Spirit of Lacey

Ken Balsley, Awarded May 4, 2023

For Exceptional Volunteerism

There is a reason Ken Balsley was known as “Mr. Lacey” — Ken was the biggest supporter of Lacey ever known. Each time Ken met a new community member he offered a free, historical tour of Lacey and the surrounding area, culminating in a trip to the Lacey Museum and lunch “on him.”

Ken spent more than 50 years championing and serving the City he loved. He served on numerous City Committees, including the Lacey Historical Commission and the Board of Park Commissioners (now the Parks, Culture, and Recreation Board) for a combined total of 20 years. He founded the Lacey Civic Committee, which was instrumental in the development of Lacey Civic Plaza, the Lacey Museum, and Huntamer Park. He was active in numerous community organizations, including the South Sound Chamber of Commerce, Lacey Rotary, and Lacey Historical Society. But none of his lengthy list of accomplishments completely captures his love for the Lacey community and its people.

During the May 4, 2023, City Council meeting, Ken Balsley’s widow, Jan Teague, received the Spirit of Lacey Award on Ken’s behalf. Watch the slide show featuring several photos and a recording of You’re Never a Stranger in Lacey, written and performed by Ken.

Ruth Weigelt, Awarded November 3, 2022

For Exceptional Volunteerism

Ruth is Lacey personified.

On November 3, 2023, the City Council honored Ruth Weigelt with the Spirit of Lacey award. Her involvement in the Lacey community stretches well over 50 years. She is a founding member of the Lacey Spring Fun Fair, serving as the committee chair for nearly 35 years.  She is also an active member of the North Thurston Citizens for Schools committee leading many levy and bond ballot-measure efforts.  Ruth is also a long-standing member of the South Sound YMCA Board of Trustees. She regularly attends, volunteers, and contributes to nearly all City of Lacey events.

In case you missed it, here’s a link to the award presentation: https://youtu.be/b2n05C4TWTQ

Graeme Sackrison, Awarded May 30, 2019

For Exceptional Volunteerism

Graeme has a long history of serving in the community and supporting community efforts. He served on the Lacey City Council for 13 years, including four (4) years as Mayor of Lacey. During his first term as mayor, Graeme saw numerous city projects initiated or completed, including: increased development in Hawks Prairie; the passage of a nearly $10 million parks bond for the improvement of fifteen local parks; and the construction of a new senior center. Additionally, he worked to create an urban forestry board, improve local trail systems as a means of transportation, and build a skate park. After serving as mayor for four (4) years, Graeme stepped down to empower other council members to hold the position.

Graeme also served as the Co-Chair for North Thurston Citizens for Schools, where he played an instrumental role in the passage of a $175 million bond for North Thurston Public Schools for new school construction, remodels, and safety and security upgrades.

Graeme served for over eight years as the Board Chair of the Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT), where he oversaw efforts to help plan for Electric Vehicle (EV), promoted collaboration between cities and universities to develop more sustainable traffic patterns, and conducted a greenhouse gas inventory of Thurston County and its jurisdictions.

Graeme is a strong supporter of local business and served as the Board President of the Lacey South Sound Chamber of Commerce. He is a champion of efforts to bring new technology and business models to our area. Most recently, he served as a key founding member of the Lacey MakerSpace.

The MakerSpace provides local businesses and entrepreneurs with access to specialty high-tech equipment, business development expertise, and a community of fellow makers.

As the former Board Chair of North Thurston Pubic Schools, Graeme has taken on a number of community­ focused initiatives including raising funds for the Lacey Food Bank. North Thurston Public Schools has hundreds of homeless students and thousands of students from low-income families. Graeme knew that a food bank in Lacey would provide a much-needed resource to these students and their families. Graeme is also a champion of the Student and Family Resource Center that provides low-income and homeless families with easy access to local social services.

Jerry Farmer, Awarded December 7, 2017

For Exceptional Volunteerism

For several decades, Jerry generously volunteered his time and talent to some of the most important community events and fundraisers in Lacey and the South Sound area. As an announcer, awards host, humorist, and auctioneer, Jerry contributed to the success of each event he has hosted.
Jerry is the type of person who says “yes” to the community – he is there when asked to be with no expectation of reward or acknowledgement. He serves the Lacey community with a professional and positive attitude. To each occasion he brings just what is needed: excitement, solemnity, laughter, or persuasion – Jerry delivers!

Lacey Sunrise Lions Club, Awarded August 26, 2015

For Exceptional Volunteerism

Since 1987, Lacey Sunrise Lions Club volunteers have placed American flags on Lacey’s main street to celebrate United States holidays like Independence Day and Veterans Day.  This project reflects Lacey’s special connection to Joint Base Lewis-McChord as a military community.  It also demonstrates the dedicated volunteerism of the Lacey Sunrise Lions members.

In 1987, Lion members installed 250 flags to celebrate Memorial Day. Since then, the project has grown to encompass nine annual holidays – each celebrated with more than 580 flags decorating our streets!  This project continues to grow year after year. The Lions Club never falters in their dedication to providing this unique service for the people of Lacey.

Brady Olsen, Awarded July 23, 2015

For Heroism and Selflessness

On April 27,2015, prior to the start of school at North Thurston High School, students were gathered in the commons area visiting with friends. Teacher Brady Olson was near the Commons when he heard a loud noise. Not realizing the noise was gunfire, Mr. Olson moved toward the sound to find out what it was. He reached the staircase and encountered a student holding a weapon pointed at the ceiling.  The student fired a second shot. Mr. Olson tackled the student to the ground and held the student on the floor until help arrived.  Officer Mcclanahan and Mr. Rood assisted in removing the gun and handcuffing the student.

Mr. Olson’s display of courage and willingness to put his life on the line to save innocent students and staff members shows the true meaning of a hero.

Eric Nelson, Awarded December 15, 2011

For Heroism and Selflessness

On March 9, 2011, Eric Nelson came upon a horrific traffic accident on Carpenter Road.  The accident involved two vehicles. One vehicle spun out of control, went off the roadway, and caught on fire.  Eric, without regards to his own safety, immediately went into action and pulled two people from the vehicle.  Eric then pulled a third person from the second vehicle.  He stayed with the injured individuals until medics arrived.  Sadly, one of the vehicle occupants died from her injuries.  Eric is recognized for his composure, courage, judgment, and lifesaving heroism.