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It's tree-mendously capitol
MONTEREY - In elementary school, Capitola "Cappie" Shultz Hull realized her name had the word "capitol" in it. All her life she was told she was named after a book titled "Capitola" that her grandfather and great-uncle read. Now she has written a book about a tree that came from Highland County's forest and sent to the nation's capital. Capitola wondered if she was destined to write "A Tree-mendous Honor."
In the summer of 2004, it was announced the state of Virginia would furnish the national Christmas tree for the first time. As exciting as it was when this was announced, the excitement escalated. This was a monumental event for Highland County residents - an event that needed to be captured for a lifetime, something that could be passed down to future generations.
For about three months, Highland was occupied by employees of the Department of Forestry. The hype of furnishing the nation's capitol with a Christmas tree grew and grew. During this time, Cappie traveled back and forth from Staunton to her Highland home. She witnessed the excitement each time she visited and loved to feel the true Highland County spirit.
After every weekend visit, she shared the news about the tree with her former classmate, Robert "Bobby" Vandevender. Together they enjoyed a historical event in another location where they found themselves living; yet, their hearts were still bound to their Highland home.
Cappie and Bobby shared tree stories with folks in the nursing home where Bobby resides and in the school where Cappie teaches. When the tree stopped in Staunton for a ceremony at the Woodrow Wilson birthplace, Cappie, along with students and teachers, was there to celebrate. When a bus trip was arranged for Highlanders to visit the tree at the U.S. Capitol, Cappie went and reported back to Bobby about the experience.
Perhaps being away from the place you love, the place that nurtured your spirit growing up, and the place that lingers in your heart, makes you focus on such a joyous occasion with much intensity. Whatever the reason, Cappie and Bobby decided together they would capture something they enjoyed. After two years in the making, they believe it is "a tremendous honor" to share their story this Christmas season.
This children's story is something all ages should enjoy reading each year at the holiday season. For residents of Highland County and the surrounding areas, it is a reminder of the time the United States of America shared in the beauty of our natural setting and felt a true sense of community.
"A Tree-mendous Honor" will be on sale Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Holiday Treasures Market at the Highland Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Following the tree lighting ceremony, the book will be sold at the Craft Shop on Main Street from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Thereafter, copies will be available at Mill Valley Art and Frame Shop located on Main Street, Monterey.
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