In the LymeLight: Old Lyme’s Tree ‘Commish’ and Academic Accolades

Celebrating Neighbors Whose Stories Brighten Lyme and Old Lyme

From inspiring feats to everyday deeds, In the LymeLight recognizes the people with ties to our community whose dedication makes a difference.

OLD LYME

Joanne DiCamillo last week presided over her final meeting of the Old Lyme Tree Commission after nearly a quarter century as chair of the group she helped create.

On Thursday, she handed leadership of the commission to Emily Griswold.

Former First Selectman Tim Griswold, who nominated DiCamillo as the commission’s inaugural chair in 2002, recalled how the volunteer spent countless hours researching tree policies in other towns and helping draft Old Lyme’s ordinance even before the commission officially formed.

An Advanced Master Gardener, DiCamillo brought extensive knowledge and a hands-on approach to the role, recruiting commission members, working closely with the Public Works Department and utility arborists, and encouraging residents to understand and care for the town’s trees.

“Because trees were involved, Joanne was involved,” Tim Griswold said.

He highlighted several major town projects in which DiCamillo played a key role, including the Lyme Street Reconstruction early in her tenure that widened portions of the road and added numerous granite curbs from the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme to the Interstate 95 bridge. She oversaw a comprehensive landscape and planting plan around the renovated Memorial Town Hall in 2008 and, more recently, led extensive neighborhood outreach and years of planning for the Ferry Road sidewalk replacement. 

He wished Joanne DiCamillo – whom he has long referred to as “the Commish” – the best in her retirement from tree duty. 

“There is not enough time and budget to do everything, but, during Joanne’s service to the town for over 25 years, she has been an excellent steward of our trees and we thank her for all her efforts,” he said. 

Kara DiCamillo told LymeLine her mother’s volunteer service has deep roots across town. Joanne DiCamillo was active in the Duck River Garden Club for 27 years, including a stint as president; spent 12 years on the Historic District Commission; served on multiple town committees; and volunteered extensively in the school system while her daughters attended Lyme-Old Lyme schools.

Kara DiCamillo, who serves on the Newport Tree & Open Space Commission and the board of the Newport Tree Conservancy, described a carefully tended family legacy. 

“She’s also been a huge influence on me and my own involvement in tree and conservation work,” she said. 

Emily Griswold, the new chair of the commission and a member since 2006, described Joanne DiCamillo as a motivating force who will be missed.

“I have always been so impressed with Joanne’s dedication to the Tree Commission,” she said. “Her knowledge of trees is extensive and her devotion to the Tree Commission and its mission has been inspiring. We are grateful for Joanne’s leadership as chairman of the Tree Commission for 25 years, and for all of her efforts and hours as a volunteer in so many organizations throughout town.”

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LYME/OLD LYME

Several university students are keeping Lyme and Old Lyme in the news for earning top honors in the fall 2025 semester.

Kathleen Noel Walsh, a sophomore biochemistry major at Clarkson University, was named a Presidential Scholar for maintaining a GPA of 3.80 or higher.

At Central Connecticut State University, local students Oliver Berry, Justin Green, Langley Marshall, Brianna Melillo, and Meghan Speers were named to the Dean’s List for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Stephanie Mauro, a Spanish and marketing major at the College of Charleston, earned a spot on the Dean’s List, as did Grady Lacourciere, a finance major at Hofstra University.

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Do you know a neighbor worth celebrating? Awards, accomplishments, and quiet acts of kindness all belong in the LymeLight. Please share your suggestions in an email to editor@lymeline.com.