Calling Maine home

… We are originally from Santa Barbara, Calif., and spent the last three years in Tucson, Ariz. We recently moved to the Bangor area following my wife’s acceptance of a faculty position at the University of Maine. When we told family and friends we were moving to Maine, we were told that Mainers were unkind to newcomers, particularly to those from “away.” …

My wife, Gwen, was recently featured on the front page of the Bangor Daily News describing her experiences as a patient in a Los Angeles hospital during the recent catastrophic earthquake. We were overwhelmed by the support, generosity, kindness and emphathy from neighbors, friends, co-workers, church members and numerous other individuals who contacted us and offered us help.

We came to Bangor hoping for a small-town ambiance but were afraid that this had somehow got lost in mainstream America. Although Southern California may appeal to many Americans for its ideal weather, warmth and concern for neighbors is greatly lacking. We encourage the residents of this area to appreciate what a wonderful environment the community and state of Maine provides. …

We have searched a long time for a place to raise our children and to call “home” and finally found where we belong. David and Gwen Morse Bangor