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2020



FIRST WORD
Finding the Fun
PJ Feinstein
Lifestyle Editor
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Let us know what’s on your mind.

info@washingtonFAMILY.com The transition from summer to fall has always been my
favorite: a new school year ripe with possibility. Apple
picking and pumpkin carving. Cooler temperatures
and, of course, Halloween.

However, because it’s 2020—and nothing is normal
anymore—autumn this year looks different. Most
of our kids started school at home rather than in
the classroom, with some parents opting for home
schooling instead of hybrid or virtual learning. A spring
frost damaged much of the area’s apple crop, so there
are fewer available apples to pick, and the CDC now
recommends we eschew Halloween traditions like
trick-or-treating and indoor costume parties because of
COVID-19. If that all sounds depressing to you, I understand.

We’re used to doing things in certain ways. But just
because life has to be different right now doesn’t mean
it can’t also be fun. Take Halloween, for example: In
this issue, writer Jamie Davis Smith explores how to
make the most of the spooky day, from new ways to
trick-or-treat to novel ideas for at-home celebrations.

We also have the most creative pumpkin craft I’ve
ever seen and a Halloween costume contest! (For
more information, visit washingtonfamily.com/
halloweencontest2020.) As for the new school year—well, we asked parents
to keep a journal of their child’s first week of school,
and while there were highs and lows to everyone’s
week, it seems like most kids (and parents) are
adjusting to new ways of learning. You can read about
their experiences on page 15.

Finally, I had the privilege of chatting with one of my
childhood heroes, gymnast Dominique Dawes, for our
Mom Life column. The Olympic gold medalist opened
her new Clarksburg gymnastics and ninja academy
during the pandemic, which is just more proof that
good things can happen during challenging times. You
can watch a video of our conversation on our website.

Keep wearing your masks, and look for the fun this
fall. Happy reading!
ONLINE & IN PERSON MUSIC LESSONS
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