Scotch Plains, Fanwood and the Changing American Dream

We're excited to announce the inauguration of our new series, "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation consistently so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us. This series is about how America works, how we realize our dreams and life as we know it. It's about how we approach our lives, our relationships, our jobs, our communities and ourselves.

We know the American Dream is different for everyone. We know many of our friends, family and neighbors are working toward the goal of reaching their own dreams, helping others get there and nurturing not only themselves but their communities along the way.

Looking out across nearly 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Scotch Plains and Fanwood neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about fiscal and monetary policy. Locally, disagreement over how to use a six-figure surplus in the Scotch Plains sewer utility sharply divided the township council; and throughout both Scotch Plains and Fanwood, residents have vigorously debated the latest township, borough and school budgets.

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children. Locally, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education is in the process of hiring a new Business Administrator that will work to high standards bring a level of success to students.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth in our Patch towns throughout the year.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Scotch Plains and Fanwood go to the heart of your American Dreams.