In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Partly Cloudy with a High of 78 - Spring is Here!

📰 Search for Priceless Bracelet Holding Ashes Lost at Zoo Knoxville

📰 Local WWII Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

📣 Business Spotlight: Rising with Grace: The Story of Carson Barra and the Sovereign Sourdough Bakery

🗓️ Upcoming Events

🗓️ Know of Some Local Events not Listed? Send us the Details!

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Search for Priceless Bracelet Holding Ashes Lost at Zoo Knoxville

A Zoo Knoxville visitor is seeking the return of a cherished bracelet containing their late sister’s ashes, lost during a visit to Zoo Knoxville. She is hopeful for the community's help in finding it. Zoo Knoxville has initiated searches and urges anyone who finds the bracelet to contact the zoo. The bracelet holds immense sentimental value, making its recovery crucial. You can reach the zoo at (865) 637-5331.

Local WWII Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

A local World War II hero, Dario Antonucci, marked his 100th birthday. Antonucci, who was born in Italy in 1924, came to the United States with his family in 1937, eventually making their home in Long Island, New York.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1942, serving as a radio operator through to the end of the war in 1946. His post-war career saw him dedicating 27 years to the Grumman Aerospace Corporation, contributing to vital projects for both NASA and the Navy.

Upon retiring in 1987, Antonucci chose Knoxville as his home, where he has been an active volunteer in the community and a regular participant in Veterans Day commemorations. The celebrations of his 100th birthday took place at Morning Pointe of Knoxville, where he was honored with a proclamation from Knoxville's Mayor Indya Kincannon.

Rising with Grace: The Story of Carson Barra and the Sovereign Sourdough Bakery

I would like to begin by expressing my utmost surprise and gratitude for the fact that I now own my very own bakery, a venture I could never have fathomed in my wildest dreams. While I had envisioned pursuing a career as a professional dancer in New York or even obtaining a medical degree, the idea of becoming a sourdough baker simply did not enter my realm of possibilities.

This turn of events reinforces the notion that God always has grander plans in store for us, surpassing what we can envision for ourselves. It is quite amusing how God orchestrates our lives, completely altering our path within a matter of minutes, particularly when faced with unexpected challenges.

For those who are unfamiliar with my background, allow me to introduce myself. I am Carson Barra, a 30-year-old individual who has encountered numerous curveballs that shaped me into the devoted follower of Jesus, wife, mother, and friend I am today.

My childhood was far from ordinary, marked by a mix of blessings from parents who loved me and an array of hardships that most individuals do not experience until later in life, if ever. Growing up, my father was chronically ill, with our family well aware that his time with us was limited. While this perspective provided us with a clear understanding of life's priorities, it also required me to take on additional responsibilities that seemed to shift the balance unfavorably in my direction. At least, that's how I perceived it at the time.

As my father's condition worsened, my mother was presented with a significant and much-needed opportunity to provide for our family financially. While this was undoubtedly a blessing, it further impacted my perception of the mother-daughter relationship I observed among my friends. Consequently, the majority of my time was spent with my father. Looking back, I am immensely grateful for the extra time I had with him. In fact, without that additional time, I am uncertain whether my priorities in life would be as clear as they are today.

You see, my father's character resembled that of Jesus. He instilled in me the importance of maintaining faith during trials and tribulations. Through his actions, he exemplified a selfless love for others, extending a helping hand whenever possible. His love was so profound and pure that a single glimpse into his eyes would ignite a burning sensation within your soul. Unintentionally, my father underscored the significance of time and the need to focus on what truly matters, emphasizing the priority of family, regardless of personal cost.

Naturally, during my college years, I gravitated towards career paths that involved nurturing and finding ways to empower individuals with disabilities. After completing a degree in Science, specifically Kinesiology, my primary focus revolved around designing comprehensive medical treatment plans to enhance the quality of life for others. I worked with diverse conditions such as diabetes, stroke patients, traumatic brain injuries, and various disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome. Witnessing the positive impact I could make brought me great joy.

During my first year of graduate school, I unexpectedly became a single mother while carrying my first child. Simultaneously, my father, the most extraordinary person I have known and my best friend, began to deteriorate. At 21 years old, I found myself juggling the responsibilities of being a single mother, pursuing a medical career, and witnessing my beloved father's health decline. From a human perspective, my world seemed to crumble. However, from God's perspective, the best years of my life were about to unfold.

In 2015, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. Becoming a mother transformed my desires, shifting my focus away from the frenetic pace of the medical field. Instead, I yearned to experience every aspect of my children's lives: the intimate moments, the tears, breastfeeding, morning walks, snack time, tantrums, trips to the playground, bedtime, bath time, story time - everything. Thankfully, my mother and father enabled me to fulfill this aspiration. For the first year of my baby girl's life, I was a stay-at-home mom, and I thrived in that role. Moreover, during this time, my father was constantly with us, cherishing every bit of joy this precious child brought into the world. I, in turn, had the privilege of spending precious moments with my father before his time on earth drew to a close.

Reflecting on the heartache I felt during my journey as a single mom, I can unequivocally say that I would not trade that experience for the opportunity to relive it differently. It was during those challenging months and early years that God worked in miraculous ways. He provided invaluable moments for my father and me, fostering a strong bond between my baby girl and her grandfather, even if it was only temporary. Furthermore, through God's grace, my daughter's father surrendered his life to Jesus, resulting in a restored relationship that has now blossomed into a marriage. The magnitude of God's greatness is truly astounding. As stated in the book of Romans, God declares that all things, even the hardships, work together for His glory. My life is a testament to God's love and promises, representing restoration, forgiveness, and His unwavering faithfulness.

In January 2018, my father passed away and, contrary to my expectations, I experienced an overwhelming sense of peace. When one knows Jesus, they grasp the fullness of heavenly promises, and it is this understanding that breeds hope for the future. On days when grief would strike, I unknowingly sought solace in the kitchen, seeking to immerse myself in the act of baking. Although sourdough was not yet my focus at the time, it marked the beginning of my therapeutic inclinations towards baking.

Fast forward to 2020, our "Midwest" family of four made the decision to abandon city life and embark on a new adventure of "slower living" in Knoxville, Tennessee. It seems as though there is something truly magical in the Tennessee air or perhaps it's the influence of Tennessee whiskey. Either way, we are now proud to be a southern family of five (not including our pug, Rosie, and ten chickens)! We are incredibly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us.

As you can discern, our family has wholeheartedly embraced a more natural and homesteading-oriented lifestyle. We prioritize biblical truths, quality family time, and proper nutrition. Consequently, we have chosen to homeschool our girls, prepare meals from scratch, cultivate our own food, and, as you may already be aware, bake our own sourdough bread. Though we have adopted a slower pace of life, our days are unmistakably busy! Therefore, more often than not, you will find me dressed in comfortable attire, sporting a fresh-faced look and a top knot hairstyle. After all, who has time to dedicate to getting ready, right?

In all seriousness, I acknowledge that not all families possess the luxury, time, or knowledge required to "do it all," despite their sincere desire to do so. Hence, I have made the decision to pursue baking bread professionally. Bread is a staple in every family's diet, consumed at least once a day. So, why not create a delicious and nutritious loaf that can spark conversations around the kitchen table, the heart of any home?

For those familiar with my products, you know that with every loaf, cinnamon roll, cake, or cookie that I bake, I intercede in prayer for you, your spouse, or your family from the moment I begin mixing the dough until I complete packaging the product. Baking sourdough, as you will discover, is much more than a simple culinary task; it is a spiritual and therapeutic endeavor that yields incredibly delightful results.

Realizing that it is logistically impossible for me to bake for every individual in the world, my aim for this book is to demystify the fears and insecurities surrounding sourdough and guide you on a journey toward feeding your family not only physically but also spiritually. I aspire for this book to serve as a celebration, not only bringing people together around the table, but also introducing them to the love of Jesus.

My purpose is to encourage you to pursue what Jesus calls you to do and to invest your time in your family, creating a nurturing environment in which your legacy will endure. Perhaps this sourdough journey can be a part of that lasting heritage.

So, are you ready to embark on a journey that only requires some flour, water, and a touch of God's incredible creation? Fear not, for this is not simply a scientific experiment; it is more akin to a lively and joyous scientific party taking place in your own kitchen. And I am here as your party planner, committed to ensuring that it becomes the best party of your life!

To learn more, please visit our website! You will find two books (one for sourdough bread, and another for gluten-free sourdough bread), as well as our class schedule, swag, and more!

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected]

Community:

Farm Animal Baby Cuddling: from 3pm - 5pm every Saturday in March (March 16th, 23rd, 30th), at the Friendly Farm, 1104 Rebel Hollow Rd in Tazewell, Get your tickets

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Downtown on Saturday, March 16th at 1pm, starts at Gay Street and ends at Gay Street / West Magnolia after passing key downtown landmarks

Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Tennessee Children’s Home: Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and a drink for $5 at Aubrey’s Cedar Bluff, 9208 Middlebrook Pike on Saturday, March 16th from 8am - 10am. Tickets

Used Book Sale at Powell Branch Library: on Saturday, March 16th from 10am - 5pm, 330 W Emory Rd

Game Nights at Fountain City Social: on Mondays, March 18th and 25th from 6pm-8pm, 4842 Harvest Mills Way, Everyone welcome, More Info

Pancake Fest 2024: on Friday, March 22nd from 7am - noon at the O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. More Info

Used Book Sale at Farragut Branch Library: on Friday-Saturday, March 22nd-23rd from 10am - 5pm, 417 N Campbell Station Rd

Successful Seed Starting in Six Easy Steps: hosted by Knox County Master Gardners, on Saturday, March 23rd from 10am - 11:30am at the Bloom Center, Attendance is free, but registration is required Register Here, space is limited to 20 registrants, at The Bloom Center, 6228 Anderson Drive

Crafts:

Drawstring Easter Treat Bag - Sewing class (machine): at Creative Spark Studio, 2009 East Broadway Ave in Maryville, Thursday, March 14th at 5:30pm, More Info

Embellished Cold Process Soap Making with Elizabeth: at Creative Spark Studio, 2009 East Broadway Ave in Maryville, Sunday, March 17th at 2pm, More Info

Food & Drink:

Tea Tasting Workshops: at the Spice & Tea Exchange - Green & White Teas on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $30 per person per workshop. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Easter Afternoon Tea: with teas, finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and guitar music, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Sunday, March 31st at 3pm or 5pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $55 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Kids:

Kids and Youth Afternoon out, Spring Break Style: at Creative Spark Studio, 2009 East Broadway Ave in Maryville, Wednesday - Friday, March 13th - 15th, various times, More Info

Music:

Gospel Plowboys: Union County Opry at Union County High School, 150 Main St in Maynardville on Saturday, March 16th at 7pm, More Info

Theatre:

Mary Poppins: at the Lighthouse Youth Theatre, Historic Grove Theatre at 123 Randolph Road in Oak Ridge, Thursday-Friday, March 14th-15th at 7pm and Saturday, March 16th at 1pm and 6pm. Cost: $15 and up. Get Tickets/More Info

Theatre 23 Presents ‘As it is in Heaven’ by Arlene Hutton: set in the 1830’s Shaker society, at the Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State Street, showing Friday - Sunday, March 15th - 17th, About, Tickets

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