A Historian's Sojourn In The Land Between The Rivers:
Iraq and the Problem of Reconstruction
Presented by Richard D. Starnes

Following any war, the process of Reconstruction is a difficult one, fraught with uncertainty, violence and political upheaval. This talk explores the reconstruction of Iraq through the experience of a historian who served as an advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. It will also draw historical parallels between Iraq's experience with reconstruction and America's own reconstruction after the Civil War.

Thursday, May 27, 2010   7:00 - 9:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

BONSAI: The Mini Tree
Presented by Hubert Jones

Bonsai conjures up images of tranquility and patience. It is a unique living art form enjoyed and practiced by diverse cultures, utilizing the lessons of nature to improve the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of humankind and our relationship to the environment. This presentation will cover the history and horticultural art form of bonsai and will include a demonstration and display of several examples.

Friday, June 4, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

CLE Annual Preview Party
featuring Nancy Avera, Storyteller portraying Fannie Rollins in the humorous story of a town gossip (as written by John Henry Faulk) and Local Cloggers, Anne Brissey and Pauline Marr

Immediately following the concert will be CLE's 2010 Preview Party for all members and those wishing to join for 2010. Many of our presenters will be in attendance. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served.

Sunday, June 6, 2010   4:00 - 6:00 pm
Auditorium
Open to the public PLEASE RSVP
Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

HELLO, Is Anybody There?
Presented by Don Connelly

In this interesting, and at times humorous presentation, Don Connelly explores how people are using technology to communicate and how electronic social networking skills are changing people's lives. He also explores the "new media" and offers an interesting insight on what in the world is happening to radio, television and newspapers.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Why Warhol?
Presented by Matthew D. McLendon

While in the popular mind the name Andy Warhol is synonymous with the ephemera of consumer culture - Campbell Soup cans, S&H Green Stamps, Coca-Cola bottles - his artistic output has proven to be one of the most influential and enduring creative endeavors of the twentieth century. Through his promiscuous use of media, Warhol turned his unerring eye to the major defining themes of the last century providing a subtly subversive commentary on consumerism, mass-production, celebrity, death and disaster. This course will explore Warhol's early life and its influence on his most important works as well as looking at celebrity and consumer culture. Have you had your 15 minutes of fame!

Friday, June 11, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

THE GRAND TOUR: 1870-1917:
Traveling with Baedekers
Presented by Freddie Flynt

A rite of passage for the privileged, The Grand Tour exploded at the end of the nineteenth century. It coincided with the comfortable steamship, the production of a portable amateur camera and publication of the essential Baedeker's Guide books. Join inveterate traveler Freddie Flynt for a fanciful look back to a time when the world seemed large and travel was still grand.

Friday, June 18, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Body Engineering: The Female Nude In Art
Presented by Norma Hendrix

The female nude has intrigued artists from the Paleolithic era to Postmodernism. No matter how compelling their desire to draw, paint or sculpt this subject, artists have felt the need to liberate woman from her elemental form. This lecture will look at the history of the nude in art, examine mythologies surrounding the creation of the ideal female form and discuss ideas of the impact of art and media on body image.

Monday, June 21, 2010   2:00 - 4:00
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

ACTING UP: How to Enrich Your Theater Experience
Presented by Dr. Ronnie Spilton

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on the stage? What it takes to be an actor? What goes on behind the scenes? Come join us for a fun filled, informative morning with Ronnie Spilton. We can't promise to make you a star, but we assure you that your play-going experience will be enhanced. Participants will receive one complimentary ticket to one production of the 2010-2011 Highlands Cashiers Players Theater.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

A Humanist's View Of Religion
Presented by Dr. Roger Rollin

An activist freethinker, agnostic and secular humanist will argue that down through the ages the effects of organized religion on humankind have been mainly negative. Among the specific issues to be discussed: religion's struggle against the advance of science and rational thought; religion's major role in fomenting wars, slavery, torture and the subjugation of women, children, foreigners and non-believers; religion's attempts to control to its own ends government, the law, commerce, social institutions and the arts. The presenter will propose a contrary philosophy that emphasizes reason, science, freedom and universal humanistic values. Note: this course is guaranteed to offend almost everyone!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Persian Gulf And Points East:
Bull's Eye of American Strategic Interests
Presented by Sandra Mackey

Drawing on experiences gained from a recent trip to the Persian Gulf, Sandra Mackey will define the current parameters of American security that lie in and around the area. She will explain the importance of the Gulf's resources and geographic location as well as the division between the Gulf's Arab side and its Iranian side. Placing the Gulf on the map of Central Command responsibilities within the U.S. Army, she will explore the relationship of Afghanistan to the Gulf.

Saturday, June 26, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Rules Of Civility And Decent Behaviour
Presented by Katherine Lemay Brown

In a fun and open atmosphere, the course will explore George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation. At the age of fifteen, he copied and wrote 110 statements of good manners, including "#50 - Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any". Another focus will be on the diminishing art of conversation. People who rise to the top of their professions and are well-respected by others share the ability to converse with anybody in every situation. We will explore traits and secrets of conversational success which leads to ease in virtually all environments.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010   1:00 - 3:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Madison: A Classic Southern Town
Presented by Bill Mitchell

Celebrating the bicentennial of Madison in 2009, William Mitchell will present a lively, illustrated lecture based on his recently published book, Madison, A Classic Southern Town. This class will take you from its founding in 1809, through the antebellum years before the Civil War, and then into the Victorian era. Madison has a large historic district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. You will see how historic preservation has been an intimate part of the way the town has developed since 1970.

Friday, July 9, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Great Romantics:
Frederic Chopin and Robert Schumann Bicentennial
Presented by Kevin C. Karnes

In celebration of the bicentennial of Chopin and Schumann, this class will focus on the extraordinary lives and music of these two composers who epitomized, in their dramatic lives and work, the Romantic era in all its excess, dizzying highs and tragic lows. The class will also explore some of the works by Chopin and Schumann to be presented at the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and performed by Festival Artistic Director pianist William Ransom and the Biava String Quartet. (for tickets to the concert call the Chamber Music Festival at 828 526-9060 or go to www.h-cmusicfestival.org.

Saturday, July 10, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Dreams: Guides to Increased Consciousness
Presented by Jean Benedict Raffa

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung believed that dreams are dramas about unknown parts of ourselves and that their purpose is to guide us to greater self-knowledge, health and wholeness. This class, which is based on Dr. Raffa's book, Dream Theatres of the Soul, will examine the five basic archetypes of the human psyche: the ego, persona, shadow, animus/anima (unconscious masculine and feminine sides) and Self, our spiritual core. Dr. Raffa will illustrate how our dreams can give us practical information about our personality and behavior that can make important contributions to our efforts to grow more psychologically whole and spiritually mature.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Adaptive Mind
Presented by Dale Stewart

There is no more important goal than the cultivation of critical thinking and developing an adaptive mind. Thoughts don't just sit in human minds: they have implications. When we act, we do so based on our beliefs. The question then is - what are we thinking, and how are we acting as a result of that thinking? What is the quality of our thinking? Where is it leading us? Be prepared to look at your thoughts and actions in a way you never have before. Learn how critical thinking allows us to take command of the thinking we are doing so as to improve our communications, work and relationships.

Friday, July 16, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Microbes And Humans
Presented by Dr. Sean O'Connell

This will be a wide ranging discussion on bacteria, the master chemists that transform the world's nutrients, allow plants to grow and animals to digest food. They provide humanity with an increasingly large arsenal of tools useful in industry, environmental cleanup, alternative energy, and medicine. Specific examples of the role of microorganisms in disease, oil spill cleanup, detoxification of dangerous substances such as uranium will be given. On the horizon are new uses for them, such as in production of hydrogen for fuel and formulation of new classes of pharmaceuticals.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Southern Style, Town & Country
Presented by Susan Sully

This lecture is based on two of Susan Sully's most recent books, The Southern Cottage: From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Florida Keys and The Southern Cosmopolitan: Sophisticated Southern Style. The talk compares and contrasts the globally-influenced, urbane architecture and interior design of the South's historic centers of wealth and trade (Charleston, Savannah, Washington, Atlanta, New Orleans) with the vernacular-style retreats in the mountains and on the shore where Southerners go to relax.

Friday, July 23, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Armchair Birding:
Learning More About the Lives of Familiar Birds
Presented by John Yow

Without trying to touch upon all of the forty-two species included in Mr. Yow's book The Armchair Birder: Discovering the Secret Lives of Familiar Birds, the course will highlight some of the most interesting (and less known) information about familiar birds, from the philandering of the ruby-throated hummingbird, to the occasional dipsomania of the cedar waxwing, to the less-than-exemplary behavior of our national emblem, the bald eagle. Yow will also introduce participants to a few of America's classic bird writers such as John James Audubon, Arthur Cleveland Bent and Edward Howe Forbush

Saturday, July 24, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Search For The Cure To Insanity
Presented by Anna Copeland Wheatley

When it opened its doors in 1861 on the eve of the Civil War, the Alabama Insane Hospital was the most progressive mental institution in the country. Founded on the principal of moral architecture established by Dr. Thomas Kirkbride and the humane treatment of patients advocated by Dorothea Dix, the hospital became the first fully realized example of a system that used environmental conditions as part of a curative treatment for mental illness. This discussion will explore the remarkable achievements of Dr. Peter Bryce, the first superintendent. We will also examine what went so terribly wrong in the 20th century when the same institution became the national emblem of failure.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Intersection Of Creed And Culture
Presented by Dr. Martha Porter

Whether Hindu or Muslim, Christian or Jew, our faith content is expressed in scripture, creeds, hymns and prayers, which take on the quality of being "a given." As one Christian hymn says "as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be." This course will invite you to become aware of how cultural contexts can affect us all. We shall consider how we have been influenced by external events, such as where we were born, family circumstances, education or important people. Be prepared to explore, share, be surprised and even be uncomfortable as you trace your faith journey, whatever its creed and destination.

Thursday, July 29, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The U.S Relationship With Korea Since World War II
Presented by Dr. William Stueck

The U.S. occupation of Korea at the end of WW II transformed the American relationship with that country. Within five years the United States was engaged there in the first major hot war of the Cold War era. Why did the U.S. occupy half of Korea in 1945? How and why did that occupation and its aftermath lead to the Korean War? Why did the U.S. commit itself to the defense of the Republic of Korea following the armistice? Why has the alliance endured for a generation after the Cold War ended? How is the alliance likely to fare in the years to come? These questions will serve as the focal point for analysis and discussion.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

A Tour Of The Universe:
The Ultimate Mega Transect
Presented by Dr. Robert McMahan

For the ancients, the Universe was Earth and what they saw in the heavens were events designed exclusively for their benefit. By the Middle Ages, this view of the Universe had been elevated to religious dogma. Today we know that the Universe is enormous, that it has existed for billions of years, and that we are not located at the center, because there is no center. This course is an introduction to how our modern understanding of the Universe has evolved and a survey of our current understanding of the beautiful, astonishing, amazing, wondrous Universe of which we are a part.

Friday, August 6, 2010   2:00 - 4:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

A Twisted Vine: The Palestinian Israeli Conflict
Presented by Dr. Akram Khater

The Palestinian-Israeli drama appears as one of the most intractable conflicts of the 20th century. This impression is exacerbated by dueling (and often times obfuscating) narratives about the causes and issues of this tragedy. The lecture will provide a scholarly and balanced view of the history of the conflict by way of explaining the elusiveness of resolution and peace between Jews and Arabs. We will trace this story from the emergence of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism to the Oslo Accords and later events in order to understand the opportunities and challenges facing both peoples.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 pm
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Legend Of The H.L. Hunley
Presented by Clarence Balch

In 2001 the first submarine to sink an enemy ship was raised from the depths of the Charleston harbor after being submerged for 150 years. The technology built into this ship is still used in submarines being built today. As an archaeological time capsule, it has become a great source of informational artifacts of the 1860's. The recovery and preservation of the various materials has become an international project, establishing new protocols that will influence future undersea archaeology. Modern DNA and forensics have helped identify the crewmembers and what they may have looked like. Clemson University's artifact preservation techniques have established the standard for future maritime recoveries.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Human Form Divine:
Portraits in Early Modern Literature and Painting
Presented by Dr. Mary (Mimi) Fenton

Our human identity is presented in a variety of ways through art and literature. This interactive presentation will consider both creative outlets. What does it mean to be a human being? What is a human's relationship with God? What constitutes beauty in an individual? What does it mean to be an individual? How does one participate in the world via the contemplative life or public service? We will consider the many answers to these and similar questions by reading excerpted texts from poets, theologians, and philosophers: Shakespeare, Milton, Ignatius, Luther, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. We will complement our inquiry by viewing and interpreting portraits by such painters as Massachio, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Brueghel, Poussin and Rembrandt.

Friday, August 13, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Charles Wadsworth: My Life with Chamber Music
Presented by Charles Wadsworth and William Ransom

During this spirited interview between the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival's Artistic Director William Ransom and Charles Wadsworth, you will catch a glimpse into the extraordinary life of Charles Wadsworth, from his early days in Newnan, Georgia, to studies at Juilliard and his friendships with reknowned composers and performers of the last fifty years. Mr. Wadsworth is a legend in the field of Chamber Music in America. Founder of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in 1969, he led it as Artistic Director and pianist for twenty years. From 1977-2009, Mr. Wadsworth has been one of the Artistic Directors of the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, SC. The lecture will be followed the next day by Mr. Wadsworth performing with Mr. Ransom and the Vega String Quartet in the HCCMF's final Gala concert. (For tickets to the concert contact the Chamber Music Festival at 828 526-9060 or go to www.h-cmusicfestival.org.

Saturday, July 14, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Ikebana - Simply
Presented by Sibbie Wilson

Anyone can learn the beautiful art of ikebana. This hands-on lesson will teach you the basic steps of arranging a simple upright style arrangement. Best of all you will be able to take your arrangement home with you to enjoy. The Japanese art form of ikebana is over 600 years old and the Ohara School of Ikebana is one of the oldest schools of ikebana in Japan. Participants are to bring paper and pencil for notes, small hand towel, bucket to take home their arrangement, and ikebana scissors. Also bring a camera if you wish to take pictures of your finished arrangement. (Kenzan and container will be loaned by Stone Lantern)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010   1:00 - 3:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Genetics: What We've Learned and Where We're Going
Presented by Lori Seischab

Each cell in our body contains a copy of our unique DNA sequence. In the past 15 years, we have succeeded in decoding our genome. With this dramatic increase in our knowledge, biomedical researchers have developed new insights and strategies. This presentation will facilitate a basic familiarity with the science of genetics, the human genome, the impacts of the decoding of the genome of other species upon our understanding of evolution, and the remarkable impacts this new body of knowledge will have on our lives and understanding of the living world around us.

Friday, August 20, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Care And Feeding Of The Human Brain
Presented by Dr. Ed Hamlin

It is difficult to sort through all the information bombarding us regarding adopting a healthy lifestyle. Findings from neuroscience, however, are beginning to reveal how our environment, diet, relationships, activities, and medications impact our brain. During this workshop Dr. Hamlin will discuss these findings and their implications for our lives. We will examine the structure and operation of the brain, how it changes as we age and what we can do to keep it functioning optimally for as long as possible.

Thursday, August 26, 2010   1:00 - 3:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Expatriates: Whistler, Cassatt and Sargent
Presented by Jan Clanton

James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903) was a feisty egoist but his art was the complete opposite. It was discreet and subtle, and emphasized his personal creed of art for art's sake. When Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) told her father that she wanted to be an artist, he said he would rather see her dead. With that as an incentive, Mary proved to be one of the best French Impressionists America ever produced. John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was an American painter born in Florence, studied in Paris, and lived in London, where he made his name as the best portrait painter in the world. These artists left America and created their art abroad but never lost their American vision. See following class - Great American Collector: Dr. Albert Barnes, also presented by Jan Clanton (Bring Lunch if you plan to stay for both lectures)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010   10:00 - 12:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Great American Collector: Dr. Albert Barnes
Presented by Jan Clanton

Dr. Albert Barnes (1872-1951) was a physician by training but an art collector at heart. He established one of America's great collections and practically kept it to himself. He embraced an unusual aesthetic philosophy: a belief of artists' shared approach across different periods and movements, as well as concerns about the handling of color and line. He installed his galleries founded on this philosophy and rejected all the traditional art establishment suggestions. No matter the disagreements, there is no doubt that Barnes' collection of Impressionist, Post- Impressionist and early Modernists works is one to take your breath away.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010   12:30 - 2:30 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com