McWain Named

Chairman of Ashlar Board

James T. McWain has been named chairman of the board of directors of Ashlar of Newtown, the skilled nursing facility located on Toddy Hill Road. The Ashlar of Newtown board also oversees Lockwood Lodge, the adjoining assisted living residence.

 Both not-for-profit, nationally accredited health care facilities are affiliated with the Wallingford-based Masonicare, which offers retirement communities and an umbrella of health services statewide._Mr McWain has been a member of the Ashlar of Newtown board for six years, serving as vice chairman prior to his appointment as chairman. He is a Trumbull resident.

“Jim has been an invaluable member of the board, demonstrating commitment_and leadership throughout his tenure,” said Tom Gutner, president of Ashlar of Newtown. “We’re confident that under his chairmanship, Ashlar of Newtown will continue to focus on quality patient care and successfully meeting the challenges of today’s health care environment.”

Mr McWain is a retired director of customer support/businesses planning for Textron Lycoming, and is also a retired colonel in the United States Army. A member of the US Armor Association, he is a holder of the Order of St George. Active in the Masonic order for more than 40 years, Mr McWain is a_member of Masonic Lodges in Connecticut and Vermont, as well as a member of National Sojourners, Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite Bodies, Pyramid Shrine and European Shrine Club. He is also a member of the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars. Additionally, he is a director of the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board.

He received his bachelor of science from Norwich University in Vermont, a degree from the US Army War College in Pennsylvania, and a masters of science in public administration from Shippensburg University.

Ashlar of Newtown is a 156-bed facility that provides skilled nursing services, skilled rehabilitation services, ancillary support services, assisted living, and community-based outreach programs and services to older adults. Lockwood Lodge is a 51-unit assisted living residence that offers a_multitude of services in a safe, residential environment to promote individuality, foster independence, and encourage older adults to live their lives to the fullest. Both have achieved accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as a result of demonstrating compliance with the Joint Commission’s nationally recognized health care standards.