Four Towns, One Community: West Essex Will Celebrate 50th Anniversary on May 21

West Essex Regional Schools turn 50 this year and to celebrate several events are in the works from a 5K run/walk to a pancake breakfast to the unveiling of an interactive West Essex Hall of Distinction. If you want to join the golden anniversary celebration, mark the date: These events are all happening on the morning of Saturday, May 21.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the West Essex Foundation for Education (WEFE) is holding “Trotting for Technology,” a 5K run/walk to help fund the purchase of educational equipment for West Essex Regional Schools. Runners and walkers will start at the and follow a route through residential neighborhoods in North Caldwell. Trophies will be given to male and female first-place finishers.

Not running? You can join the West Essex community for the West Essex 50th Anniversary Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in the high school cafeteria. Adults pay a donation of $10; children and seniors pay $5. Runners and walkers will receive a complimentary breakfast.

During the breakfast, a student art show will be open for browsing and there will be face painting for children.

The morning will end with the unveiling and dedication of the interactive visual display for the West Essex Hall of Distinction inside the main entrance of the high school at 11:15 a.m. See attached PDF invitation and RSVP to David Montgomery by Friday, May 13.

will help raise community awareness for the financial needs of the West Essex district. Proceeds from the event will supplement state and federal funding for programs and technology WEFE feels is necessary to create an ideal learning experience for students.

“These [state] budgets are limited and the needs for an escalated level and superior tools for education have always been the need of our schools,” said Sandy Costa, WEFE Trustee and Public Relations Director.

Since its establishment in 2009, WEFE has given 10 grants to West Essex programs and teachers, thanks to donations and fundraisers, such as the annual “Cut-a-thon” at

Preparing for the 5K has become a true community event; West Essex students have helped to create and distribute flyers for the event. Annette Giamo, of Fairfield, who annually coordinates a run for her late son, is assisting in planning the WEFE event.

Walkers and runners who are interested in participating on May 21 can register the day of the event. The registration fee is $30. For more information, those interested can pick up packets at West Essex Middle School on Friday, May 20, from 5 to 7 p.m., and before the run on Saturday, May 21, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

“Trot for Technology” is being sponsored by D& L Paving Co., which is owned by the Matarazzo family of Fairfield, and St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. The two donors will be joint "starting line" sponsors. The finish line will be sponsored by Toyota Corporate.

Read a brief history of the West Essex Regional School District here.