Ruth Moss came to Hancock County in 1972. At that time, the County was solidly Republican. Not easily discouraged, Ruth and her husband Alvin promoted progressive change through the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and before long, the Democratic Party. Ruth became Chair of the Hancock County Democratic Committee. Back then, there were few volunteers and little energy or passion available to stir up support for Democratic candidates. Ruth launched in to build a party single-handedly. People were looking for a leader, and Ruth soon had a loyal following. While Ruth has retired from her official capacities in the party, she would not have missed this historic campaign for the world. She was a regular volunteer for our phone banks, and her energy and enthusiasm delighted all who spent time at our Headquarters with her. Ruth's commitment to Democratic activism has inspired her successors. HCDC is now respected throughout the state as a model for county organization. That is the legacy that the Ruth Moss Society honors. Today, thanks to the dedicated work of our volunteers and the financial generosity of Ruth Moss Society members, HCDC is able to provide vital support to all our Democratic candidates. Please help keep the Grassroots strong here in Hancock County by joining or renewing your membership in the Ruth Moss Society. Donations may be made online at our ActBlue Ruth Moss Society page, or by mail to Ruth Moss Society, c/o HCDC, PO Box 1414, Ellsworth, ME 04605. A tribute to Ruth's late husband Alvin Moss may be found here. Ruth Moss Society Democracy Award Today, in our grassroots-driven County organization, many individuals carry on Ruth's legacy through their unique contributions. The Ruth Moss Society Democracy Award seeks to recognize volunteers each year for service that exemplifies Ruth's dedication. We are now seeking nominations for the 2009 Democracy Award. Nominees should be volunteers who have contributed to the ideals of Democracy here in Hancock County. HCDC officers and Executive Committee members and paid staff are excluded from consideration. At the May 3, 2008 Ruth Moss Night, we honored stellar volunteers Howard Dene and Louise Storer with the 2008 Ruth Mosss Society Democracy Award. Howard Dene of Ellsworth is one of our top phone bankers, and Louise Storer, also of Ellsworth, is a a data entry volunteer extraordinaire. Shown here, Howard Dene accepts the award from Chair Dexter Bellows. The first two winners, Margaret Knutson and Jean Devereux, were honored on Ruth Moss Night, March 10, 2007. A press release on the event is here, and a photo gallery is here. Margaret Knutson and Jean Devereux, 2007 Ruth Moss Society Democracy Award winners.