TCH holding ‘Name the Time Bench’ contest for new project
There is a new fundraiser in the works to benefit The Community House on Sanibel, and the community is encouraged to take part in the first phase by helping to name the project.
TCH volunteer and Sanibelian Ken Burgener, who is also a member of the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club and lends his bird watching expertise to the Sanibel Public Library, came up with the idea to raise funds for the facility — which is sustaining large losses due to COVID — and provide a place to sit.
Burgener explained that back when he was in high school, he and his classmates were given the opportunity to fill and bury a time capsule to be opened at some future date. Four or five years ago, he contacted the school to find out what had happened to it and learned it was opened years before.
“It was all destroyed,” he said, adding that he began wondering why such items are buried.
Burgener felt there must be a better way to preserve “time capsules,” so the treasures inside could be enjoyed upon their opening, and possibly a better method than burial, so the items could be seen. Then one day, Burgener noticed the lack of outdoor seating while he was at TCH — and it clicked for him.
He came up with the idea of creating a “time bench” to store items and offer a spot to rest.
While still in the design phase, Burgener explained that TCH will sell and accept donations for different sized containers to be sealed inside the bench for 25 years. The bench will be constructed of waterproof materials — he is aiming for recycled materials — and sealed against the elements.
As for the containers, those who get one could fill it with just about anything.
“Whatever is part of their history or their future,” he said. “Whatever they want to throw in.”
Burgener noted that he is considering his Eagle Scout award and park ranger badge.
Once the design is cemented, the boxes will be available for purchase through TCH.
He is hoping to have the bench built in December or January, so it can be unveiled to the community during season. It would then be opened 25 years later — in 2047 — and all its contents revealed.
However, the first phase of the fundraising idea is to give it a name.
“We don’t have a name for the project,” Burgener said, explaining that they are searching for “something more catchy than time bench.”
As a result, TCH is holding a “Name the Time Bench” contest that is free and open to the public. The committee will select the winning entry, which will receive a large-sized sealable box worth $150.
Entries can be sent to Allison Davis at office@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.
Burgener is also looking for volunteers interested in helping out with the project committee. He explained that in particular, someone with artistic talents will be needed to decorate the time bench.
“We need someone to help make it pretty,” Burgener said.
To help out, contact TCH at 239-472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email