Introducing Our New Series About the Changing American Dream in Hazelwood

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "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 , , , 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 nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their ; 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 , 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 Hazelwood residents and neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

At the national level there's also a debate about which government-building efforts are "shovel-ready." Locally, we know that fostering a in our community has been a key to our city's success, and we count on our city government to balance that with an equal respect for our neighborhoods, homes and families.

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, we are part of the in the state, with new middles schools that were built in the last six years, classroom additions being constructed all over the district and a bold new initiative bringing technology into the classroom.

We also know Hazelwood's public and private schools are producing talented students, at the same time districts are having to cut costs.

Nationally, there's a debate about when we'll see signs of economic recovery. In Hazelwood, the , while .

"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: Tell us what issues and what stories in Hazelwood go to the heart of your American Dream.