It's the time to start thinking about which school is right for your child in the Metro system. Anna talks with Shelby Doyle, Sr. VP of Policy and International Partnerships at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

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NASHVILLE AND MIDSTATE HOSPITALS NAMED TOP IN THE NATION*

U.S. News and World Report and Forbes have listed several local hospitals as cream of the crop!
For Maternity Care, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown (sometimes called “The Baby Hospital”, for delivering more babies than any other hospital in the state) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of 2026’s “Nation’s Best Hospitals.”
In this episode of Focus, Richelle Graham, Chief Nursing Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas, Midtown, tells what it takes to reach that level of excellence. Specialized areas include Care for Moms and Babies, including even the most complex pregnancies, and a full continuum of services, including certified nurse midwives and an experienced team of OB physicians, neonatal nurses and maternal fetal medicine specialists. She also talks about pre and post natal support and educational programs. You can find out more about them HERE.

*U.S. News and World Report also ranked Vanderbilt University Medical Center as number 1 in Nashville and Tennessee, and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt recognized as one of the top Children’s Hospitals in the nation.

And Williamson Medical Center has been named on Forbes Magazine’s inaugural “Top Hospitals” 2026 list.

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Anna speaks with Psychologist Dr. Kathryn Sherrod, PhD, about how children cope with the excitement and occasional overwhelming events of the holiday season. Also, ways we as adults can face relatives who "push our buttons" and irritate us to the extreme on family get-togethers.

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Anna Marie talks with Dawn Rutledge of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee about the organizations many activities. They include:

• Northwest Xmas Tree1 – The YMCA of Middle Tennessee invites the community to join in spreading some joy and give a little extra support to families who need it this holiday season. Several YMCA locations are partnering with various organizations and encouraging others to join in holiday-themed events, provide gifts for individuals in need and help to ensure people have access to essential supplies and resources this winter.
• Strengthening community.. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone—regardless of age, income or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
• Y-CAP Student Champion Awards – Since 1986, Y-CAP has been empowering students across Middle Tennessee to succeed through literacy tutoring, social and emotional learning programs, and college and career readiness resources—all at no cost.
• BreastCancer 2 – This year, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee celebrated 25 years of offering the After Breast Cancer program.
• AOA - The YMCA of Middle Tennessee offers a variety of wellness opportunities for Active Older Adults.
• Full Circle is a YMCA outreach program that gives individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability access to classes and activities that encourage self-sufficiency, socialization and staying active.
• Health and Fitness The YMCA of Middle Tennessee has a variety of programs and classes to help you achieve your unique health and wellness goals.

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Anna discusses the work of the Greater Nashville United Way. At United Way of Greater Nashville, their mission is to unite the community and mobilize resources so that every child, individual and
family thrives.
So many people are struggling right now, and don't know where to start, to get help. Ace Timmermeier, the Director, Regional Community Impact, says United Way can be your first stop to find the resources you need. They work to ensure that all families have a stable place to call home, food to eat and support in times of crisis.
Hear https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/

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As we turn the page on a new year, Paige Zulandt, Regional
Communications Manager with the American Red Cross of Tennessee asks
donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets
now to help keep the blood supply strong during National Blood Donor
Month in January.
As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for
blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give
Jan. 1-26, 2025, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an
exciting Super Bowl LIX giveaway. For full details, check out the
attached news release and www.RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl

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Anna talks with Salvation Army Area Commander Bill Mockabee, who says our financial support helps them provide clothing, food, rent and utility help for families in crisis, a summer camp for kids, supportive housing including life navigation education, disaster services, the Annual Angel Tree program, and so much more.

You'll be surprised to hear how far-reaching those dollars given to the Salvation Army can be. It goes well beyond the annual Angel Tree Program, that provides toys, clothing and household items for families in need. When you donate at a Salvation Army Bell-ringer location, via cash or by scanning a code, or whether you donate online or in the mail, your money helps people in our community all year long! Above all, your dollars help provide hope for our brothers and sisters in need.

Click HERE for more information.

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Insurance is a Confusing topic. Health insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance, disability and long-term care insurance.. How do we get what we need, and where do we even start? Today's guest is Paris Jackson, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, and she's going to give you some simple, do-able financial things today, with a focus on Insurance. Be ready to take some notes if you can!
Here's the link to get in touch with her: LINK

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