Tree Dedication Article from SunNewsPapers.net (North Port Sun) 6/13/2008
NORTH PORT -- Nathan Lee is still amazed at the outpouring of support he has received from the community in the wake of the kidnapping and murder of his wife, Denise. That encouragement will continue Saturday when a tree, planted earlier this year, is dedicated to her memory.
Planting a tree in Denises honor was North Port resident Jackie Baldellis idea. The dedication will involve the placement of a plaque, which Baldelli has purchased.
"Right from the very moment I heard about this tragic, horrible crime and what happened to this innocent young mother, it just tore at my heart," Baldelli said. "That was the first thing I wanted to do for some reason, was plant a tree in her honor."
Baldelli, who, with longtime North Porter Joan Morgan planned the public memorial tribute to Denise at City Hall in early February, called Alice White, president of People for Trees, about a tree. White said Baldelli has been "gung-ho" about the project.
"We had a tree dedication for one of our tree members, and she saw that, and wanted to know if she could have a tree dedicated in Denise Amber Lees memory. I said certainly," White said. "I told her to contact the family, and she did, and they were very receptive to the idea."
The tree is a sweetgum.
"Its a deciduous tree," White explained. "I think its really fitting for a memorial tree, because it loses its leaves and then they come back and the tree blooms in the spring."
White, along with Baldelli and Morgan, spent time Wednesday sprucing up the area along the Community Tree Walk along U.S. 41 where the ceremony will take place.
"The pain is still there," said Morgan. "This is a nice dedication to Denise. Its a way of keeping her alive."
Baldelli said she was just happy to do something, and watching the tree grow will provide some comfort.
"I dont know how to put it into words, but the tragedy of it and the senselessness of it struck me," she said. "Weve embraced her (Denise) like one of our own, and I just feel like this whole city owed her something because of the tragic way that it happened."
Baldelli said she met Nathan at the memorial, but he doesnt recall meeting her.
"Hes a wonderful young man," she said. "Im sure (the community support) helps."
Nathan will attend the ceremony, and plans to speak after Baldelli and White. He said the continual outpouring of support from residents helps keep his family going. When Baldelli called to get his permission for the tree, he said of course.
"Why would I say no to something like that?" he said. "I just cant put into words ... It just shows you what kind of community we live in. When you have something like that happen like this, what better thing (is there) to do than turn it into as much of a positive as you can?"
Nathan hopes to bring some good from his familys tragedy by tackling issues with the 911 call system. Hes had two meetings already -- one Thursday night in Englewood -- and has more planned.
"I know I could have a town hall meeting if I wanted and have about 1,000 people there," he said. "But were trying to brainstorm and get together and find out what the problems (with the 911 system) are and what we can do about it. People need to feel comfortable with the 911 system, and need to call it in an emergency."
He continued that 911 saves lives, but when the system doesnt work properly, failure can result in a lives lost.
"What people can do, they can e-mail me through the Web site," Nathan said. "They can become a member through the Web site -- its free, but they do have to sign up -- and e-mail me at
[email protected]. I want to see how many people are interested. I want to hear anybodys input, because I cant think of everything myself."
Baldelli called the fact the tree dedication will take place on Fathers Day weekend "a pretty special thing."
"Im going out early to put up white ribbons and roses," she said. "We as a community need to take care of the treasures. All of those trees are dedicated to someone, and I think its wonderful that this tree walk is there on (U.S.) 41. Every time we go by, we can remember them."
The dedication ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Community Tree Walk, near the gazebo across the street from the Olde World Restaurant, near San Pedro Catholic Church. Light refreshments will be provided courtesy of Smoothie King.
You can e-mail Anne Klockenkemper at
[email protected].
By ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER
Staff Writer -Sean Lowery
I just want to help this family in any way I can~ and we are going to make some big changes and fix 911 so hopefully nobody will have to go through something like this again. Just to let people know that the family is not against all 911 operators, or cops or anything like that at all. they are hoping to help them improve their system and maybe even get more pay in the end and better skills. They are a wonderful courageous family who want to make a bad situation better and I admire their strength. 
