Berkeley Heights, Mountainside 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 Berkeley Heights and Mountainside neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about fiscal and monetary policy. Locally, Berkeley Heights residents are upset about an 8 percent tax increase and many say council has not done enough to find ways to cut costs.

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 Mountainside Board of Education is in the process of hiring a new Chief School 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 Berkeley Heights and Mountainside go to the heart of your American Dreams.