyo and Istanbul. 'It's an opportunity for us to display public art from the region,' Donahue said. 'We reinterpret New England history from the early 1800s, and we're excited to be able to bring some 21st century artists to the Village.' CowParade originated out of a workshop in West Hartford, Connecticut more than 20 years ago — its inaugural event was staged in Chicago in 1999. Since that time, more than 250 million people across six continents and 32 countries have seen CowParade, according to its website. In March, more than 130 artists from New England submitted 261 one-of-a-kind cow designs for consideration in CowParade. The cows chosen to go 'on parade' at Old Sturbridge Village aren't all necessarily designed by professional artists, but all the artists do come from New England. 'These are folks who might have had other jobs. These are folks who weren't necessarily always professional artists. I think the opportunity for us has been to have community members — some who are professional artists, some are not — come up with these really interesting designs,' Donahue said. Some of the cow sculptures are inspired by the Village, Donahue explained. Jenessa Burks, a mural artist from Worcester, took patterns from the Village's wallpaper collection and reproduced them onto her cow, 'Small House, Big Hooves.' Employees of Sturbridge Town Hall designed another cow, 'Mootilda,' that documents the history of Sturbridge. Peter O. Zierlein, of Northampton, an art professor at Springfield Technical Community College, is bringing his design, 'Holy Cow,' to the parade. 'I named it 'Holy Cow' because at first, I was going to have the colors on the cow reversed,' Zierlein said. 'I was going to have the flames be black and the top of the cow be gold to symbolize a biblical story about a golden calf.' While the organizers liked his design, they asked if he'd be willing to swap the colors — making the cow black and the flames gold. 'All around Sturbridge Village, there's fire. Every hearth has fire in it, and the blacksmith shop, so I thought that it would be a good thing,' he said. 'So now the 'Holy Cow' is for the fire that is all around Old Sturbridge Village.' Zierlein worked on his cow in a studio at STCC, where he was able to get his students involved with the process. 'I made an event out of it where students could learn how to score public art projects,' he said. 'The cow was a nice prop in the studio there, and they could see every day how progress grows.' 'Holy Cow' is now on display near the blacksmith's shop, where it will remain for the entirety of the exhibition. 'We've tried to position each cow in the right location based on the design that the artist chose,' Donahue said. 'And our costumed historians are going to be able to connect for folks why that cow is in that location and what its connection is to the village.' Cows have long played an important role in New England. Back in 1855, more than 148,000 dairy cows called Massachusetts home, according Old Sturbridge Village. Today, Massachusetts dairy farms maintain 113,600 acres of land in the state and produces 200 million pounds of milk annually, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Old Sturbridge Village, which aims to educate guests about life in New England in the 1800s, is home to several heritage breeds of cows and oxen. The CowParade event will provide an additional opportunity for guests to learn more about the role cattle played in early 19th century New England. 'We tell the story of that period in New England history when we were transitioning from an agrarian economy to a manufacturing economy,' Donahue said. 'The farm program is a centerpiece of the museum, and cows in particular were integral to life in the 1830s.' Old Sturbridge Village will invite guests to 'churn back time' this summer on July 19 and 20 for Dairy Discovery Days. There, guests can learn about some of the historical significance behind cattle — including cheese-making and milking demonstrations. Dairy Days will also offer guests the opportunity to visit heritage breed cattle and their calves up close in the barn, and chat with costumed artisans about some of the tools necessary for dairying, like buckets and milk pans. Dairy Discovery Days is included with standard daytime admission or Village membership. CowParade will wind down in September before officially ending on Sept. 28. As the exhibit nears its end, the cows on display will be put up for auction, with proceeds to benefit Old Sturbridge Village and its educational programming. 'Since the cows started to arrive and some of the designs have gone up, there are people saying, 'I want that cow.' And it's funny that the designs speak to people,' Donahue said. Donahue has already been asked several times if he has a favorite cow, and the answer, he said, is complicated. 'These cows are so unique from one another that it's hard for me to pick one favorite cow because each of them has characteristics and a flavor and a design that is just so cool,' he said. CowParade is included with standard daytime admission or OSV membership. One-day tickets start at $30 for adults, $28 for seniors 55 and older, $15 for ages 4 to 17 and college students with valid ID, and free for children 3 and under. While tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of your visit, online ticket purchases receive a $3 discount per person. Old Sturbridge Village is open Wednesday through Sunday, plus Labor Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Village's website, email visitorcenter@ or call 508-347-0290. Business Monday ETC: June 23, 2025 People in Business: June 23, 2025 Holyoke residents worry volleyball complex could devastate local forest 'What do businesses hate?': Mass. employers navigating uncertainty and fear Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft
Lance Zierlein couldn't believe what he was saying when he watched tape North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton on a recent flight ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. While watching the soon-to-be first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, Zierlein said he kept seeing standout plays from UNC's right guard, Willie Lampkin. Despite his smaller frame (6-1, 285 pounds), Lampkin was consistently holding his blocks and opening running lanes for Hampton. Advertisement 'He's the best guard tape that I've seen so far... and that's not hyperbole," Zierlein said on Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson. "Had he been 6-foot-4, or even 6-3-and-a half probably, 312 pounds, he's probably a first-round pick.' Instead, the Rams signed Lampkin and 16 undrafted free agents after the 2025 NFL Draft. And if Zierlein is to be believed, Lampkin could be another steal for the Rams. Lampkin was a consistent starter all throughout college. He played in 61 collegiate games (38 at Coastal Carolina and 23 at UNC) and, as Zierlein noted, a great run-blocker for Hampton. Advertisement The Rams have had a lot of success with UDFAs in recent years, too. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who just signed a huge extension, went undrafted. Starting inside linebacker Omar Speights wasn't draft either. Lampkin has some competition to make the team. While he wouldn't supplant Kevin Dotson anytime soon, he'll need to beat out KT Leveston and fellow UDFA Ben Dooley. Zierlein has a lot of faith in him, though. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL analyst says Rams' 2025 UDFA was one of the best at his position

USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft
NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft Lance Zierlein couldn't believe what he was saying when he watched tape North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton on a recent flight ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. While watching the soon-to-be first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, Zierlein said he kept seeing standout plays from UNC's right guard, Willie Lampkin. Despite his smaller frame (6-1, 285 pounds), Lampkin was consistently holding his blocks and opening running lanes for Hampton. 'He's the best guard tape that I've seen so far... and that's not hyperbole," Zierlein said on Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson. "Had he been 6-foot-4, or even 6-3-and-a half probably, 312 pounds, he's probably a first-round pick.' Instead, the Rams signed Lampkin and 16 undrafted free agents after the 2025 NFL Draft. And if Zierlein is to be believed, Lampkin could be another steal for the Rams. Lampkin was a consistent starter all throughout college. He played in 61 collegiate games (38 at Coastal Carolina and 23 at UNC) and, as Zierlein noted, a great run-blocker for Hampton. The Rams have had a lot of success with UDFAs in recent years, too. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who just signed a huge extension, went undrafted. Starting inside linebacker Omar Speights wasn't draft either. Lampkin has some competition to make the team. While he wouldn't supplant Kevin Dotson anytime soon, he'll need to beat out KT Leveston and fellow UDFA Ben Dooley. Zierlein has a lot of faith in him, though.

Miami Herald
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Dolphins select UF cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. with second of three fifth-round picks
The Dolphins finally addressed cornerback on Saturday when they plucked former Florida Gators defensive back Jason Marshall Jr. with the 150th pick. Miami badly needs corners after cutting Kendall Fuller and mutually agreeing to try to trade Jalen Ramsey. Marshall, who attended Miami Palmetto High, had 98 tackles (including eight for loss), two interceptions and 25 passes defended in four seasons and 45 games for the Gators. The 6-0 Marshall was limited to seven games by injury last season and had 20 tackles, no interceptions and four passes defended. He missed the final six games with a shoulder injury. Lance Zierlein called him an 'outside cornerback with good size, athleticism and experience but too much inconsistency on tape. Marshall can disrupt the release from press and ride route turns to stay in position to defend the throw. He falls asleep against play-action and misdirection. 'Also, he has poor hands when it's time to flip the field. For his size, he's a disappointing tackler, especially in run support. The lack of urgency and determination Marshall shows on tape could hurt his stock.' He was a five-star prospect coming out of Palmetto and ran a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash at the Combine. Zierlein said his strengths are: Possesses prototypical size for his punch jolts receivers as a press movements to trace the route knee-bend for fluid size and strength to hinder catch space. Zierlein said his weaknesses are: Falls asleep against play-action and interceptions on the field because of poor catch play with enough determination when he falls behind on a inside blocks and loses contain against wide more contact that he delivers as a tackler.

Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Sizing up all the UM draft prospects and their projections. UM bring in Longhorns kicker
Some final draft projections for Miami Hurricanes, beyond Cam Ward, who went No. 1 to Tennessee on Thursday night: ▪ Tight end Elijah Arroyo: Lance Zierlein, who projects him as a second-rounder, sizes him up this way: 'He displayed a willingness as both a point-of-attack and move blocker, but his technique and play strength will need upgrading. He's an average athlete who struggles to beat man coverage but appeared to get faster and more fluid as the 2024 season wore on. He plays with awareness in space and secures throws with sure hands in traffic.' The mocks: He is being projected 42nd to the Jets (by Mel Kiper Jr.), 67th (by ESPN's Jordan Reid), 55th by The Athletic's Dane Brugler and 70th by Chad Reuter. ▪ Running back Damien Martinez: Zierlein projects him as a sixth-rounder and describes him as a 'productive three-year starter with an impressive blend of power, dexterity and decisiveness. First and foremost, Martinez is truly a 'big back' who proves he can find yards after contact on most carries. Despite a lack of breakaway speed, Martinez averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 514 career totes. He can catch passes here and there but could be best dialed in as a complementary banger capable of taking on the lion's share of the carries if needed.' The mocks: He's being projected 99th (by ESPN's Reid); 113th by Brugler (third round) and 189th (sixth round) by Reuter. ▪ Receiver Xavier Restrepo: Zierlein projects him to go undrafted after he ran poorly (albeit while nursing an injury) at his Pro Day, and assesses him this way: 'Feisty, slot-only target who has maximized his talent and honed his craft. Restrepo is a route chef who reeks of urgency and plays faster than the stopwatch times him, but his timed speed will almost surely hurt his draft stock. His instincts, blitz recognition and talent to scramble open when plays break down will make him a favorite of quarterbacks and play-callers. Subpar length and average measurables could create some hesitation for NFL evaluators, but the lack of speed is a much bigger concern.' The mocks: He's projected to go in the fifth round (145th overall) by ESPN's Reid; in the sixth round (178th) by Reuter; and 197th by Brugler. ▪ Tackle/guard Jalen Rivers: Zierlein projects him as a fourth-rounder, describing him as a 'burly offensive lineman with natural anchor and above-average length. He could get a shot at right tackle but slow feet will put him in harm's way against NFL edge rushers… His mass and length increase his likelihood of finding starting reps on the interior, provided he can stay healthy.' The mocks: He's projected to go in the fourth round/136th overall by ESPN's Reid; in the fourth round (105th) by Brugler; and in the sixth round (209th) by Reuter. ▪ Edge player Tyler Baron: Zierlein projects him as a fifth-rounder and says he has 'the size and athleticism for consideration as an edge defender in odd or even fronts. He doesn't create fear with his rush quickness or skill level but he's an active worker with a slippery upper body that could foreshadow improvement in rush efficiency with more work. Baron projects as a middle-round edge prospect whose ceiling could be tied to his ability to become a more consistently disruptive force.' The mocks: He's projected to go in the fifth round (152nd overall) by Reuter, in the sixth round (208th overall) by Reid and with the next-to-last pick in the sixth round by Brugler (215th). ▪ Receiver Jacolby George: Zierlein predicts he will go undrafted and said he has 'consistent production but lacking desired pro traits. George is a feisty competitor who has allowed that fire to burn his team with critical penalties at times. Unless he can rebrand as a crafty slot receiver, the difficulty he encounters when trying to beat physical cornerbacks could be an overriding concern for teams.' The mocks: None of the three seven-round mocks have him being drafted. ▪ Receiver Sam Brown: Zierlein predicts he will go undrafted and said 'Brown played at three schools over five seasons but failed to produce at a standout level. Frankly, there are more flashes on Brown's 2023 tape at Houston than there were on his Miami tape from 2024. He has some instincts in space and flashes route-running potential, but it's hard to find enough consistent tape to make a clear projection of what he could provide as a pro.' The mocks: None of these three seven-round mock drafts have him being selected. ▪ Defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr: Zierlein said he's a seventh-rounder or priority free agent who is 'heavy on starting experience but light on measurables. Barrow lacks the size and length of an NFL interior defender but flashes good upper-body power to shed and tackle when he's singled up. He has enough rush potential for consideration as a three-down backup but will need to add more functional mass to his frame to have a chance.' The mocks: None of these three seven-round mock drafts have him being selected. ▪ Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa: Zierlein projects him for the seventh round and said he's a 'productive three-year starter with the frame and physicality of a throwback banger….. He's too limited for third-down duties as a pro, so he'll have to prove he's a capable backup as a two-down run thumper and quality special-teams player.' The mocks: Brugler has him going in the seventh round, at 225. ▪ Kicker Andres Borregales: He went 18 for 19 on field goals and 62 for 62 on extra points last season, and Zierlein said he figures to go in the fifth or sixth rounds. ' The keys to Borregales' accuracy, Zierlein said, 'are his repeatable stroke and consistent ball-striking. He doesn't have a cannon for a right leg but he has enough power to hit from distance at an admirable clip. He has a good chance to win a pro job as a rookie.' The mocks: He's projected to go late in the sixth or early in the seventh — 212th by Brugler, 216th by Reuter; and 220th by Reid. ▪ Safety Meesh Powell, cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. and center Zach Carpenter could get offers as free agents. Kicker visits UM, which is hosting more than 10 portal targets this week, is bringing in Texas Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn, per 247 Sports. He went 16 for 25 on field goals and 64 for 64 on extra points last season. In four years at Texas, he made 66 of 86 field goals and all 178 extra points. Auburn, who has one year of eligibility left, led the Big 12 with 29 field goals in 2023, the Longhorns' final season in that conference. He's 2 for 6 from 50 plus yards in his career, with a long of 54. Last season, he was 5 for 6 on field goals of 20 for 29, 4 for 5 from 30 to 39, 6 for 12 from 40 to 49 and 0 for 2 from 50 plus yards. Before last season, he was better from 40 to 49 yards, hitting 16 of 21 in his previous three seasons. FAU transfer Carter Davis is the only scholarship kicker on UM's roster at the moment following the recent departure of second-year player Abram Murray, who was the No. 4 kicker in the 2024 class but struggled this spring. It's possible Davis could retain only the kickoff job — because of his strong leg and high touchback rate — even if Auburn picks Miami. Davis was just 4 for 11 on field goals in two years at FAU. Also Friday, UM was scheduled to host transfer portal visits with North Carolina State linebacker Kamal Bonner, UF safety Gregory SmithIII and receiver Keelan Marion (BYU) and Tony Johnson (Cincinnati).