Wednesday, November 20, the Mission will hold its Annual Meeting and leadership team elections. The meeting will be held at the Sr. Debbie Blow, OP, Operations Center and Warehouse at 3452 State Route 22, Peru, NY 12972 at 6:00 pm. All general membership are welcome to attend and vote.
A copy of the Bios of those running for the Leadership Team this year for the General Leadership Positions and Executive Board is atttached. Also attached is a copy of the ballots with the candidates' names and voting instructions. You will see that we have four open positions on the Leadership Team and only two candidates.
You are encouraged to nominate yourself or someone else (please check with them first) for any open positions on either of the Ballots. We ask that if you are not attending the meeting in person or via Zoom, nominations for open positions be submitted by Monday, November 18, so we can get them out to the general membership for consideration.
ALL general members are eligible voters and are encouraged to cast their vote. Voting can be done in person, via Zoom, or by emailing jpcarlin1963@gmail.com and debbiefrederickmoh@gmail.com before NOON on November 20. The work of the Mission affects thousands of lives, and the participation of the membership is an important check and balance on the mission we carry out.
EXECUTIVE BOARD BIOS
KARA MILLER- SECRETARY
I wanted to officially send an email stating my interest in the Secretary postion on the MOH Board. I am a Licensed Social Worker and Program Director with Rehabilitation Support Services(RSS). I oversee the Adult Health Home Care Management Program in the Hudson Valley, working with low income individuals and helping them connect to health and community resources. We have over 20 staff and 600 clients throughout 5 counties also. I also recently became the Clinician for a new program that RSS acquired in Sullivan County, that does street outreach to homeless individuals and helps them connect to and maintain housing.
The Mission of Hope had a huge impact on me when I was lucky enough to travel in high school in the early 2000s and then again as an adult in 2015. I was one of the first student leaders as well and I honestly think it is what helped pave my path to do the work I am today. To be a part of the Board will help me to give back to the Mission that gave me so much and hopefully help others find their path as well.
Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.
KATHY EPPLER- TREASURER
Good afternoon everyone. Briefly, I have been involved with the Mission on various levels since it’s onset. My oldest son, Jeremy, was on the second trip. Subsequently, my younger son followed on Mission about 5 years later. I was fortunate enough to follow in their footsteps, making trips to serve the Mission and also as a tourist when Jeremy was assigned to Totogalpa while in the Peace Corp. Like many visitors, you can’t help but leave a piece of your heart in country after visiting. I have a special interest in Nicaragua and its people, with my daughter in law being Nicaraguan. I have served on Leadership in the past and assumed the position of Treasurer from Marty Mannix. I recently have served again as treasurer for the last 2 years. In addition, I am a member of Rotary, and have volunteered for other service organizations such as Plattsburgh Cares and SUNY Plattsburgh Partners In Cross Cultural Learning. I bring 39 years of banking experience (more than I care to admit!). I appreciate your consideration and would certainly continue to try to bring value to Leadership. Thank you
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LEADERSHIP BOARD BIOS
Father Leagon Carlin
My name is Father Leagon Carlin, and I am Parochial Vicar at the Parishes of St. Alexander, St. James, and St. Augustine. I was ordained a Priest on May 21st, 2022, after 8 years of Seminary Study. I am a 2014 graduate of Peru Central School, a 2018 Graduate of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and a 2022 Graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. I have been around the Mission of Hope for almost 15 years, and have been actively involved in some way since 2011. I have travelled to Nicaragua on four occasions, and was one of the student representatives to the Leadership Team for a two year term in High School. After my graduation from College in 2018, it had been my plan to spend a month of my Summer in Nicaragua for Spanish immersion, and to ground my Priestly vocation in a love for the poor. Unfortunately, as you all will no doubt be much too aware, the social upheaval and governmental misconduct which is still operating today came to the fore at that time, and so I was not able to travel there. Despite having been away from regular engagement in the activities of the MOH due to my studies, it is nevertheless true that this Mission, both my experience serving in Nicaragua and here at home, has had a profound and lasting impact on my life and worldview, and has in many ways contributed to the foundations of my Priesthood in indispensable ways. Now that I have returned to the area, it is my hope to serve in various ways for the advancement and strengthening of this organization, to allow the continuation and expansion of its wonderful work. When I became aware of the vacancies in the Leadership Team, it seemed that this might be an opportunity for me to contribute some helpful skills and insight to the Organization, while also giving back to the people and community which has given so much to me over these many years. Thank you!
Anne-Marie Spear
My name is Anne-Marie B. Spear and I am writing to introduce myself and to ask your consideration to
serve on the Mission’s board. I am a local dentist who has participated in two mission trips. I serve on the
medical committee and help try to coordinate the dental clinic needs in Nicaragua. I have served on the
board since 2018. I have enjoyed becoming involved in the organization and hope to help guide the
Mission and its board in the upcoming years. We will need to navigate the reality of how to serve when
we are unable to travel to Nicaragua. We need to consider our options and I think I can help with that
transition.
I would identify my strengths as someone who has a good sense of humor and outlook on life who is
easy to work with and is able to connect with both adults and children. I think that the Mission’s obligation
is not only to the impoverished folks we serve but also to provide an important experience to those who
serve them. I was lucky enough to go on mission with two of my children so I know how this chance to
serve can affect the participants. I hope to help recreate an opportunity for the Mission to travel to the
areas we serve in the near future.
As a local business owner and seasoned missionary, I think my experiences can help the board with
future decision making and service.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Anne Spear

North Country Mission of Hope 23rd Annual General Membership Meeting November 20, 2024 6:00 pm NCMOH Conf Rm
OFFICIAL BALLOT Leadership Team – Adults Two-year term
________ 1 Fr. Leagon Carlin ________ 2 Anne-Marie Spear Vote for Two ________ _________________ 4 positions open _______ _________________
Leadership Team – High School Students
_____ ______________ One-year Term _____ ______________ Vote for TWO
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North Country Mission of Hope 23rd Annual General Membership Meeting November 20, 2024 6:00 pm NCMOH Conf Rm
OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP BALLOT Leadership Team – Adults Two-year term Vote for one each
Executive Secretary ________ Kara Miller ________ ___________________________
Treasurer ________ Kathy Eppler ________
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