Hedy Kaminski Announces Retirement After Decades of Community Service in Sullivan County

Monticello, NY — April 7, 2026 — After more than four decades of living and working in Sullivan County, Hedy Kaminski has announced her retirement, marking the conclusion of a long and impactful career dedicated to hospitality, service, and community support.

Hedy Kaminski has been a resident of Monticello and Sullivan County for 45 years. Her journey to the area began in 1969 when she met her husband, Tom Kaminski, while vacationing at a local hotel, where he was working as an entertainer. The couple married in 1970 and initially settled in Ocean Township along the Jersey Shore. In 1980, they returned to Sullivan County when her husband accepted a position at Kutsher’s Country Club, relocating the family to Monticello.

Their daughter, Agatha, attended Monticello schools and graduated from Syracuse University. The Kaminski family became deeply rooted in the region, with all three working in the local hotel industry during its peak years.

Hedy built a vibrant career in hospitality, working at the Paramount and Swan Lake Hotels as Director of Activities and Master of Ceremonies. She also shared her passion for dance as a line dance instructor at various hotels throughout the area. During this time, she actively volunteered in the community, including delivering Meals on Wheels during the winter months. She also furthered her education by earning an Associate Degree from Sullivan County Community College.

Following the decline of the local hotel industry, Hedy transitioned her career in 2008 to the Recovery Center, where she began working with clients undergoing rehabilitation. She was promoted to work with women in residential treatment—a role she describes as the most rewarding of her career.

Through her work, Hedy formed deep and lasting relationships with the women she supported, gaining profound respect for their resilience and determination to build better lives for themselves and their families. Many of these relationships have continued over the years, as she has attended their weddings, celebrated the births of their children, and shared in countless milestones.

Hedy has also been a dedicated volunteer at the 1st Way Life Center for 12 years where she has continued to support both former clients and the next generation of families in the community. She began her volunteer service by helping organize the center and its food pantry, went on to serve as secretary, and currently leads as Chairman of the Board.

Reflecting on her career, Hedy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve others and be part of so many personal journeys of growth and recovery.  

She is looking forward to moving to South Carolina to be closer to her family. However, anyone who knows Hedy understands she has never been one to sit still. She is already planning to find a new pro-life center in her new community, where she can continue sharing her time, hard work, and boundless love.  

A retirement celebration honoring Hedy Kaminski will be held on April 25th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at The Taverna, 218 Main Street in Hurleyville. Friends, family, colleagues, and community members are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her remarkable contributions. RSVP to Annette Rein at reinannette2@gmail.com.