The saying goes that there is no manual handed to parents when they leave the hospital on how to take care of their baby. However, any devotee of Atlanta-based Moms on Call would tell you otherwise.

Founded by two pediatric nurses, Laura Hunter and Jennifer Walker, the baby care methodology is wildly successful. Their first book, Baby Basic Care 0-6 Months, is celebrating 20 years in print this year with a 20th anniversary edition.

The Moms on Call love isn’t just local to Atlanta; they recently did a consult for someone in Thailand and had a request for a book to be sent to the United Arab Emirates. Over one million copies have been sold, and Facebook Marketplace searches have endless options for used copies.

The two never set out to create a baby care empire. Working as nurses in a pediatric office, they wanted to streamline information for patients. “We took calls after hours and were the only practice in Atlanta that did that,” remembers Hunter. “We printed off a little folder and went into our patient clients’ homes to teach them in hopes they’d stop calling us at 2 a.m.,” laughs Hunter.

The physical folders became so popular that they eventually reached a famous fan, singer Kenny Rogers. He encouraged the pair to create a business around their program. Hunter and Walker self-published a first print run of 1,000 copies in 2005. “Our only goal was to bring confidence into our clients’ homes,” says Hunter.

Photograph courtesy of Moms on Call

Despite their success, their method is often criticized for being a rigid sleep training method, something Hunter says was not the intention. “We started getting calls at the pediatrician’s office saying that the babies were sleeping so much better. It was a byproduct of the confidence,” Hunter says. “We feel a schedule should give you predictability and flexibility, so when it goes off the rails, you can make pivots and shifts. And, you’ll know that a reset time is coming,” she says.

The methodology hasn’t changed much in 20 years, but the amount of Moms on Call content has grown immensely. The recommendations have expanded to include the toddler years, guiding parents from birth to Kindergarten. The empire now includes books, an online store, online courses (Moms on Call was the first place to find a non-court-mandated parenting course online, says Walker), trained consultants, and an app, which was recently updated. It has logging capabilities, schedule guidance, sleep guidance, milestone tracking, access to a moderated community, and more.

The robust catalog of content is part of the duo’s commitment to their clients. “Laura and I have always been dedicated to figuring out how to navigate it all on behalf of new parents,” says Walker. “We wanted to be everywhere that new parents look for information to breed confidence and positivity, not fear.”

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ATLANTA – A former senior executive at Atlanta Housing is expected to plead guilty in the coming weeks to federal charges of defrauding more than $60,000 from Section 8 and COVID-19 relief programs, according to federal prosecutors.

The backstory:

Tracy Jones, who served as the agency’s senior vice president of the Housing Choice Voucher Program since 2017, was arraigned last week on charges of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, wire fraud and credit application fraud. Jones oversaw one of the largest Section 8 programs in the country before being charged.

What they’re saying:

U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg announced that Jones has indicated she will enter a guilty plea to all three charges. 

During the arraignment, Hertzberg detailed a complex web of deception used to carry out the fraud.

“She used a shell business entity, she used a false affidavit,” Hertzberg said. “She convinced friends to lie and present false documents on her behalf. She used a fake name.”

The investigation revealed that Jones allegedly used an alternate identity and multiple business entities to siphon funds intended for the community’s neediest residents. While her attorney, Samuel Joseph, declined to comment on the charges, prosecutors expect the case to be resolved with the upcoming plea.

The other side:

In response to the legal proceedings, Atlanta Housing released a statement: “As this is an active legal matter, Atlanta Housing is unable to comment at this time. We will follow all appropriate protocols related to both internal and external reviews of all claims.”

The agency has already moved to fill the vacancy left by Jones’ departure, appointing Shannon Linsey to the post on Monday. 

ATLANTA – Looking for ways to get out and enjoy the final days of the holiday season? This week’s Things to Do list features live music, comedy, family-friendly activities, arts events, and festivals happening across metro Atlanta and beyond.

Fulton County

A Drag Queen Christmas Dec. 26, doors at 7 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta A touring holiday variety show featuring past contestants from the television series RuPaul’s Drag Race. The performance includes musical numbers and comedy routines intended for adult audiences. 

The Holiday in Concert with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Dec. 27–28, Sat. at 7 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta A screening of the 2006 film The Holiday accompanied by a live performance of the film’s score by the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Dec. 26–28, various matinees Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta A puppet-theater adaptation of the 1964 television special. Tickets include admission to the museum’s puppetry exhibits.

Rod Wave: The Redemption Experience Tour Dec. 28 State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta Rod Wave brings his Redemption Experience Tour to downtown Atlanta for a major arena performance.

Mother’s Finest 8 p.m. Dec. 27 Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta Mother’s Finest, the Atlanta-founded American funk rock band, takes the stage at Buckhead Theatre.

Ship Wrek 10 p.m. Dec. 27 Believe Music Hall, 181 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta Electronic music artist Ship Wrek headlines a high-energy show joined by Tresfalcons, Sam Shakery, and Six Cents.

Apollo 8: Man’s First Trip to the Moon 2 p.m. Dec. 27 Mimms Museum of Technology and Art, 5000 Commerce Parkway, Roswell A “Talking Tech” presentation exploring Apollo 8’s historic 1968 Christmas mission, led by a NASA Solar System Ambassador.

FairyTale Village Through Dec. 31 North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta Families can meet live characters, explore themed villages, enjoy interactive storytelling, and create seasonal crafts.

Too Fast, Too Festivus Through Dec. 31 Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta Presented by Dad’s Garage and Horizon Theatre, this fast-paced holiday comedy pokes fun at Atlanta culture with a festive twist.

Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Statements Through Feb. 8 High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta The High Museum presents the first major U.S. retrospective of fashion designers Viktor&Rolf, featuring more than 100 avant-garde works.

DeKalb County

Nerd Yard Sale 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 27–28 6009 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain The Nerd Yard Sale features items for collectors, cosplayers, gamers, and fandom lovers.

Jaime Jorge 5:30 p.m. Dec. 27 Atlanta First Hispanic Church, 111 Pounds Road, Tucker Renowned violinist and speaker Jaime Jorge, who has performed in 80 countries across six continents, presents an evening of music and inspiration.

Rocco Gorelik 5 p.m. Dec. 27 Eddie’s Attic, 545 N. McDonough Street, Decatur Fifteen-year-old country singer Rocco Gorelik brings his traditional sound to Eddie’s Attic.

Cobb County

The Nutcracker (Atlanta Ballet) Dec. 26–27, matinee and evening performances Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta Atlanta Ballet’s annual production of the Tchaikovsky ballet, featuring digital projections and live accompaniment by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. 

Lights of Life Dec. 26–28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta A 1.5-mile drive-through light display on the campus of Life University. The event includes a 60-foot tall tree and a petting zoo on-site.

When Harry Met Sally 3 p.m. Dec. 28 Strand Marietta, 117 N. Park Square NE, Marietta The Strand’s holiday movie series continues with a screening of the romantic comedy classic When Harry Met Sally.

Gwinnett County

Atlanta Gladiators vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates Dec. 27–28, Sat. at 7:10 p.m., Sun. at 3:10 p.m. Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth ECHL professional hockey game. Intermission activities and ticket promotions vary by game date. 

Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE Dec. 27, doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Gas South Theater, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth A musical tribute to Prince led by Marshall Charloff, focusing on the artist’s 1980s discography. 

Kwanzaa 2025: Celebrating Kujichagulia Dec. 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Gwinnett County Public Library (Duluth Branch), 3180 Main Street, Duluth A community event observing the second day of Kwanzaa. Programming includes drumming, storytelling, and cultural history presentations.

Cherokee County

Holiday Lights of Hope Dec. 26–28, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock A walk-through light display with over two million lights. Proceeds benefit local charitable organizations; the site includes a vendor village and a maze.

On The Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute 9 p.m. Dec. 27 MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main St., Woodstock On The Border brings its Eagles tribute show to Woodstock for a night of classic rock favorites.

Hall County

Magical Night of Lights Dec. 26–28, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford A seven-mile drive-through light display that concludes at a holiday village featuring fire pits and amusement rides.

Paulding County

Holiday Break Skating Dec. 26–28, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sparkles Family Fun Center, 441 Main St, Hiram Extended public skating hours for the school holiday break. The facility offers laser tag and an arcade in addition to the rink.

Fayette County

A Horse for the Holidays Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Flying Change Equine Therapy, 1378 Adams Rd, Fayetteville An outdoor event featuring horses in holiday attire and a campfire. The program is designed to be accessible for those with sensory sensitivities. 

Peachtree City Magical Golf Cart Tour Dec. 26–28, various tour times Peachtree City Cart Tours, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City Guided tours of residential light displays via the city’s 100-mile multi-use path system. Tours are conducted in street-legal golf carts.

Henry County

Noel Magic Lights Dec. 26–28, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EchoPark Speedway, 1500 Tara Pl, Hampton A drive-through light show staged on the professional race track. The display is synchronized to music and includes several light tunnels. 

Pickens County

Winter Hike at Eagle’s Rest Dec. 27–28, sunrise to sunset Eagle’s Rest Park, 1159 Eagle’s Rest Road, Jasper The park provides access to the “Grand Stairway” and an observation deck overlooking the Blue Ridge foothills. Trails are open for self-guided hiking.

HOLIDAY LISTS

If you would like to submit an item for a future list, send an email with information to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.