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Nature’s Beauty
Written By: Audra Bullard, Center for Life Enrichment | Issue: December 2023
The spectacle of Shadow of the Bear and gracious hospitality cap a magnificent season of discovery for the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment.
We’ve all witnessed the excitement Shadow of the Bear creates each year. Folks from all over the Plateau and beyond park their cars and gather at Rhodes Big View Overlook on scenic US Highway 64 in hopes of catching a glimpse of this stunning, natural phenomenon.
Thanks to the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment and local artist Penny Pollock, many CLE members were afforded the opportunity to experience the Bear Shadow in a much more intimate way, a truly dazzling finale to the organization’s most successful season yet.
CLE’s Private Bear Shadow Viewing Party is among the organization’s most highly anticipated events each season. Members often upgrade their membership level at the start of the season, specifically hoping to secure a spot at the soiree via priority registration. But what makes attending the Bear Shadow Cocktail Party so special and unique?
The answer is simple: encaustic artist and radiant hostess, Penny Pollock. Pollock graciously opened her home to CLE members, as she has done for many years supporting a variety of programs, to make CLE’s “season finale” a truly unforgettable experience. Boasting a spectacular panorama of Whiteside Mountain, the view from Pollock’s home is truly magical when the bear shadow begins to walk.
Penny Pollock, Fallon Hovis and Carlton Chamblin
This October, close to 30 CLE members gathered on Pollock’s two decks as they prepared to be mesmerized by nature’s beauty.
For many attendees, it was their first time experiencing the enchantment of the bear shadow, while others returned for their second or third viewing, cameras in hand. Autumnal signature cocktails crafted by Farm2Cocktail founder Carlton Chamblin, and delightful bites catered by The Kitchen of Highlands, made for a one-of-a-kind experience.
“CLE would like to thank Penny Pollock for all she has done to support this organization,” said Lee Garrett, CLE Board President. “This exclusive and beautiful experience would not have been possible for our members without her kindness and generosity. We are so appreciative of everything she has done to help make this season our greatest success yet.”
While the 2023 season is officially over, the CLE team is hard at work on planning the 2024 curriculum. Members can join, renew, or upgrade their memberships by visiting clehighlands.com, or calling (828) 526-8811.
