Introducing 'Dispatches: The Changing American Dream'

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers, nationwide: "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 on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams which a multitude of people are working toward. Looking out across almost 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 Avon neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about which government-building efforts are "shovel-ready." Locally, there are some development projects underway, such as the construction of and a primary care walk-in clinic, both along Route 44. There are other proposals being considered for the future, such as the Capitol Region Education Council's application to build a on Watervile Road and an Avon conceptual plan to develop a more defined in Avon Park North.

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, is preparing for the accredidation process. The leadership of the Avon public school district is also undergoing changes, as Avon residents welcomed as the new superintendent in March and the school board searches for a new assistant superintendent to replace .

"DisPatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help. Please tell us what issues and what stories in Avon go to the heart of your American Dream. Contact Avon Patch Editor Jessie Sawyer at 860-356-6339 or Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com to share your stories and ideas.