Anne sends in the details about Clairemont Elementary’s 18th Annual Holiday Marketplace and Cafe, which starts TOMORROW!

The 2009 Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Cafe will take place Friday, December 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in conjunction with the Decatur Tour of Homes. As always, it will be held at Clairemont Elementary School, located at 155 Erie Avenue in Decatur.

During two days in December, this quaint City of Decatur public elementary school transforms into a lively and festive market where more than 90 local and national artists exhibit their wares. Enjoy Decatur’s holiday spirit while shopping for unique handmade gifts, paintings, glass art, jewelry, pottery and much more. Be sure to stop by the cafe for mouthwatering homemade soups and decadent desserts, as well as toe-tapping tunes performed live by local musicians and carolers.

This is a not-to-be-missed occasion for many Atlanta and Decatur area residents, and a perfect kick-off to the holiday season. Whether it’s your palette or palate that needs pleasing, you’ll satisfy both at the Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Cafe! Admission is free, and all proceeds benefit Clairemont Elementary School programs.

For more information, please visit www.DecaturHolidayMarketplace.com.

Earlier this week we learned that former Decatur commissioner John Ridley was considering a run for Georgia Senate seat that’s being vacated by David Adelman.  This morning, everyone is talking about how Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, has announced he is running for the glorious seat of District 42 power.

Michelle sent in the link to Carter’s website, which is honestly pretty sparse at the moment, but luckily both CL’s Thomas Wheatley and the AJC’s Jim Galloway are already talking about the announcement.

Galloway has the note that was sent to supporters and speculates that Carter might have trouble in the 42nd District, which includes Decatur, Chamblee and Stone Mountain, due to his grandfather’s recent stance on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the area’s large Jewish population.  In Galloway’s words, “Jimmy Carter’s approach to the Middle East does not draw applause in these neighborhoods, and it will be worth watching how his grandson approaches the dilemma.”

Galloway also reports there are rumors that Tom Stubbs – of recent political yard sign fame for a Superior Court seat – has also expressed interest in the seat.

Oh!  And the most Decatur hook of all!  From Carter’s email to supporters…

To kickoff the campaign, I am going to have an event at Twains in downtown Decatur, next Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30. You are cordially invited. My kids are going to be there, and your kids are certainly welcome. If you are willing to be on the host committee for the event, please let me know.

P.S.  The image above was lifted – with great relish (and mustard) – from the Fresh Loaf post.

In line with projections given during the reconfiguration effort, next week’s school board agenda caps the cost of renovating 5th Avenue Elementary into a new 4/5 academy at $8 million.

The not to exceed project budget is $8.0 M. This number is to include program management, surveys, geotechnical reports, environmental abatement, design and construction of the building, the design builder’s fee and material testing as well as the Owner’s FFE and a 5% contingency.

The school board is scheduled to give 5th Ave’s construction contract to New South Construction and employ the architectural services of Chapman Coyle Chapman Architects.