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A matter of time

Cranbrook residents are asked to submit an item for a time capsule that will be opened in 2039

What do you want Cranbrook residents of 2039 to know about your life here today?

That's the question that the organizers of a local time capsule project are asking you to consider.

To commemorate the 50-year anniversary of Sam Steele Days, the organizing committee is putting together a one-metre square time capsule that will be preserved next month at the Chamber of Commerce headquarters and not opened until the 75th anniversary in 2039.

Sandy Zeznik, coordinator of the time capsule project, said the idea is to show the “connectivity of the community.”

“(The idea is to show) the history of the people, the threads that tie us together as a community up until 2014,” said Zeznik.

In considering what they submit for the time capsule, Zeznik said she hopes Cranbrook residents will think about their “hopes and dreams for 25 years into the future (and the city’s) history from the people to the people in 25 years.”

Items that relate to Cranbrook culture, school life, family life, volunteerism, recreation, and business can be submitted, as well as Sam Steele Days memorabilia.

It can be a personal perspective in terms of a letter, art or pictures, or an artistic contribution such as a song, a poem or a painting.

“Anyone can add something,” said Zeznik. “Everyone has a story.

“For those who will be around in 25 years for the opening of the capsule, what do you want to see?”

She suggested we make predictions about what Cranbrook will be like in 2039.

“What will the environment be like? Will the deer still be bothering us?”

There is no cost to contribute, but items should be relatively small and placed in a zip-locked plastic bag with the air removed.

The time capsule can’t take perishables, batteries, rubber, or plant, animal or insect specimens.

Once submissions have been gathered and organized, the time capsule will be dedicated at a special ceremony on Thursday, June 19 at 2 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce.

Several local businesses have helped the time capsule project come about. Fabrite Services is making the time capsule, WolfPack Signs is making a sign for the time capsule to identify its significance, Roderick’s Skid-Steer Service is preparing the location and rock slab to mount the time capsule, Signal Collision is providing a custom paint job, Lordco Parts is supplying paint, and Interior Sports and Trophies is creating a plaque inscribed with the dedication to the future community.

The deadline to submit an item for the time capsule is this Friday, May 23. You can drop it off to the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce at 2279 Cranbrook Street North. Digital files can be emailed to info@samsteeledays.org. For more information, contact the Chamber at 250-426-4161.