The Tamaqua Community Art Center's newest employee isn't new at all. That's because Lacey Timony, who was hired last week as the center's part-time special events coordinator, has been volunteering at the center for the past several years.

Timony, originally from New Jersey, is a graduate of Panther Valley High School. After a stint on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, she returned to the area and bought a house in Tamaqua. She continues to serve her country as a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.In addition to her volunteer work at the art center, she has been pursuing a degree in biology from Penn State University and is currently taking classes at the Schuylkill Campus.With a military occupational specialty of health service management and her pursuit of a degree in biology, one wonders why Timony applied for the job of special events coordinator for an art center."I became a volunteer here as a way to become more involved with the community. The art center challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone, doing something outside the box. And the people here at the center have been more than welcoming, making it easy to take that big step," she said.Art Center Director Leona Rega said, "Lacey's a volunteer with a heart for the community who has now become a member of our staff."While concentrating on special events, Timony will continue to serve in her volunteer role of publicity spokesman.