<html><head><style type='text/css'>p { margin: 0; }</style></head><body><div style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000'><!--StartFragment --> Dear Neighbors, <BR><BR>A partnership among Waverly Main Street, Civic Works and the CAN<BR>artists' Collective is transforming the vacant lot at Merryman Lane<BR>and Brentwood Avenue into the School House Garden. <BR><BR>Conceived to highlight the place of Merryman Lane in the history of<BR>Waverly, and to pay homage to generations of African Americans who<BR>attended segregated Public School 115 - on the lot which now<BR>accommodates the Waverly Farmers Market - the garden will beautifully<BR>enhance the passage between the market and the Greenmount Avenue<BR>commercial corridor. <BR><BR>For the Waverly Library and nearby schools the garden's historical<BR>theme offers rich possibilities. <BR><BR>More than 100 volunteers have put in 300 hours removing 25 tons of<BR>rubble to prepare the space. <BR><BR>The next stage of designing the garden space and installing art and<BR>other features is underway.<BR><BR>Approximately $30,000 is needed for landscaping and artwork. <BR><BR>Grants from the Parks and People Foundation have provided seed money. <BR>Waverly Main Street is also receiving $20,000 in State Community Legacy<BR>Funds. <BR><BR>Individuals are now offered an opportunity to personally help raise the<BR>remaining balance. <BR><BR>Current and former residents of the historic African American blocks<BR>whose family members attended Public School 115 have begun collecting<BR>donations for the project. <BR><BR>To help in this effort of remembering the past, enhancing the present<BR>and speaking to the future, please consider a tax-deductible donation to<BR>the School House Garden. <BR><BR>Make checks payable to Waverly Main Street, Inc. <BR>(a 501 (c) (3) organization) and mail them to: <BR>Waverly Main Street, 3124 Greenmount Ave., Baltimore MD 21218. <BR><BR>Please note "School House Garden" on the memo portion of the<BR>check.<BR><BR>Jo Ann Robinson<BR>Professor of History Emerita<BR>Morgan State University<BR>(Abell Community resident)<BR> <BR>Patricia Welch <BR>Dean, School of Education and Urban Affairs<BR>Morgan State University <BR>(School 115 alumna)<BR><BR>Joe Stewart<BR>Waverly Main Street <BR>History Committee Chair<BR>(Waverly Village resident)<BR><BR><BR><BR></div></body></html>