2009 Citizen of the Year - John Layton

Delmar's 2009 Citizen of the Year
By Mike McClure
(Article in the Laurel Star newspaper)

Delmar resident John Layton, who came to Delmar when he married his wife, Susan, 38 years ago, is a strong believer in community service. Layton has been involved with the Delmar Kiwanis, Delmar Little League, Delmar Pop Warner, and the Delmar Youth Basketball League for over 20 years.

"I started out (with little league) when my children were young and started to play. The coaches on their team didn't want to play anybody but the stars. I wanted to make sure everybody played," Layton said.

In recognition of his years of service to the Delmar community, Layton will be honored as the 2009 Delmar Citizen of the Year at a banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Delmar VFW.

Layton has been invovled with the Delmar Kiwanis for over 20 years. He has been named Kiwanis of the Year and Outstanding Worker for the Kiwanis during that time.

"It's been very rewarding. Community service, it's very nice. It's probably the most fulfilling. I love to cook oyster fritters," said Layton, whose neihbor Jack Lynch got him involved in the Kiwanis Club.

Layton has done a little bit of everything in his 26 years with the Delmar Little League. He served as equipment manager for 15 years and coached Big League for 12 years. Now he umpires for the league twice a week.

John has been the Delmar Youth Basketball League director for the past 22 ro 23 years. He took over the league for Keith Baker and has also been a volunteer referee for the Salvation Army for over 20 years.

Layton was part of the original Delmar Pop Warner coaching staff, working with that organization for 20 years. He has also been the scoreboard operator at the Delmar football games for 24 years.

Layton, who is originally from Ocean City, is a Stephen Decatur graduate. He and his wife have two sons, Brock and Jonathan. He has been a member of the Delmar Christian Center with Pastor Jim Brown for 30 years.

While he is not originally from Delmar, Layton has become a key member of the community.

"I definitely bleed the orange and blue. It's a very, very nice community, very supportive," said Layton. "You know everybody, that's another thing about small towns."

Layton, a regular at the former Railroad cafe'. now spends time at Hardee's prior to going to work as a painter, a job he has done all his life.

The Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce will congratulate Mr. Layton with a banquet in his honor to be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the Delmat VFW on State Street in Dlmear. Tickets are $20 each and are available at: The Bank of Delmarva, Delmar office; WIlmington Trust, Delmar office; Delmar Town Hall and by contacting Lisa Ellis at (410 742-9401.

The deadline for purchasing tickets is October 22. Please note; tickets will not be sold the night of the event and admission is by ticket only.

(Article used by permission)

John Layton ~ we, The Greater Delmat Chamber of Commerce are truely proud to present this award to you this evening. Your contributions to Delmar Little League, Delmar Pop Warner, Delmar Youth Basketball and your work with the Delmar Kiwanis are commendable. We appreciate your hard work, dedication and leadership that you provide to the groups you serve. Congratulations and thank you from the entire Delmar Community.

Phot by Mike McClure