News & Commentary
SLGF Check Presentation by SMGC 2023
Sharone Lee Garvin Fund 2023.
Bernard Johnson, James Pierce & Nolan Gilmore were present for the Spoilers Men"s Golf Club - Sharone Lee Garvin Fund check of $4500 presented to the Myer-Moore Children"s Fund in Jacksonville, FL. The journey is not ove
2023 Spoilers Men's Golf Club at Innsbrook Golf Resort Palm Harbor, FL.
Love, Respect and Brotherhood
In June 2022, the Spoilers Men’s Golf Club celebrated it’s 35th anniversary. This very special and significant occasion had 62 men come out and participated in our 35th golf fellowship. On behalf of the Leadership Team I want to extend a sincere and appreciative “Thank You” to Bob Keene, SMGC 35th Anniversary Program Chair; Curtis C. Bolden, Golf Outing Event Coordinator and Jerry Womack, Golf Activities Coordinator. These three Spoiler men made things happened while hosting the largest group of 62 golfers ever to attend our golf fellowship.
Additionally, I want to thank Patrick Diamond, 35th Anniversary Club Historian, for putting together a fabulous historical perspective on the history of the SMGC. I’d also like to recognize Neil Harps for his outstanding work as videographer producing an extraordinary memorial video remembering our follow Spoilers who have passed on. And a very special thanks to Ena Bolden, videographer extraordinaire, who produced our Spoiler History video composed of interviews from the Original Spoilers documenting their perspective on the SMGC's history.
A special thanks to Linda Keene for creating and producing an original quilt art piece commemorating the Spoiler’s 35th anniversary. The piece “Brotherhood of Golf” was raffled off with all proceeds going to the Sharone Lee Garvin Fund. Thanks Linda.
Congratulations to the following Spoilers:
Jerry Womack, 2022 recipient of the Tillman Avery Sportsmanship Award.
Derek Harps, “Founders Leadership Award” SMGC Treasurer
Curtis B. Bolden, “Founders Leadership Award” SMGC President
Finally, the SMGC will now move forward under the leadership and management by the Operational leadership Committee. Our bi laws afforded us the opportunity to form committees, this committee is the result of a unanimous vote from the Board to approve. Committee Members are; Curtis C. Bolden, Jerry Womack, Jason Keene, Marco Williams, Alex Chesley, Akano Pinkney. I thank and congratulate members of the new committee. Additionally, I invite all Spoilers to support these, our young Spoiler brothers. A time for us all to “be about” the things we talk about when we speak of supporting our youth.
Love, Respect & Brotherhood
Curtis B. Bolden, President
What does the Spoilers Organization mean to me!!
To me the Spoilers Organization is about Brotherhood and Family. The definition of Brotherhood is the relationship between brothers or the feeling of kinship with and closeness to a group of people. To get a better picture of what I mean, I need to go back 50 years ago.
Back in the late sixties and early seventies a group of young black men from different parts of the country came to Boston University to forward their education and play basketball. With basketball being the common denominator 5 of these young men, Derek Harps, James Garvin, Curtis Bolden, Bob Keene and Lance Tucker became friends. We all stayed in Boston after graduation, started jobs, got married and started families. We all socialized together and the brotherhood that we shared became a family dynamic.
Still having that basketball itch, in the late seventies, the five of us and 2 other young men, James Pierce and Bernard Johnson, who were apart of our Family but did not attend Boston University, began playing in the Boston City Basketball League. We played for the Page Café, a bar in Boston, and our team name was “The Spoilers”.
In the 80’s some of us left Boston for other opportunities, but we still kept in touch. In 1986, Curtis, Bernard, James and Derek met in Washington D.C. There they discussed getting together more often. Bernard and James suggested golf and Curtis volunteered to put something together and in 1987 the Bolden Golf Group golf outing was started. The first outing was in Greenleaf, Florida. At the time I did not play golf but joined them in Greenleaf for the golf outing. It was great to have the Brotherhood back together again. The next year the group moved to Myrtle Beach. A few years later I started playing golf and it was great fellowshipping with the brothers even if it was only once a year. It wasn’t till later that the name was changed from the Bolden Group to the Spoilers Men’s Golf Club. While I enjoy playing golf and like the competition, I really enjoy fellowshipping with the brothers. Having our sons join us on Father’s Day weekend for a few rounds of golf has been wonderful.
We have followed our Mission Statement by providing opportunities for fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and networking. The golf outings have grown to include many friends from all over the country and the feeling that you get just being around black men who share the same ideals and love for the Lord has been magical. Probably my best day of the weekend is Sunday morning when James Garvin leads us in the worship service. Sometimes I just stand back and gaze at the wondrous sight of 40 black men praying and singing praises to the Lord and my heart is so full of joy. Through the Sharone Lee Garvin scholarship we have committed to community service by providing scholarship opportunities for the youth.
Now we are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Spoilers Men’s Golf Club. Having our sons and other young men joining us for the golf outing over the years has been great. Now the young men are taking over what we have started and carrying on the legacy of the club. It’s like passing the torch. The young men have now formed a bond and hopefully they can experience the brotherhood that us old guys have experienced.
I am looking forward to Myrtle Beach in June 2022. I also have to think back 50 years ago. God has a purpose for each one of us and I just thank him for bringing 7 young black men together in Boston and to this day we are still friends and more importantly brothers.
Love being a Spoiler
Bob Keene
To me the Spoilers Organization is about Brotherhood and Family. The definition of Brotherhood is the relationship between brothers or the feeling of kinship with and closeness to a group of people. To get a better picture of what I mean, I need to go back 50 years ago.
Back in the late sixties and early seventies a group of young black men from different parts of the country came to Boston University to forward their education and play basketball. With basketball being the common denominator 5 of these young men, Derek Harps, James Garvin, Curtis Bolden, Bob Keene and Lance Tucker became friends. We all stayed in Boston after graduation, started jobs, got married and started families. We all socialized together and the brotherhood that we shared became a family dynamic.
Still having that basketball itch, in the late seventies, the five of us and 2 other young men, James Pierce and Bernard Johnson, who were apart of our Family but did not attend Boston University, began playing in the Boston City Basketball League. We played for the Page Café, a bar in Boston, and our team name was “The Spoilers”.
In the 80’s some of us left Boston for other opportunities, but we still kept in touch. In 1986, Curtis, Bernard, James and Derek met in Washington D.C. There they discussed getting together more often. Bernard and James suggested golf and Curtis volunteered to put something together and in 1987 the Bolden Golf Group golf outing was started. The first outing was in Greenleaf, Florida. At the time I did not play golf but joined them in Greenleaf for the golf outing. It was great to have the Brotherhood back together again. The next year the group moved to Myrtle Beach. A few years later I started playing golf and it was great fellowshipping with the brothers even if it was only once a year. It wasn’t till later that the name was changed from the Bolden Group to the Spoilers Men’s Golf Club. While I enjoy playing golf and like the competition, I really enjoy fellowshipping with the brothers. Having our sons join us on Father’s Day weekend for a few rounds of golf has been wonderful.
We have followed our Mission Statement by providing opportunities for fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and networking. The golf outings have grown to include many friends from all over the country and the feeling that you get just being around black men who share the same ideals and love for the Lord has been magical. Probably my best day of the weekend is Sunday morning when James Garvin leads us in the worship service. Sometimes I just stand back and gaze at the wondrous sight of 40 black men praying and singing praises to the Lord and my heart is so full of joy. Through the Sharone Lee Garvin scholarship we have committed to community service by providing scholarship opportunities for the youth.
Now we are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Spoilers Men’s Golf Club. Having our sons and other young men joining us for the golf outing over the years has been great. Now the young men are taking over what we have started and carrying on the legacy of the club. It’s like passing the torch. The young men have now formed a bond and hopefully they can experience the brotherhood that us old guys have experienced.
I am looking forward to Myrtle Beach in June 2022. I also have to think back 50 years ago. God has a purpose for each one of us and I just thank him for bringing 7 young black men together in Boston and to this day we are still friends and more importantly brothers.
Love being a Spoiler
Bob Keene
What Does The Spoiler Organization Mean To Me?
This month as we enter the season of Advent and prepare for the arrival of the Lord into the world through the birth of his Son Jesus Christ, I also reflect on the highlights and impactful experiences in my life in the past year.
On April 23rd, I was blessed to celebrate another birthday and rotation under the sun and in June celebrate 42 years of marriage to my wife, Dawn. This year, and last year due to the pandemic we were unable to come together in fellowship in Myrtle Beach due to the pandemic, so we were blessed to have our three grandchildren with us for 16 days of fellowship and travel on Father’s Day and through the latter part of the month.
In September, a small cohort of Spoilers (19) were able to go to Myrtle Beach for four days of fellowship and golf. Although we were less than one-half of the customary number of men gathering for fellowship, we had a blessed and joyous time. The smaller gathering left me yearning for more time with our Spoiler brethren and heightened anticipation for our 2022 gathering.
2022 will mark the 35th anniversary of the Spoilers Golf Outing. Few organizations can lay claim to existing for three and one-half decades. It has been a true blessing to be affiliated with the Spoilers for 15 of the 35 years as my inaugural participation was in 2006. The 2006 outing afforded me the opportunity to reunite with Derek Harps, James Garvin, Curtis Bolden, Lance Tucker and Bob Keene (five of the original Spoilers) who attended Boston University and were members of the basketball team. Derek and James were individuals that I idolized growing up in Washington, DC. Both were selected to the All- Metropolitan basketball team, which represented the top 12 players in the metro area and were major factors in my decision to attend BU on scholarship. Each stood out to me, not because of their basketball talents, but their character and demeanor on the court.
Since 2006, I have looked forward to the annual Spoilers outing because of the special bond created through our fellowship and the goodwill each attendee brings. My son, Alexander has joined me each year since 2008 and it has been a delight to see him grow, learn and mature through the connection with positive role models and to bond with other young men ( sons, son-laws, guests of Spoilers, etc.).
An outgrowth of the Spoilers organization has been the establishment of the Sharone Lee Garvin Foundation, in honor of James Garvin’s daughter. Each year proceeds of the gifts and donations contributed by Spoilers are distributed to community base organizations to support youth activities and development. I have had the pleasure to present awards to Hospitality House, a Minneapolis faith-based organization that provides after school activities and programs to students, K-12. Activities and programming include homework support, computer labs, math, literacy instruction and gym time. So, when we aren’t convening in Myrtle beach for four-five days of golf annually, the Spoilers organization is making a daily impact in the lives of youth through its financial contributions to organizations in a range of cities across the US since its inception.
Another unique aspect of the Spoilers that is especially important to me is that we transcend all age groups through golfers participating in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s , 70’s and beyond. Several of our Spoilers “elder statesmen” have passed on, but have left rich legacies that epitomizes character, integrity and sportsmanship. Some are honored by annual Spoiler awards that bear their names: Avery Tillman, Willie “Pops” Webster. These awards honor our elders and enable us to remember and stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. As Leviticus 19:32 instructs, we “Stand up in the presence of the elderly and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord.”
I am looking forward to the 2022 Spoilers gathering and hope that you are able to join us. May your Christmas holiday be blessed and your New Year healthy, safe and prosperous. Peace and abundant blessings!
Your fellow Spoiler,
Walt Chesley
This month as we enter the season of Advent and prepare for the arrival of the Lord into the world through the birth of his Son Jesus Christ, I also reflect on the highlights and impactful experiences in my life in the past year.
On April 23rd, I was blessed to celebrate another birthday and rotation under the sun and in June celebrate 42 years of marriage to my wife, Dawn. This year, and last year due to the pandemic we were unable to come together in fellowship in Myrtle Beach due to the pandemic, so we were blessed to have our three grandchildren with us for 16 days of fellowship and travel on Father’s Day and through the latter part of the month.
In September, a small cohort of Spoilers (19) were able to go to Myrtle Beach for four days of fellowship and golf. Although we were less than one-half of the customary number of men gathering for fellowship, we had a blessed and joyous time. The smaller gathering left me yearning for more time with our Spoiler brethren and heightened anticipation for our 2022 gathering.
2022 will mark the 35th anniversary of the Spoilers Golf Outing. Few organizations can lay claim to existing for three and one-half decades. It has been a true blessing to be affiliated with the Spoilers for 15 of the 35 years as my inaugural participation was in 2006. The 2006 outing afforded me the opportunity to reunite with Derek Harps, James Garvin, Curtis Bolden, Lance Tucker and Bob Keene (five of the original Spoilers) who attended Boston University and were members of the basketball team. Derek and James were individuals that I idolized growing up in Washington, DC. Both were selected to the All- Metropolitan basketball team, which represented the top 12 players in the metro area and were major factors in my decision to attend BU on scholarship. Each stood out to me, not because of their basketball talents, but their character and demeanor on the court.
Since 2006, I have looked forward to the annual Spoilers outing because of the special bond created through our fellowship and the goodwill each attendee brings. My son, Alexander has joined me each year since 2008 and it has been a delight to see him grow, learn and mature through the connection with positive role models and to bond with other young men ( sons, son-laws, guests of Spoilers, etc.).
An outgrowth of the Spoilers organization has been the establishment of the Sharone Lee Garvin Foundation, in honor of James Garvin’s daughter. Each year proceeds of the gifts and donations contributed by Spoilers are distributed to community base organizations to support youth activities and development. I have had the pleasure to present awards to Hospitality House, a Minneapolis faith-based organization that provides after school activities and programs to students, K-12. Activities and programming include homework support, computer labs, math, literacy instruction and gym time. So, when we aren’t convening in Myrtle beach for four-five days of golf annually, the Spoilers organization is making a daily impact in the lives of youth through its financial contributions to organizations in a range of cities across the US since its inception.
Another unique aspect of the Spoilers that is especially important to me is that we transcend all age groups through golfers participating in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s , 70’s and beyond. Several of our Spoilers “elder statesmen” have passed on, but have left rich legacies that epitomizes character, integrity and sportsmanship. Some are honored by annual Spoiler awards that bear their names: Avery Tillman, Willie “Pops” Webster. These awards honor our elders and enable us to remember and stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. As Leviticus 19:32 instructs, we “Stand up in the presence of the elderly and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord.”
I am looking forward to the 2022 Spoilers gathering and hope that you are able to join us. May your Christmas holiday be blessed and your New Year healthy, safe and prosperous. Peace and abundant blessings!
Your fellow Spoiler,
Walt Chesley
WHAT DOES THE SPOILER ORGANIZATION MEAN TO ME?
As we gather this week to give thanks for so many things in or lives, I have to reflect upon the impact of my familial relations: My own family, my church, community and friendships. My personal family is the rock of my foundation. From past generations to my current family’s makeup, I am hopeful about the future. My church family is the bedrock of my soul. They keep me strong in my faith of Christ and the hope of the resurrection. My community is the center of growth and development toward a positive future. My friends, both old and new keep me happy. (Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold) All of these parts of my family also humble me, because I am thankful for them making me a part of something greater than myself.
Now how does that play into what the Spoilers mean to me? When I was in my twenties, the Spoilers were the center of my social and recreational life. As an original Spoiler, I loved the fun part of or physical and social activities. However, it was the bonds of friendship that made me a better person. We could agree and disagree in love, and we could nurture each other and support our families, both in good and bad times. We could always count on each other.
As we separated in the early 1980’s, we maintained these bonds of love, no matter where we lived. The bonding and gathering in 1987 in Florida were a renewal of those bonds. For almost 35 years, we have gathered (except 2020) to share a common game, (I am still trying to break 90) to renew our love for each other. When you can bring anywhere between 40-55 brothers together, usually on Father’s Day weekend, it is done in love. We are proud to have as many as 3-4 generations together, which makes it even more special. Our sons have been charged with the responsibility of leading the preparation and execution of having a successful weekend. That means the tradition will continue long after the matured “Original Spoilers” have slowed to a crawl.
We have not only come together in love, we also strive to work for community as well. We are contributing monetarily through the Sharone Lee Garvin Fund to improve the lives of youth in several communities throughout the country. We not only give counsel to our younger members to help improve the quality of their lives, we look to strengthen the community by supporting worthy causes.
I look forward to regathering in June 2022 to renew this time-honored event. Thirty-five years in nothing to sneeze at, but the next thirty-five years has hope for promise to our community. This is not just a fun-filled weekend, it is a weekend of joy and hope for our present and future. May you all continue to be humbled by the blessing of our Lord, and be thankful for family, no matter how you define it. ”I love you and there is nothing you can do about it” as quoted by George Wallace (the comedian). Have a Great, Grand and Glorious Thanksgiving and bless you all.
Your brother,
James “Chill” Pierce
Invitation to participate in 2022 Spoilers Annual Golf Fellowship
I have participated in the Spoilers Golf Club as a founding member for thirty-four years during which time I have witnessed our fellowship grow in membership and mission. Our membership has grown from the original fellowship in 1987 of eight brothers to include more than fifty golfers over the years. The increase of our membership has led to our mission statement being expanded to include supporting various communities through charitable giving to youth organizations around the country through the Sharone Lee Garvin Fund.
I am honored and encouraged to be a member of our fellowship of like-minded brothers who uplift one another through our golf fellowship while giving back to uplift our youth. One of my favorite moments was when my wife Sylvia, Spoiler brother Derek Harps, and I were blessed to present the Spoilers first annual Sharone Lee Garvin Memorial Fund charitable award to the YWCAof Washington, DC to support their early childhood education program. It was a joy and inspiration to interact with the children and staff and to see their expressions of appreciation.
I look forward to our yearly golf fellowship and I enjoy every aspect of it from the first day greetings to the final day fair-wells. My favorite part of the fellowship is the Saturday banquet and award night fellowship because it highlights our values of encouraging one another and helping others through our golf fellowship. We laugh, network, and raise money to help our youth while doing what we love. It is truly a rewarding experience.
June 2022 will be the milestone thirty-fifth anniversary of our Spoilers Annual Golf Fellowship I am once again looking forward to being able to greet all of my brother Spoilers whom I haven't seen for too long since the COVID pandemic. It is ahways a great joy for me to see each brother and catch up on what's new in each other's life since our last fellowship. It will certainly be encouraging for me to see that the Lord has blessed and kept each of us despite tough times. I hope and pray that every brother who is able to join us at Legends June 16-19, 2022 will be there. Remember, once a Spoiler always a Spoiler!
May God Bless You and Yours,
James 'JG' Garvin
I have participated in the Spoilers Golf Club as a founding member for thirty-four years during which time I have witnessed our fellowship grow in membership and mission. Our membership has grown from the original fellowship in 1987 of eight brothers to include more than fifty golfers over the years. The increase of our membership has led to our mission statement being expanded to include supporting various communities through charitable giving to youth organizations around the country through the Sharone Lee Garvin Fund.
I am honored and encouraged to be a member of our fellowship of like-minded brothers who uplift one another through our golf fellowship while giving back to uplift our youth. One of my favorite moments was when my wife Sylvia, Spoiler brother Derek Harps, and I were blessed to present the Spoilers first annual Sharone Lee Garvin Memorial Fund charitable award to the YWCAof Washington, DC to support their early childhood education program. It was a joy and inspiration to interact with the children and staff and to see their expressions of appreciation.
I look forward to our yearly golf fellowship and I enjoy every aspect of it from the first day greetings to the final day fair-wells. My favorite part of the fellowship is the Saturday banquet and award night fellowship because it highlights our values of encouraging one another and helping others through our golf fellowship. We laugh, network, and raise money to help our youth while doing what we love. It is truly a rewarding experience.
June 2022 will be the milestone thirty-fifth anniversary of our Spoilers Annual Golf Fellowship I am once again looking forward to being able to greet all of my brother Spoilers whom I haven't seen for too long since the COVID pandemic. It is ahways a great joy for me to see each brother and catch up on what's new in each other's life since our last fellowship. It will certainly be encouraging for me to see that the Lord has blessed and kept each of us despite tough times. I hope and pray that every brother who is able to join us at Legends June 16-19, 2022 will be there. Remember, once a Spoiler always a Spoiler!
May God Bless You and Yours,
James 'JG' Garvin
April 27, 2020
Mr. Curtis Bolden
3 Baysprings Ct.
Savannah, GA 31405
Dear Mr. Bolden,
The Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club of Savannah, GA, would like to thank you and the members of the Spoilers Men’s Golf Club for your generous donation of $3,750. The current economic environment has created a significant resource development challenge for the club. We have had to cancel key fundraising activities. Your donation could not have come at a better time.
We are celebrating our 103rd year of providing superior youth development opportunities for the young people in the Savannah community. Proceeds from your donation will support the organization’s efforts to continue providing hope and opportunities for great futures for our kids.
Members of the club range in age from 5 – 18 and are off the streets and involved in life-enriching programs during the most dangerous time of day for them, which is between 3:00 and 9:00 pm. Ninety percent of our members are on grade level, with 98% expected to graduate high school on time. Ninety percent of our kids intend to pursue a post high school education as they continue on to college.
Our members recently indicated at a high level having an optimal experience at the club. On a national Boys & Girls Club survey the Frank Callen Members voted at a 92% for having an optimal experience putting us in the top 1% of clubs nationwide. We are very proud of this rating as the median for clubs movement wide is 44%. Your donation will help continue providing high level youth development and optimal experiences for the youth in the greater Savannah area.
Thanks again.
J. S. Brooks Vincent J. DelMonte
John S. Brooks Vincent J. DelMonte
Board, Chair Executive Director
From: Maureen Dwyer
Date: April 17, 2020 at 7:01:05 AM EDT
To: dkharps@gmail.com
Subject: Checking in and sharing some joy from Sitar
Dear Derek,
I hope that you and your loved ones are as well as can be right now. I'm thankful that I can hold my family members close each day and am also trying to keep Sitar's community members, like you, close and up to date. When you have a moment, please let me know how you are doing.
Sitar's teaching artists are crucial in keeping our children and teens grounded amid the ongoing turbulence. Long-term volunteer Sharon came to our first virtual faculty gathering deeply concerned about her teenage students who have built relationships of trust and support with her and each other in their weekly Stage Make-Up class.
A week later, Sitar staff had Sharon and her students up and running with weekly virtual classes as part of Sitar Arts Center Online. Twenty-nine other teachers are also holding virtual classes each week, and so far 125 families have enrolled.
The Sitar community simply refuses to be disconnected.
In celebration of Sitar's teaching artists, and 20 years of Sitar, I'd like you to be the first to see the second installment of our 20th Anniversary Video Series. It brings you into the classroom, where you’ll see the meaningful relationships these artists create with our students and the essential life skills students develop through the arts.
Featured teaching artist Paola beautifully frames Sitar's mission when she proclaims, Sitar es libertad––Sitar is Freedom. We are a community where every family has the same high-quality arts opportunities no matter their income; and 80% of our families have low-incomes and now are increasingly unemployed.
Sitar resolves to remain a place of arts, stability, and belonging for young people experiencing isolation right now, and to be positioned to open our doors the moment it is safe to do so.
Please take a peek - it is only 3 minutes - and may the voices of Sitar bring you a moment of joy today.
With gratitude,
Maureen
MAUREEN L. DWYER She/Her/Hers
Executive Director
Sitar Arts Center
T 202.797.2145 x100 F 202.483.0789
1700 Kalorama Road NW, Suite 101
Washington, DC 20009
www.sitarartscenter.org
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Sitar Arts Center staff will be working remotely at this time. Voicemail will be checked daily; however, email is recommended for the quickest response. For Sitar's latest operating status please visit our website at www.sitarartscenter.org.
Celebrating 20 Years of Sitar Arts Center
Where DC Youth Belong, Aspire and Achieve
Donate | Volunteer | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Check Presented to Roxbury Youthworks by Spoilers Men's Golf Club
On June 10th Executive Director Mia Alvarado from Roxbury Youthworks and her staff welcomed myself, my wife Michele, fellow Spoilers Tom Perry & Jerry Womack to their offices at 841 Parker St, Roxbury Crossing, MA. We heard from staff about the many rewards, chanllenges and passion they found in their work.
Our $4,000.00 Sharone Lee Garvin Fund check will definitely provide counseling opportunities for some young folks in the greater Boston area this summer. The work of Roxbury Youthworks helps save at risk teens by providing services and support in hopes of keeping them from incarceration, teen prostitution, child trafficting or worst, death.