The informative and comprehensive article "SAMBA hits home run" by staff writer Jeff Hansen (Gazette, Oct. 14) prompted me to comment on the ever-continuing progress of the St. Albert Minor Baseball Association. In today's world, grants of the magnitude reported are available to only those who are cognizant of their availability and take the initiative to pursue the resource. Yesterday (which for some was 40-plus years ago) a grant of $35,000 was only a dream. Funds were difficult to come by and were raised through bicycle raffles, small business donations and help from various community organizations. During that beginning SAMBA and volunteers had a vision that eventually resulted in the establishment of Legion Memorial Park which was dedicated and officially opened in 1981. The initial intent of this letter is to congratulate the leadership of SAMBA President Kurtus Millar and his committee who have demonstrated initiative, foresight, planning and hard work to procure this funding with the aim of making improvements to Legion Memorial Park for the benefit of our youth. This generous grant is definitely an out of the park home run, hit by the association and they all should be commended for their tenacity and service to our community. Robert (Bob) Burns, St. Albert
