Community Corner

Welcome to 'Dispatches: The Changing American Dream'

In this ongoing series, Patch will explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in striving for a better life in America in 2011.

Today, we're excited to kick off a new series, "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream," that will chronicle how the residents of central Connecticut are adjusting to these trying economic times.

The simmering national debates about unemployment, home foreclosures, the debt ceiling, religion, government and the military (among others) all reflect how we see ourselves and our communities in this time of dizzying change. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities of life in 2011. 

Looking out across nearly 900 Patch sites spread all over the country, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home to live 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 innovate, and locals who've taken these trying times as a call to participate more, and not less, in their government.

Find out what's happening in Windsorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At the local level, we want to know where you, as someone who lives or works in Windsor, sit along these fault lines. We don't think there's one American Dream any more, but a multitude of American Dreams that a multitude of people are working toward.

Just as Americans as a whole have been forced to alter their lifestyles over the past few years, there's a great shift occurring right here in Windsor. Bare shelves at the Windsor Food Pantry have made it tough for some families to make it day to day. In response to the escalating number of families and individuals financially in a bind, many have stepped up to the plate to offer a helping hand — organizing fundraisers and even creating organizations like Windsor's new Pet Food Pantry.

Find out what's happening in Windsorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At Town Hall the gears are grinding in an effort to prepare Windsor for the future. Land is being sold to developers on a regular basis — the prospect of a booming Windsor years from now. In neighborhoods across town, however, some families are leaving town, some are coming in. The possibility of adding rental properties, something the town hasn't done in decades, is quickly becoming a reality as it is becoming increasingly difficult for young professionals to afford to start a family in Windsor.

There are those who grew up in town, returned to build the life they dreamt of, only to find themselves laid off and unable to find work. In response, some have started their own businesses or chased their passions. Others are searching for what their new career path will be.

"Dispatches" will shed light on the trials and tribulations, joys and triumphs, of living life as an American in 2011. 
And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Windsor go to the heart of your American Dream by e-mailing me at Julian.McKinley@Patch.com.


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