Dodson honored by Cantonians

Special to The Canton News 

About five years ago, Joy Dodson became the Executive Director of Keep Canton Beautiful.  Her enthusiasm and dedication greatly improved the appearance of the City of Canton. 

While litter remains an on-going challenge in our community, Dodson made a huge impact in organizing the Great Canton Cleanup in the past.  “Riches in the Ditches” is an innovative program to encourage the community’s participation in picking up litter in the city.  Dodson was instrumental in creating the “Recycling Initiative” at Canton High School.  She worked with CHS Principal Pamela Self and the student body president to involve the entire school in this project.  Not only did Joy Dodson organize this program, but she also picked up the bags of recycled items and delivered them to Canton Recycling each week.

Dodson obtained a grant to build a pavilion on city property near the co-op.  This project includes plans for landscaping and the use of this area as an outdoor classroom and for picnics and parties.  It is a great pavilion with unlimited possibilities for community use.  

At the end of 2021, she asked the Canton Garden Club to add Keep Canton Beautiful to their program areas.  Since their missions are quite similar, members felt it was a perfect way to combine their efforts in caring for the city.  Dodson was wished well as she stepped down from her role to take on a more active role as Marketing Director for Cadillac of Jackson. Through her dedicated leadership, much has been accomplished in cleaning up litter, improving recycling and beautifying the City of Canton.