Darryl Jurkiewicz honored as outstanding Leader and Neighbor
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Darryl Jurkiewicz has been an active member of the Canton Community Association for over 20 years. He served as VP and President and continues to engage as a member of multiple committees including EDC, Transportation, Anti-Racism Alliance, and History. His helpfulness, energy, and wonderful spirit serve as an example of what it means to be a leader and a great neighbor. Darryl recently received an official citation from the Maryland General Assembly and Team 46 in recognition for his years of leadership and commitment to the CCA, Canton community and Baltimore City. We agree that he’s most deserving, so we wanted to tell you about his role with the CCA and why we think he’s so great.
Darryl, you’ve been a very active member of the CCA since its inception in 2000. What draws you to the organization?
I feel I have a personal commitment to my community. I grew up in Canton, ran away to join the Marine Corps, returned, and married my lovely wife Mary, and raised my family here. We have been married for 33 years and have 2 children Jeremiah and Jazmin. I have always been involved, starting with my kid's school (then called Bishop John Neumann, now Archbishop Borders), through my terms as VP and President, to my current participation with the CCA.
What are some of the things you’ve accomplished during your tenure with the CCA?
The reverse angle parking has had a big positive impact on the neighborhood. There are more parking spaces and studies prove it slows traffic making the streets safer for children and pets, etc. And it sure is easier when it snows. LOL (You have less to shovel to get out!)
The CCA would also like to point out that some of Darryl’s other accomplishments include
Developing MOUs to help make St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls enjoyable and safe for both event goers and neighbors
Providing a wealth of knowledge about the neighborhood’s history
Fostering relationships with local government, politicians, community leaders, and other organizations
Leading with a smile, while remaining focused and fair
Is there something that stands out as your biggest achievement?
I am a connector. I take pride in being able to consistently bring people together on opposite sides of issues for communication and resolution. I also like to share my knowledge educating new and old residents on how to get things done… who to contact… and overall pointing people in the right direction. It’s not just knowing who to contact, but how to communicate as well. I almost never yell. I focus on remaining calm and seeking a fair resolution. Just ask former City Councilmember Jim Kraft. He’s seen me in action for decades.
What’s next? What are your goals for our community over the next few years?
I’m not sure, but I’ll tell you what I won’t do and that’s run for city council. “I prefer to stay married!” Mary has shared me with the neighborhood for decades so now it’s her turn to get my full attention.
You’ve been a lifelong Canton resident. What do you like most about living and volunteering here?
The walkability and getting to meet new people consistently. And, when I was younger, we hung out on the Clinton Docks and I loved meeting people from all around the world, especially sailors and merchant marines. We’d play pick-up soccer games at Canton Park between East and Ellwood before they built DuBurns Arena. It was and still is a very fun neighborhood.
What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering in the community?
I play in the Canton Ping Pong League. We play at Mobtown Brewing, and before the pandemic, they played on the sidewalk at O'Donnell's Pub.
I am also certified in SCUBA Diving and love to Oyster Dive near the Bay Bridge. I volunteer with Friends of Patterson Park and am a member of the Friends of Canton Library. My wife Mary was the president for 20 years. It’s a lesser known organization, but hosts very interesting talks.
A cool, but little-known fact may be that you worked at the Baltimore Arena for 36 years. What was your favorite show/experience? Any fun story you’d care to share?
When I first started, at 22, I was working the Heart concert in February, 1985, my supervisor and I were escorting the band to their dressing rooms and Nancy Wilson winked and smiled at me. The fanboy in me turned into a bowl of jelly! I also knew Anne & Nancy’s father was a commandant in the Marine Corps, from which I had just been discharged. They were cool on multiple levels.
Is there anything else you’d like our members and neighbors to know?
I highly recommend volunteerism. Even if you just have an hour a week or an hour a month it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and neighborhood! Also, there are 2 things to remember… If you’re passionate about something get involved and stay involved … persistence pays off. And, always be polite and professional. Kindness goes a long way.