For Karen Phillips, it all started with a small potbellied pig. When the veterinarian was working at a local shelter, a tiny pig came in, but the facility was not equipped to deal with the farm animal. So, Phillips took him home. And that was the beginning of Hope Haven, a nonprofit farm animal sanctuary.

Creating with your own two hands is beneficial in many ways, according to several research studies. Some studies have found that creative work satisfies a basic need to make things, and creating items by hand can increase the sense of well-being, be relaxing, and reduce stress — to say nothing of the actual satisfaction of creating something. But studies aside, local crafting studio owners have seen firsthand how much people enjoy crafting.

Most people in the area have probably heard of Troy Hill, but many may have problems actually identifying the specific area that is considered Troy Hill.