(NewsUSA) - As the holiday season approaches, so does the dilemma of holiday and year-end gift-giving. Whether you are seeking something for a friend, family member, or long-absent colleague, edible gifts are a can't-miss choice, and the range of tasty treats goes far beyond a prepacked gift basket.

Like many big ideas, Hahn's Old Fashioned Cake Company started small.

"All our cakes are baked fresh daily, and feature extra-large handmade crumbs," says owner Andrew Hahn, whose mother and father started Hahn's Old-Fashioned Cake Company in her kitchen.

The current selection of crumb cakes was inspired by an old family recipe that Mr. and Mrs. Hahn often made for friends and neighbors.

Word got out, and an expanding circle of crumb-cake fans began requesting cakes. A business was born, and it has been family-owned and operated for more than 35 years.

Key features that set Hahn's crumb cakes apart include:

• Quality. Hahn's crumb cakes are made fresh daily, with fresh eggs to create a moist base with optimum texture. They are popular not only as individual sales, but sell well in delis, coffee shops, and gourmet food markets.
• Convenience. Hahn's cakes are packed to ship or enjoy right away. For those lucky enough to live locally, curbside pickup and delivery are available in a limited radius through DoorDash and GrubHub.
• Crumbs. Crumbs and more crumbs. For those who can't resist picking the crumbs off a crumb cake, Hahn's has you covered.

The company recognizes the crumb-obsessed, and fills that niche with a Can of Crumbs or a Bucket of Crumbs. These ready-to-eat crumb treats are considered by many to be the best part of a crumb cake, and the bucket lends itself to easy shipping and gift-giving as well.

Crumb cake flavors include the original plain crumb cake (with plenty of crumbs), raspberry walnut, apple, and chocolate. There's something for brownie lovers, too; the company bakes a classic, fudgy chocolate brownie of the same caliber as its cakes.

Hahn's Old-Fashioned Cakes also offers fundraising opportunities for schools, churches, and non-profit organizations.

Visit crumbcake.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - COVID-19 has changed the way Americans approach elective surgery, sometimes in unexpected ways.

For example, a 16-year-old, dedicated sousaphone player, had two flat feet that made marching painful. But a hectic high school schedule didn't leave time for the corrective orthopedic surgery needed since birth.

"Both of our children love being musicians, but my child's feet created a real struggle," says the 16-year-old's father.

"When COVID-19 created flexible time, we knew it was a blessing in disguise."

"COVID-19 has increased my practice significantly, because people have time and flexibility to take care of non-critical health issues," says Dr. Elizabeth Hewitt, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the procedure.

However, the pandemic has shifted many elective surgeries from hospitals to smaller surgery centers that are perfect for patients such the high school muscian.

"Many of my patients are also concerned about being exposed to the virus in crowded hospitals," says Dr. Hewitt.

To keep patients safe and keep their practices efficient, smaller surgery centers have begun to outsource sterility and supply management to external suppliers. This strategy lets surgeons stay focused on providing specific procedures and the positive outcomes that all patients deserve.

For many of her patients, Dr. Hewitt has relied on Gramercy Extremity Orthopedics (GEO) to provide sterile instruments that were precisely what she needed.

Companies such as GEO are enabling hospitals and surgery centers to maintain high standards and control costs with outsourced surgical support such as the GEO CART®.

The GEO cart is a self-contained system that provides orthopedic surgeons with pre-sterilized packs of single-use instruments and implantable devices custom-ordered for each patient and procedure. The system is ready to use and designed for surgeons' needs, reducing or eliminating the need for company representatives in the operating room. The GEO cart also tracks supplies with an exclusive computerized radio frequency identification system, so the surgeons are never scrambling for substitute items.

"GEO works very closely with surgeons who understand how to provide their patients with the care and safety they deserve," says Scott Day, Chief Operating Officer at GEO.

"We offer the latest technology and can help eliminate many steps in the complicated surgical process where human error or inefficiencies can sneak in," he explains.

"Staff at hospitals and surgery centers are working to maintain the highest safety and efficiency standards at all times; they deserve the latest technology and process support to streamline surgery so they can focus on what really matters -- patients."

The high schooler's parents agree.

"Dr. Hewitt and the surgery center made my son's first surgery a terrific experience. We got phone updates every step of the way and never worried about safety," says the father.

Visit gramercyortho.com for more information.

(NewsUSA)
"The Sorting Room"
by Michael Rose

In Prohibition-era New York City, 10-year-old Eunice Ritter finds work in an industrial laundry sweat shop. When the diminutive girl first enters the sorting room, she encounters Gussie, the largest human being she has ever seen.

Gussie, a powerful, hard-working woman, soon becomes Eunice's sole friend as she finds herself entrapped in the laundry's sorting room by the Great Depression, sentenced to bring her low wages home to her alcoholic parents. Then, on her 16th birthday, Eunice becomes pregnant and her drunken father demands that the culprit marry his daughter, trapping her anew. Within a couple of years, Eunice settles into a lonely life of drudgery and spends decades in virtual solitude before her secret history is revealed to those from whom she has withheld her love. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3litJFc. 

"If Not You, Then Who? We're Going Green!"
by David and Emberli Pridham

The Inventor's Fair is finally here, and this year's theme is Going Green! Noah has been tinkering for weeks but he's worried: can one invention make a difference? Join Noah to learn about the different ways we can all go green and make the world a better place.

If you like fun, informative and factual kid's books like "The Magic School Bus," then you'll love the new STEM series "If Not You, Then Who?," a recent Amazon bestseller geared for 4 to 8-year-olds. The books are fun to read for both adults and children and can be read on multiple levels. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3yJZU3M.

"My Sister's Mother: A Memoir of War, Exile, and Stalin's Siberia"
by Donna Solecka Urbikas

In this unforgettable memoir, Donna Solecka Urbikas recounts her family history and her own survivor story as she finally understands the damaged mother who had saved her sister.

While Donna grew up in the U.S., her Polish-born mother and half sister endured dehumanizing conditions during World War II as slave laborers in Siberia. War and exile created a profound bond between mother and older daughter, one that Donna would struggle to find.

 In 1940, when Donna's mother and half sister were taken by Soviet secret police and sent to Siberia, so began their odyssey of hunger, disease, cunning survival, desperate escape and new love amidst terrible circumstances. In the 1950s, Donna yearns for a "normal" American family while Janina and Mira are haunted by the past. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3AmCwuj.

"Bartholomew Mills and the January Dawn"
by David Carmalt

The year is 1798 and Bartholomew Mills has never left Plymouth, let alone been to sea. Suddenly orphaned, he joins Captain James Morel aboard the January Dawn and quickly realizes that life on the ocean is fraught with danger…from nature itself as well as from a tyrannical crew.

These are the last years of Atlantic piracy for the Dawn; Morel and his sadistic first mate, Ivor Stanhope, will let nothing stand in the way of their journey toward the fertile hunting grounds of the Caribbean. Adventure ensues as Bartholomew and his small band of mates battle the elements, disease and the relentless threat of attack. But when he learns a terrible secret, Bartholomew's courage, loyalty and life will be tested. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DlLZ6I.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Winter is coming. It may not seem that way on a nice autumn day, but some parts of the country are already starting to feel a chill in the air, and those who live in snowy areas are thinking ahead.

The increased opportunities for remote work prompted many people to relocate to other states, and some of them may be looking at their first experiences with snowy winters.

Whether you are new to northern climates or a seasoned veteran of many blizzards, having the right tools can be the difference between getting around and getting stuck.

To that end, a snow blower may become your new best friend.

To help keep your snow blower in top shape, Cub Cadet, an American manufacturer of outdoor equipment including lawn mowers, yard tractors, and snow blowers, recommends six simple strategies to keep your snow blower working at its best.

• Safety first. Before you begin a routine maintenance check, place your snow blower on a flat surface, and allow it to cool with the engine off. Be sure to remove the safety ignition key to avoid turning on the engine.
• Change is good. Change the engine oil in your snow blower at the end of every season and after the first five hours of use this winter.
• Spark it up. Check your spark plug at the start of the winter season. If it just looks dirty, cleaning may be all it needs, but install a new spark plug if you see rust or corrosion.
• Boost your belt. Inspect the belts on your snow blower at the start of the season and replace them if they look worn. A fresh belt will keep your thrower functioning at its best and reduce the risk of its breaking during use.
• Fill the tank. Drain the gas tank at the end of the season, and fill it with fuel that includes stabilizer. This ensures that the fuel stays fresh if you have a mild period during the winter when your snow blower is used less frequently.
• Keep it smooth. Be sure to check that all the parts of your snow blower are moving smoothly, and tighten any nuts and bolts that may have come loose.

For more advice on winter- weather preparation and snow blower options, visit cubcadet.com.

(NewsUSA) - - A surge in home cooking was a ripple effect of more time spent at home last year. However, even with more emerging options for carryout and delivery, many people continue to embrace the fun and challenge of making more of their own food at home, and they want the right tools to match their culinary ambitions.

A deluxe blender can be a true workhorse in the home kitchen. The best models are powerful, versatile, and capable of making everything from smoothies to soups, hummus, and even frozen treats and peanut butter.

The Braun TriForce Power Blender is a powerhouse that does the heavy lifting for meal prep. With 1600 watts of power that performs at four times the speed of previous blenders, the TriForce Power Blender brings extra ease and convenience to fit the bill for home cooks who are still juggling working from home with food prep and are unmotivated by the idea of leftovers for lunch to take to newly reopened schools and offices.

Customization also sets the Braun TriForce Power Blender apart. The unique iTexture Control and automated settings include a soup setting that simultaneously heats as it blends, 10 manual speed settings, and multispeed pulse functions that allow for maximum customization and creativity.

"The seamless intuitive interface makes it easy to quickly master recipes," says Stephanie D'Introno, the Communications Manager for Braun Household. "With the range of settings, you can effortlessly emulsify the toughest ingredients such as hearty root vegetables and dense chunks of ice, ensuring that everything from silky smoothies to savory spreads are equally enjoyable based on your preference."

An easy interface lets prospective chefs choose from six food programs (smoothie, soup, chop, ice crush, frozen dessert and spread) and three different textures (smooth, medium, and course), to create 18 possible blends that will suit any palate.

Other innovative key features include a triangular jug design to reduce waste by keeping ingredients from getting stuck in corners, and a German-forged Precision Edge blade for durability and performance over years of use.

But wait, there's more: The Braun TriForce Power Blender cleans up after itself with a self-cleaning setting and an easy-to-wipe surface.

Visit braunhousehold.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - The number of women starting their own businesses continues to rise. According to data from American Express, women create more than 1,800 new businesses in the United States each day. As people reassess their careers and goals in the wake of the pandemic, more women are making the decision to start their own businesses and be their own bosses.

However, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that approximately 20 percent of new small businesses fail in their first year. The most common reasons that small businesses fail include: a lack of capital or funding, inadequate management and/or a bad business model.

Fortunately, smart financial planning can help avoid these common pitfalls.

Based on interviews with successful women entrepreneurs, Scott Ward, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, proposes creating a financial plan that incorporates three sequential stages of the entrepreneurial journey: the launch phase, the lead phase and the letting-go phase.

Launch. Ward advises women starting a business to transition into it, and not quit their day jobs just yet. This can be an effective way to manage cash flow. They should also pay themselves for their work and take a paycheck, maintain good credit and keep a close eye on their capital.

Lead. The lead phase is when business owners need to assess how to be leaders in their industries. Women who inherit existing businesses may need to innovate and invest in employees with fresh ideas. Expanding businesses must also be aware of legal and financial hurdles.

Let go (or don't). Don't forget about succession planning. Even as you enjoy the success of your business, a financial plan can be especially helpful on all areas affected by succession -- including business transition, tax planning, investment strategies and estate planning.

When choosing a CFP® professional to guide the launch of a startup business, Lynn Ballou, CFP® reminds women to ask questions and make an informed decision. In addition to asking financial advisors the typical questions, women entrepreneurs may also want to ask them to share:

• A sample financial plan for a startup business,
• How privacy and cyber security are handled, and
• How to create a team of advisors (if needed) to address various elements of business, such as insurance or tax.

"You can ask these questions at your first meeting or send them in advance, so the planner is ready to address them when you meet," Ballou says. "You might also find some of this information on the advisor's website."

If you are a female entrepreneur (or are interested in becoming one) and would like to collaborate further on a specific planning strategy, connect with a CFP® professional today. More resources and articles on small business planning and financial topics relevant for women can be found at LetsMakeAPlan.org.

(NewsUSA)

"We invest in you."

What's not to like about a company that makes that the theme of this year's National Manufacturing Day - as the Whirlpool Corporation just did - in honoring its 15,000-strong factory workforce spread across plants in Ohio, Iowa, Oklahoma, Massachusetts and Tennessee?

Especially, as in this case, when those words are backed up by a bedrock commitment to provide employees with opportunities that are about as coveted as the last drumstick at Thanksgiving.

1.Employee advancement

As one of the world's leading major home appliance companies, Whirlpoool Corporation has invested about $4 billion over the last five years into innovation in its American plants, its products, and the people who keep the lines running day in and day out. Credit initiatives like its "Everyday Performance Excellence" system for empowering workers to plan their career development with the help of team leaders.

Take Ashley Lehner, for instance. She started out temping as an assembler building doors on the dryer line at Whirlpool Corporation's Marion, Ohio plant in 2010, and steadily worked her way up to now lead its suggestion and knowledge inventory systems. "I worked really hard to become a more valuable asset to the company, and I hope to continue to grow within the organization," says Lehner, who's featured in this video about opportunities at the company.

Or Mike Wagers, who went from being an assembly line technician to materials manager at the Tulsa, Oklahoma cooking appliances plant in just a few short years. "I was looking for long-term stability, and this job gave it to me," he says. "The people who've supported me here have been fantastic."

2.Educational reimbursement

The website Comparably.com gives Whirlpool Corporation an "A" for its perks and benefits. And, yes, thankfully for anyone who's checked out the cost of higher education these days, that includes tuition assistance for full-time employees with at least one year of service - whether for an undergraduate, associate or master's degree.

"It's helping me advance my career," says Joshwa Bachelder, currently in operations at the Findlay, Ohio plant while pursuing an associate degree in business management.

3.Volunteerism

Habitat for Humanity. Women's shelters. United Way.

Those are just three of the tons of charities and local initiatives Whirlpool Corporation encourages its workers to contribute time and/or money to.

"Most people want to work for an employer who cares about its employees and also about the people in the local community," says Don Metzelaar, Whirlpool Corporation's vice president of integrated supply chain and quality for North America.

In fact, the company reports that one in three employees wind up volunteering.

Which translates into 400,312 volunteer hours invested annually.

"How I benefit when I volunteer in the community is just having a better sense of pride within myself, knowing that I'm giving back to others," says Jenna Jess, a senior cost accountant at the Clyde, Ohio plant, who helped raise money for a local shelter noted for providing services like life-skill classes and job referrals during the up to 60 days people stay there.

(NewsUSA)

There's no such thing as too much storage space. And that goes double for thoughtfully designed, carefully constructed cabinets, closets, shelves, and other home stowage solutions. "The most successful built-in storage answers a specific need," notes Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center. "It might be micro scale, like a drawer to store and charge electronic devices, or a macro project, such as outfitting an entire mudroom, but its usefulness, durability, and aesthetics will depend on how good the planning, materials, and execution are. Hardwood's versatility, strength, and good looks make it an ideal starting point when considering most home storage problems." Here are six inspiring examples of what Linda is talking about. 

1. In-drawer charging station

Smart phones, tablets, and other personal electronic devices, along with their tangle-prone power cords, are a perennial source of clutter. A dedicated drawer equipped with a charging outlet, as shown in this Chappaqua, New York custom kitchen by Studio Dearborn, gets the gadgets out of the way-and looking great against the blond wood millwork-while they power up. Photograph: Adam Kane Macchia

2. Pots and pans drawers and pullouts

Studio Dearborn tackles an even bigger problem-how to keep pots, pans, and other culinary equipment close to a cooktop without creating a jumble-in this Sleepy Hollow, New York custom kitchen. A deep center drawer holding bulky saucepans is flanked by a pair of vertical pullouts for smaller utensils and bottles of cooking oil, a practical and elegant solution. Photograph: Adam Kane Macchia

3. Kitchen island storage

A custom kitchen in Chicago by 210 Design House featuring Plain & Fancy cabinetry makes exemplary use of the center island's inherent storage possibilities. Open shelves and deep cubbies not only help break up a visually massive piece of solid-walnut furniture but also provide neat pigeonholes for magazines and attractive display space for silverware, ceramics, and wickerwork. Photograph: Tony Soluri Photography

4. Under-stair storage

The wedge-shape void beneath a staircase is often underutilized real estate in multilevel residences. Specht Architects makes the most of this no-man's-land in a tiny New York loft with a triangle of custom built-in cupboards and drawers. Exquisitely calibrated to use the maximum available space, the storage wall also creates an almost sculptural work of decorative design. Photograph: Taggart Sorensen

5. Built-in wine storage

The space at the top of a staircase can be almost as problematic as the underside. In remodeling an Omaha, Nebraska house, Steven Ginn Architects and designer Marilyn Offut use custom hardwood shelving, cabinets, and wine-storage system to create a welcoming and practical cellar in what otherwise could be a wasted nook. Photograph: Kessler Photography

6. Mud room built-ins

Making the most of this Denver, Colorado mudroom's generous dimensions, Terra Firma Custom Homes has provided separate alder cubbies for each member of a family. While all share a bench for taking off boots, there are individual under-seat recesses for storing damp footwear, hooks for outdoor clothing, and wire-mesh-fronted lockers for personal items. Photograph: Kimberly Gavin Photography

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about built-in storage with American hardwoods.