Our History
Our Mission
In 1991, a small group began discussing their mutual interest in initiating a continuing education program in the area. The group organized in 1992 and offered its first series of courses in the summer of 1993. Since then, the organization's audience has grown from a small group to a membership base of over 500 enthusiastic supporters.
CLE's mission is to provide life enriching opportunities through educational lectures, art workshops, culinary and wine experiences, nature programs, and social events to residents and visitors to the Highlands-Cashiers plateau.
CLE Welcomes You in 2026!
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2025 was a fantastic year for CLE. Membership levels and program sponsorships continued to increase, and thanks to our outstanding curriculum, CLE history was made with record-breaking attendance. Our fifth annual Porchfest music festival was hugely successful, with over 40 participating musicians across 14 venues. All of these accomplishments were made possible by the generosity of our members and the Highlands community.
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Memberships are the lifeblood of CLE. Without your generous support through your membership, CLE could not exist and provide over 100 outstanding programs to the Highlands-Cashiers community each year. Memberships provide the funds to cover basic operating expenses and, most importantly, speaker fees and travel expenses. PLEASE renew or upgrade your membership for 2026 before year end. We have made some adjustments to membership levels and benefits based on an evaluation the Board did of our financial position. Those levels are summarized on the other side of this newsletter. We welcome checks, credit cards, and appreciated stock.
Looking forward to an amazing 2026 season!
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Martha Pearson, President
Our Board of Directors and Staff
Martha Pearson
President
Rick Shackelford
Vice President/Curriculum Chair
Karen Price
Treasurer
Lee Garrett
Director/Past President
Terry Adamson
Director
Al Pearson
Director
Jill Nelson Granger
Director
Bill Hoffman
Director
Mary Beth Allen
Director
Mary Cavaioli
Director
Scott Bendzlowicz
Director
Stephanie Reeves
Director
Dan Evans
Director
Millie Coleman
Director
Bobby Salerno
Director
Staff
Meg Stevens
Executive Director
Audra Bullard
Programs & Communications Director