HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 - The Watchmans StarITEM it 1
MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROGER NELSON, CITY MANAGER fKV
MEETING DATE: AUGUST 17, 2004
SUBJECT: THE WATCHMANS STAR (STERN)
RECOMMENDATION
Presentation of gift from the people of Krems to the people of Grapevine.
BACKGROUND
When the Mayor of Krems, Franz Holzl, was in Grapevine for the opening of Gaylord he
brought a Stern to be presented to the Council and citizens of Grapevine. During the
Mayor's visit there was no scheduled Council meeting and so only an informal presentation
was possible. At the moment the City is hosting two interns from Krems one of whom is
the daughter of Mayor Franz Holzl. The interns will represent the City of Krems and
formally present the Stern or Watchmans Star.
The woodwork of the Watchmans Star (Stern) is folk art that requires much patience and
was performed by the Vineyard watchman. After the harvest, the Watchmans Star is
presented as a gift of honor to an important person or kept in the press house and placed
upon the winepress.
This Stern is an ancient symbol of the Vineyards of Krems. It is placed in the Vineyard
before the harvest and remains there until all the fruit has been picked and pressed. This
star was custom made for Grapevine and presented as a symbol for a good economy for
Grapevine as it is a symbol of a good harvest for Krems.
PWM:ek
August 11, 2004 1:13PM