Even though things have changed a bit in recent years – the town is definitely “graying” in terms of demographics – it’s always refreshing to see children and families at work and play here.

Early last Wednesday morning I was invited to attend a “thank you and appreciation pancake breakfast” at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale McKee Branch.

Yes, that’s a mouthful, but for those who haven’t seen the branch, I’d definitely recommend stopping by the facility some time.

New Director Justin Duran would be happy to give you a tour and show you around. They have a ton of stuff going on over there.

The thank you breakfast highlighted some of the talent among local youths, including a speech from teen Melissa Ervin, the branch’s 2015 “youth of the year.”

It’s clear the people who work at the branch – along with the kids who attend there – love the place.

Another event to attend if you ever need a dose of “youthfulness” is the annual Eggstravaganza.

Golden Eagle Park is literally crawling with young families as the 30-second quest for goodie-filled plastic eggs commences on the ballfields at 9 a.m.

There is always plenty of other kid-related activities going on in conjunction with Eggstravaganza, including the Noon Kiwanis pancake breakfast, so many families come early or stay afterward.

Golden Eagle Park right now is also bustling in the early evening hours, as the Fountain Hills Little League organizes games at the ballfields.

The T-ballers usually kick up the dust first, giving way to the “older” kids later in the evenings.

I remember those days well. Coaching T-ball meant hanging with the kids in the “outfield” and trying to get them to not play in the dirt so much. It was pretty much a losing battle, but fun nonetheless.

Lots of good memories, though. And the hot dogs were always good in the concession stand. Stop by some evening and see young families in action.

Another fun development earlier this month was the long-anticipated delivery of the “new” athletic team bus for high school sports team.

Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation and Athletic Boosters Club, a relatively new school bus was converted to a sports bus – sporting more leg room, a cool paint job on the outside and other amenities.

The bus will provide a safe ride for our athletes, especially on those longer trips around Arizona, and make a statement as it rolls into a rival community.

I’ve seen similar busses roll into our town from other high schools, so this is a nice addition to our fleet. And the money isn’t coming from a cash-strapped school budget.

So this is still a great community in which to raise a family. We just need more of them to start moving in again…