Meet the friends!

Hi Friends! Kim Jones has lived in Auburn for most of her life. She is a lover of anything outdoors, especially when she can bring her dog along. Growing up here, Kim has seen many different levels of growth within Emerson Park. She does not take lightly being the Chair of an amazing group of individuals who have committed their time to bring the best of the park back. Kim cannot begin to explain the excitement the group shares in bringing the community an outdoor space to enjoy and share memories with friends and loved ones.

Diana is the newest member of FOEs. Born and raised in Romania, Transilvania specifically, she has settled here in Auburn with her husband Eric and two kiddos. Diana has worked in the hospitality business for the past 17 years. She also volunteers with local programs for families and children provided by the Red Cross and World Vision and is excited to expand her community outreach working with the FOEs.

Kira has been a resident of Auburn her entire young life. Jack of all trades, Kira works in accounts payable at D&W Diesel and is also a hair stylist. She and her dog Murphle love being outside. Being able to pair that with helping out the community is a bonus. Kira looks forward to seeing Emerson Park come back to life with this group of amazing women!

Manette acts as the liaison between the FOEs and the Cayuga County Parks and Trails Department. Working as the Deputy Director of the department, she and Director Doug Dello Stritto encouraged the establishment of the Friend’s group. Manette is excited about the opportunities this partnership will continue to bring to the park.

Catherine Bartolotta-Redfield resides in Auburn with her two children. She works at Genesee Regional Bank as a Mortgage Originator and has been in the mortgage industry for over 20 years. Having grown up in Auburn, she has very fond memories of annual family reunions at Emerson Park. She hopes that being a part of the FOEs will allow community members to build similar memories with their family and friends.

Meghan (Bishop) Mizro grew up in Auburn and currently resides in the Town of Owasco with her husband David. Growing up she loved playing sports through middle and high school and continues this love with teaching Physical Education in the Syracuse City School District. Along with teaching she continues her love for activities/sports by coaching soccer and lacrosse at various levels of the game. Meghan is not only a member of the FOEs, but also is on the Auburn Athletic Hall of Fame Board, and the KT Foundation.

Residing in Auburn with her dog Brutus, Nikki is a local artist, beautifying our community with her window paintings around town via Nikki BieL Designs. She continues to take an active role in her community volunteering, hosting paint parties, and working with at risk youth. Nikki is excited to join the FOEs in continuing her community outreach.

Rachel resides in Auburn with her very small dog, Odin. Rachel shares fond memories of Emerson Park as a child. As do many of you, she hopes that the Park will soon become the light of the County again and a destination for families. She dedicates her time to FOEs to give back to the next generation of youth and families which aligns with her work outside of FOEs.