The clock strikes midnight in just eleven hours, when we'll be thrust into 2012. See how Lacey Patch remembered and celebrated 2011 by clicking on the following links: Editor's Notebook: My New Year's ResolutionReflecting on 2011 at Lacey Patch Issues 2012: Stories to Follow in the New YearContinue to follow Lacey Patch for updates on the following issues New Year's Eve Parties and EventsDon't have plans for New Year's Eve yet? Check out our roundup of parties, dinners and family-friendly events in the region. Who Made News This Year in Lacey?From a Lacey teenager who started a successful …

Before I became local editor of Lacey Patch, I had yet to step foot in Lacey Township. A typical rule of thumb when hiring an editor of a Patch website is that they reside in the town they work. At the time, I had lived in Ocean County for just six months. When I was hired I drove into town daily. I went to the library and read about Lacey’s history, I scanned the town with my eyes, introduced myself to as many people as possible and immersed myself into the daily life of a typical Lacey resident. All seemed well and good when Lacey Patch debuted on Dec. 21, 2010. But we were really tested …

The year may be coming to an end but certain issues are not. Lacey Patch will keep you updated on some of Lacey's most pertinent issues. Walmart Wind TurbinesWalmart is launching a pilot cost-saving program with OmniWind at four stores across the country. The company would install windmills in the store's parking lots to supply power to the buildings. The turbines caused quite a ruckus among residents in Lacey for aesthetic and safety reasons. In December, the Board of Adjustment confirmed that the application will pass but held off their vote until the January meeting so a list of conditions…

As Deputy Mayor Mark Dykoff has said, "We have a lot of great people in this town." In this year-end story, Patch honors some of the noteworthy locals who went above and beyond in 2011. Bruce BakerLacey resident Bruce Baker served in the armed forces for 29 years and now volunteers at the Ocean County Veterans Service Office. He was recently awarded Outstanding Marine of the Year. Interact ClubLacey Township High School’s Interact Club, a 169-member community service organization, steps up for locals in need. This year, the group raised funds for global and local projects including purchasing…

As you celebrate the new year, check out some of the photos from Lacey Patch's first year. Feel free to upload your own photos to this gallery. Continue to follow Patch for more holiday coverage.