Westwood 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 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 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.

The idea of constant change has certainly resonated in Westwood.

Last year's budget for the Westwood Public School system saw a , forcing the district to make cuts in various areas. But despite those economic setbacks, students said they were , and a variety of student groups during the holiday season last year. Moreover, the district's Fiscal Year 2012 budget saw a , a welcome change.

And it didn't stop there. Others in town have seemed to push on. , which has been in business for more than two decades, has seen its fair share of changes for a small business, but is managing to continue business and maintain its core customer base.

Likewise, it was just last year that the town approved for the , the work on which has been moving along for months, and is expected to culminate next year.

"Westwood 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 this community go to the heart of your American Dream.

Email Westwood Patch Editor Matt Perkins at mattp@patch.com anytime and express your thoughts and insights.