Reverend Sandye Wilson is in her fifth year as rector of St. Andrew. The church is on the verge of celebrating its 150th year and is in the midst of a capital campaign to fund improvements like the installation of an elevator. Its organ was dedicated in 1929. The congregation has a membership of 200 families and prides itself on diversity.
Youth programming includes a study hall called ACES for local high school students looking for help on assignments. There's also a homework help room on Wednesday nights. The Mission and Outreach Committee sponsors relief work in Darfur, New Orleans, Jamaica, Haiti and Afghanistan.
Masters of social work candidates from Fordham University hold office hours at St. Andrew and provide social work services for free to community members. The auditorium (where members of the congregation meet after services for coffee hour) is used for events like debate-watching parties (during the run-up to the general election), but it's also rented out to other groups. It's located next to an industrial kitchen.
The church is the site of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a world-class performing arts space in the middle of South Orange, featuring music, theater, dance and comedy. In addition to entertainment events, the Center hosts a variety of performing arts education programs including, Performances for Schools, ArtWorks, New Jersey Youth Theatre, TADA! Youth Theater and Lydia Johnson Dance. The facility's loft and theater are available to rent for private functions. There is also a Clearview Cinemas on the ground floor. SOPAC opened in November 2006 and is located next to the South Orange train station and has its own lot, which is used for commuter permit parking during the day.
CFO Solutions is a financial consultancy firm that provides a suite of services around business operations, financing, and planning. It serves small- and mid-sized businesses all over the northeast United States. Call to set up an appointment.
Beth El's preschool has been in existence for close to 40 years and many of the current students are the children of alums. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis, but preference is given to synagogue members and siblings of current students. In addition to the regular staffers, the school employs a music specialist and a gymnastics/yoga instructor who works with the 3- and 4-year-olds every two weeks. Every classroom has two teachers. There are also parent/child classes for 1- to 2-year-olds. Director Sandy Sachs has held her position for seven years.
Eagles Talent Connection helps corporate meeting planners select and stage talent for their meeting, such as motivational speakers, sports stars, celebrities, and corporate entertainers. Call for more information.
