Bethlehem Housing Authority Executive Director Gene Gonzalez calls former BHA commissioner Dorothy 'Dot' Saby someone who "said it like it was and who had a heart of gold." Chairman of the BHA Board of Commissioners Joe Long called Saby "his sidekick." So when the longtime BHA resident of Bartholomew House and six-year resident commissioner passed away in May, plans were put into effect that would remember and honor Saby in a way that reflected her influence.

Long and Gonzalez turned their attention to the Bartholomew House's quiet room, a meeting space that is now used for computer literacy and English language classes.

At the BHA Board of Commissionerss meeting June 8, the 81-year-old Saby was remembered through the installation of a plaque that dedicated 'The Quiet Room' in her memory.

"We thought it was a great idea," Gonzalez said. "The quiet room … was perfect in that it represents to us her passion for helping her neighbors at the Bartholomew House."

Gonzalez said BHA residents from throughout the public housing community and Saby's Bartholomew House neighbors have availed themselves of the programs offered, and that by dedicating The Quiet Room in her memory, her efforts would forever be tied to it.

Saby was only the third resident commissioner in BHA history.