By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — Carlton Moore’s impact on lower Delaware — and his beloved Georgetown in particular — was publicly recognized last week.

In a surprise ceremony Friday, Georgetown Mayor Bill West presented Mr. Moore a plaque, saluting him for the many organizations and projects he has touched over numerous decades.

It recognized Mr. Moore for “all of his time and efforts served in his community.”

“Carlton, on behalf of myself and the town of Georgetown, we appreciate the things that you have done,” said Mayor West.

The community advocate expressed his gratitude, saying, “I appreciate it very much. Thank you, all.”

Past Georgetown officials, members of the Historic Georgetown Association, family and friends attended the ceremony at Indian River Land Co., a business Mr. Moore founded in 1969.

In 1988, he turned over ownership of the real estate business to his son, daughter and nephew but not before developing more than 50 communities and projects in southern Delaware.

Founder and board chairman of HGA, Mr. Moore spearheaded its restoration of the historic Georgetown Train Station and, at 93, is still involved in the revitalization of Kimmeytown, a heavily Hispanic section of east Georgetown.

The Friday tribute recognized Mr. Moore’s active involvement in church, civic and community organizations, as well as in youth programs. He spent more than 29 years guiding youngsters, specifically as coach and building chairman of the Georgetown Little League.

Mr. Moore has had a lifelong love for Georgetown “and would do anything to make it better. I have seen the man pick up trash along the railroad tracks and around the old fire hall,” Mayor West said.