Viewfinder: Newport Restaurants End Summer Serving Volleys

The Newport Restaurant Volleyball League held their end of the summer volleyball tournament Tuesday afternoon, at  in Middletown.

Erica Sylvia of the  explained, "Charlie Holder, general manager at The Pier, started this league 15 years ago. It was then passed down to David Sparks, bartender at the Fifth Element, a few others in between, and now to me. It continues to grow each year and to date we now have 18 teams representing most, if not all, of the restaurants in Newport."

"This is a total volunteer recreational league," Sylvia continued. "We usually play at the Atlantic Beach Club but thanks to Julie Peabody, our gracious hostess, we came to Peabody's Beach for our end of the year barbecue and tournament."

The league plays every Tuesday from June through August. It's about eating, drinking and playing great volleyball.

Joshua Sheeley, who has been Sylvia's right hand thorughout the summer, has helped Sylvia in all aspects. Sheeley comes in early to bar back at the Atlantic Beach Club and gives Sylvia alot of emotional support in planning the league's events.

"It's a great way to network bartenders, kitchen staff and parking lot attendees. I've made so many friends over the summer," Sheeley said.

Cooking the fantastic shrimp, chicken, burgers, and dogs along with all the trimmings was Shawn Vincze. Vincze has been involved in the league over the years and now runs Greener-Ease Landscape. Although he did like telling me that he was Captain of "The Floaters Volleyball Team."

Who are the Floaters? That team consists of  Marina Cafe & Pub and The Hyatt.

Each team contributes $100 for all the food and drink at the barbecue.

They wanted me to mention that at the end of July, the teams all go over to Block Island, for a stay at Ballard's. That, as well as this great day at Peabody's Beach, are just two of the summer highlights.