Who Made News This Year in Lacey?

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.

Lacey 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.

Lacey 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 shelter boxes for those impacted by the tsunami in Japan, volunteering for food distribution for the Lacey Food Bank and delivering gifts to Lacey families in need just in time for Christmas.

Army Medic Jackie Montgomery, 20, of Lacey returned home from Iraq. Local emergency services sounded their sirens as they escorted Montgomery from the municipal building to her home after she was honored with two proclamations, including one from Congressman Jon Runyan.

The non-profit is a haven to animals in need and a source of community fun. Popcorn Park has been in the news throughout the year for its rescue of abandoned turtles, a washed up seal and a stranded possum. This year was a big one for the zoo as they brought home the Texas 7- a male lion, a tiger and five cougars.

The late Lacey grown man was remembered for his love of life, big heart and great friendship. Holmes entered the Coast Guard in 2005, where he advanced through the ranks quickly. He was serving as a Machinery Technician at Air Station Atlantic City.

After 21 years with the Lacey Township School District, former Superintendent Richard Starodub announced his retirement. Starodub came to Lacey in 1979 as a planning principal for the new middle school, eventually becoming assistant superintendent and finally superintendent.

Zygmund “Ziggy” Zwierchowski, one of the founding members of the Lacey Food Bank, died in June. Ziggy spent most of his time in Forked River hauling thousands of pounds of food around town.

Although businesses continue to close in a struggling economy, now high school student Gavin Rozzi launched his own company, Gavin Rozzi Technical Consultants. With his extensive knowledge of computer programming for both PCs and Macs, Rozzi assists locals with their technical needs.

From home economic classes at Lacey Township High School to The Food Network’s Iron Chef America, Gena Marino took on a culinary career. Marino has worked at Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, Tra Vigne in California and has opened up her own restaurants.

The Lacey food bank continues to serve the increasing number of Lacey residents in need. These days, the Lacey Food Bank feeds more. As of Thanksgiving, the Lacey Food Bank was feeding 206 families and more than 230 children.