A senior supervisor for the City of Melbourne before retiring in 2009 after 32 years, Dorothy Linson – known as Ms. Dot – has for decades been an untiring force for good on the Space Coast.
In 1989, she co-founded Club Esteem with her friend Gladys William to teach children in the community how to be upstanding citizens, the importance of getting a good education, having respect for oneself and others and serving the community, and how to have confidence in their abilities. Her support provided assistance with tutoring, clothing, and food.
She may be better known for hosting an annual Thanksgiving community luncheon for seniors and their families at the Lipscomb Community Center in Melbourne. For the past 20 years, Ms. Linson has provided the funding for the meals, with some assistance from her children and the occasional donation.
Among her other work in the community, Linson started a senior citizen group that has made Christmas stockings, pillows, and quilts for members of the armed services and community nursing homes. She also teaches an introductory sewing class for children and a nutrition class to teach them how to prepare meals for their families.
© Florida Institute of Technology.
