wk7

The weather was perfect for the 7^th straight week of volleyball action at Riis Park between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM and between 8 PM and 9 PM. However, that half hour between 7:30 PM and 8 PM was a doozey. The night started normal and then, due to unknown Biblical forces, a strange curse was cast upon the league with high winds reminiscent of the gale force that swept Dorothy and Toto away. (Really it seemed more like Kirby just saying hello to all of his old friends.) Strong winds whipped up out of the south and made play impossible. Matches were suspended temporarily while players and fans sought shelter from the wind and rain by scrambling up to the boardwalk like refugees running through the parted Red Sea. Ole Cement Shoes echoed the feelings of many veterans when he exclaimed, “Coolers and children first. Then if there is time, get the women.” After the Curse lifted, play continued under the arc of a rainbow with Cubby heading west in his never-ending search for the Pot of Gold. He gave up the search at his cooler. Some RBVL players were hopeful they could complete an entire season with clear skies but it just didn’t happen.

Seven weeks of volleyball have been played and seven of the RBVL divisions head into next week’s position night amidst many exciting pennant races. Who would have thought that the Rockaway Breakers would still be in first place this late in the season? He who shall not be named has led his squad to new and lofty heights. (And on the dance floor, too.) The Blackwater Boarders were down 3-0 when their leader John Sica showed up from that four letter word that ends with a k - work. The team was tired when Sica brought the thunder and lightening with him to stop the bleeding. He led the club to their only victory serving out the last three points to ice the win. Dylan Smith made it clear to his teammates that when he runs down a ball 20 yards away he expects someone to remove their feet from the sand. Thanks to MJ for playing hurt. Now that’s a trooper. The Notorious D.I.G.’s won another two games and are preparing to move out of the basement of the Sun Ray Division. They will be a tough opponent in the playoffs.

A new first was recorded at the Bungalow Bar party. Two young ladies set a record and became the first two RBVL players to actually dance on the roof of the building. Nice! Many other players tied an RBVL record by going to work Thursday with a hangover. The Bar hosted a large crowd with DJ Teddy playing the role of Mr. Interlocutor. The dance floor was disproportionately filled with Bungalow Baranhas. Bugsy and Bob Fash dancing to “Shout” was not only a joint venture mid-life crisis but a vintage AARP moment. Check out the Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band - The B Street Band, who will be playing the Bungalow Bar on Friday night July 22^nd. The next night, Saturday July 23nd is the Steve Belson event at the same location. That makes for a big weekend at the Bungalow Bar. Congratulations to two RBVL regulars, Mary Benson and Mike Montemorano; it’s only 365 days until their wedding. Also, congratulations to James Reilly (Sugar Bowl) and Colleen McDonald, currently enjoying their honeymoon in Italy and the Greek Isles. Hopefully, they are able to locate a romantic/historical spot or two.

Tom Malloy from 100,000 Octopuses is a ladies’ man. He always sets up the girls. He even kicked the ball off Becky’s head, over the net to score a point. He has way too much trust. Nice reverse sets and blocking Jaime. Eat it! Welcome back Ryan and Phil. Marty McManus has instructed the Snotty Yachties that there will be no communication on the court. Bump, set and spike will not be uttered unless great set is referring to the woman in black and gray uniform. This non-communication worked wonders when Marty played in the Helen Keller division. Frank and Lauren Ganun were walking up the beach together when someone asserted loudly “There goes the league’s best server.” (And she was with her father.) Sugar Bowl took Flip Tops 3 to 2 with Mike Meehan showing up for the first time. He slipped right into his old position of team screamer. Last week, Connolly’s won five but this week they promptly dumped five. What a difference a week makes. Can a whole team be bipolar? Even Mrs. Happy is coming to the realization that the team is the league equivalent of the Bad News Bears. Easy Company had another enchanted night and TJ turned 39 again. Hello, Jack Benny. Not only was he lucky on the court with a 3-2 win but the bad weather and sandstorm downpours all turned in to rainbows. Thank you and Go Easy. It was a great veteran match between Its All Good and Bogatell Vino, with Its All Good taking three. Joe Moore has one question: Was it worth it Debbie? Then again is Debbie worth it? Tommy Kearns gave a clinic on double fisted hitting and drinking. Wow! What a multi-tasker. Laura played her last game before departing for Texas. TBG wants to fly her back for the playoffs. President Patty noticed a certain competitive ferocity amongst the easy going veteran squad. Maybe they need sweatshirts.

Bad behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct and disregarding league rules have increased and will not be tolerated! In half a season referees have reported more unsportsmanlike acts toward opponents and refs than the entire 2010 season. What is going on? We have spent way too much time handling these matters already. Everyone is now on notice. These acts are totally unacceptable and will be dealt with harshly if they continue, even if it is your first offense. Remember, we have many new refs, some of whom are learning on the job. Some are young and some are not as young but they all are trying their best to call the games fairly. They do not have an ax to grind with any of our teams and we need you to treat them with respect.

The outdoor party season of the RBVL continues next week on the other side of the Cross Bay Bridge at the Bayview. In 2010, they received the award for “Best RBVL Food” and 2011 promises to feature more of the same. In 2011 they plan to add drink specials as well, featuring $2 beers all night and $5 frosted drinks. And there might even be some surprise RBVL specials during the evening. So start saving your money for the toll charge. On July 27^th the party leaves the mainland and returns to the peninsula where the Wharf will host the festivities. Just go behind the gas station and another world awaits you. Thanks again to Bud Light who are sponsoring the RBVL this season. They were generous with a contribution toward the uniform costs and it is nice to see the many revelers throwing back Buds and Bud Lights at the bars after the games. It seems many players drink beer better than they play volleyball. Practice makes perfect!

Our weekly clean-up is being watched very closely so do not let up. You must continue to bring your garbage bags and pack and lug your empties away from Riis Park. Empties cannot be left at the top of the stairs around the single garbage can, even if they are in bags. We face fines and worse if this continues so please get back on top of things. I think you all realize how critical this is to our remaining at Riis Park. As always, if you have any questions please call Patty at 917-613-0908. (Be sure to call between 10 AM and 9 PM. Remember, Patty has a life outside of VB, too.) Or just check our website at www.rbvl.com. You'll find the answers to most of your questions there, not to mention pretty pictures and funny stories.

See you on the beach!