The Livingston Soccer Club Board of Trustees held its annual dinner and awards ceremony on Wednesday evening, March 3rd, at Nero’s Restaurant.

In attendance were Town Manager Michele Meade; Town Councilman and head of Livingston Sports Council, Stephen Santola; Town Councilman and coach Gary Schneiderman, Public Works Department head Mike Anello; owner of Ashley’s Soccer Camps, Ashley Hammond; Club accountants Michael Granit and Barbara Kauke; and past and current presidents of the West Orange United Soccer Club, Pat Doyle and Bill Schiffman.

Club Registrar and the evening’s emcee, Steve Muench, kicked off the evening by noting that the Club has many accomplishments to be proud of. "Last season the LSC had 2500 registered players and a record number of Kinderkickers, Indoor, and Spring Training Academy registrants. We have maintained our $60 registration fee, introduced online registration, and have a dynamic new website maintained by Greg Shoyket," said Muench.

Representing Livingston High School were Paul Raiz, the Girls Varsity Coach, and Roger Rubinetti, the Boys Varsity Coach. Raiz and Rubinetti handed out special awards to a handful of outstanding athletes who were named to the 2009 New Jersey All-State Soccer Team. Present to receive this prestigious award were Samantha Panzner and Joanna Scotti, Drew Wagner, Samuel Butensky, and Julian Craitar.

The twelfth annual Harold Shatz Referee Award was presented by the youngest and newest Board member, Steve Brooks, who is also a past recipient of the award. This year the prestigious award was given to Scott Levine and Devin Grossman, both tenth graders at Livingston High School.

Former club president Steve Delman presented the Delman Coaches Sportsmanship Award to Randy Rossilli, who coached both 2nd and 4th grade teams, and Yftah Kaluski, who coached 5th/6th grade girls. "Randy and Yftah were cited for good sportsmanship, fairness, and the ability to make the game exciting for the kids," said Delman. Other criteria for the award include knowledge of the rules, respect for the referees, and solid communication with parents and the LSC.

Beth Riemer-Schachtel, chair of the Kinderkickers program, presented the fourth annual Kinderkickers Coaches Award to Zhong Li and Andy Krupa. "Zhong and Andy were cited for being stand-out coaches by showing that enthusiasm and silliness are the best inspiration at the Kinderkickers level," said Riemer-Schachtel.

Trustee and past president Max Silbermann presented the fourth annual Silbermann Community Service Award to JoAnn Lee for her tireless dedication to Soccer Circle, which provides a day of soccer activities for special needs children in conjunction with the Friendship Circle. "JoAnn has attended 26 of the 28 Soccer Circle events, more than any other volunteer," said Silbermann.

Incoming Club President Steve Toby presented the next award to retiring Board member, Peter Fertig, in absentia. "Peter has been indispensible to the success of the Travel Program for many years," said Toby. "As Co-Director of Travel Peter skillfully juggled and balancing the interests of the players, parents, coaches, professional trainers, fields, and League and State Soccer Associations – no small task. Without Peter, our Travel Program would not be enjoying the success it has today."

Lastly, the Club honored and celebrated the retirement of Club President Andy Feigenberg and Vice President Neil Grossman, who both stepped down from their respective positions last month.

Grossman joined the Board in 2003 and served in a number of capacities, including Assisant Treasurer, Head of Intown, Executive Committee, and Vice President. "Neil was a one-man team as VP. He even turned his porch into the Livingston Soccer Club office. Neil was terrific partner and a huge advocate for the 1600 or so kids who played in the Intown Program. He made a good program great during his tenure and is leaving Steve Ferman a tough act to follow," said Feigenberg. Grossman will remain on the Board as Co-Director of Referees with Steve Brooks.

Feigenberg, who has served on the Board for 13 years, steps down as president after six years leading the club. "Andy’s commitment to the Club and service to the Livingston community has been inspirational," said Muench. "His contributions to the Club will benefit the coaches, players, referees, and parents for many years to come." Feigenberg has also served three years as vice president and coached for 11 years. His other major Board jobs have included 1st Grade Coordinator and chairs of Soccer Circle, Carpini Cup, Enforcement Committee, Intown Committee, and Executive Committee.

The evening was capped with the official welcome to Steve Toby and Steve Ferman as the new president and vice president of the club. Registration for the Fall 2010 programs is now open. Email notifications will be sent out to remind parents to register early. Visit our website, www.lsclub.com, to register. Credit card payments are accepted.