Bob Sierra North Tampa Family YMCA Northdale Pumpkin Run: Nov. 4thTampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Goody Goody Turkey Gobble 5K, 8K & Fun Run: Nov. 23rdHealthy Holidays Fitness Challenge – starts in November

My name is Cristin Jackson, passionate director at the Tampa YMCA, mom of two wonderful (mostly), energetic, wildly different and amazing boys, 10 & 8 and wife of husband Steve, totally awesome (mostly) hard -working guy and engaging dad. While this is all well and good, I am also a human who cannot sit still. I literally climb the walls every weekend if we are not doing something FUN, NEW and/or EXCITING – it’s exhausting but you only live once! Why should this matter to you? Well, because of all of this, I have quite honestly explored, participated in and/or visited over 100 family-friendly events, attractions, festivals, landmarks, etc. within an hour of our amazing city…and, my goal with this article, is to share some of the best of the best I have experienced. I will try to include as much valuable information as possible in a quick, easy to read and find format (so, the next issue will totally not have this many words!). Whew, that was a lot! Thanks for reading this far…now, on to the good stuff. COMING SOON

HEALTHY FAMILY FALL RECIPE

This Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake combines some of my favorite things: fresh vegetables (including broccoli–suprise!), creamy cheese sauce, and make-ahead convenience. Pair this casserole with grilled chicken, fish, or hard-boiled eggs for protein, and a side of fresh fruit, for a super-tasty, balanced meal.DIRECTIONS1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.2. Chop broccoli and onion. Mince garlic.3. Bake or microwave squash until tender. Scoop the strands of

squash with a fork and place in a baking dish. Roast broccoli and place in the baking dish with the squash.

4. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook about 2 minutes. Stir in flour. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continually 3 - 4 minutes.

5. Add milk and chicken broth and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick, about 2 minutes stirring; season with salt and pep-per. Once it becomes thick, remove from heat, add cheddar cheese and mix well until cheese is melted.

6. Pour mixture into the baking dish with the cooked spaghetti squash and broccoli. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.

INGREDIENTS • 2 medium Spaghetti Squash • 3 cup broccoli, florets • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 small onion • 2 clove garlic • 1/4 cup flour, all-purpose • 1 1/2 cup milk • 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, ground • 2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded • 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake

AMAZING MAZES & PERFECT PATCHESIn no particular order, Top 3 (that I have visited, if you have others, please share on our Facebook Page, so everyone can visit!)

• Sweetfields Farm Masaryktown, Hernando County, FL Pumpkin patch, U-Pick veggies, corn maze, hay rides, crafts, farm animals, AND MORE! $9.50 for adults and kids over 12, $5 for kids 3-11, FREE 2 and under. Tip – only open on weekends, and parking fills up fast! Get there early, and enjoy the whole day!

• Fox Squirrel Corn Maze between Lakeland & Plant City Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, games, arts & crafts, food & MORE! $11 for adults, $10 for kids 3-17, FREE 2 and under. Tip – there is an onsite antique store and food trucks, plan on having yummy food and seeing some pretty cool old stuff!

• Harvest Moon Farm Masaryktown, Hernando County, FL Pumpkin patch, 5 acre corn maze, giant jumping pillow, petting zoo, pony rides, games and MORE! $11.95 for adults and children 3 and up. Tip – this is very close to Sweetfields, so if one is super busy, you can easily try the other. Also, there is a Flash Light version of the maze – haven’t tried it, but may be something fun for the family!

FAMILY LIFE HACKSHALLOWEEN FUN EVENTS AT THE Y!10/13 Campo Family YMCA Pumpkin Splash

10/21 Bob Sierra Family YMCA Phantom Fest

10/25 New Tampa Family YMCA Trunk or Treat Extravaganza

10/26 West Park Village YMCA Spooktacular Event

10/27 Campo Family YMCA Trunk or Treat

10/27 East Pasco Family YMCA Drive-In Movie & Trunk or Treat

10/27 Bob Gilbertson Central City YMCA Trunk or Treat

10/28 South Tampa Family YMCA Annual Boo Bash

10/28 Plant City Family YMCA Trunk or Treat Celebration

10/29 Bob Sierra Family YMCA Pumpkin Splash

10/30 Northwest Family YMCA 2nd Annual Thriller Family Fun Walk and Event

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PRESENTED BY MedExpress. Benefits the YMCA’s Annual Community Support Campaign and the Northdale Civic Assn.

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ILY AND PET-FRIENDLY

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SATURDAYNOVEMBER 48AM RAIN OR SHINE