Richard P. Thomas Wins Statewide Award

Richard P. Thomas is in his fifth decade of community service, and he is as dedicated and energetic as he was 50 years ago.

Richard began giving his time and talents to the field of long term care in the 1960s, when he was appointed to the board of the Dumont Masonic Home in New Rochelle, serving as board president in the early 1970s. Richard joined the board of directors as a trustee of the Masonic Care Community in 1978 and served as board treasurer in the mid-1980s. Today, he serves as Masonic Care Community's board president in Utica, and his enthusiasm and leadership grow stronger every day, providing the guidance and vision so necessary in these challenging times.

Throughout his tenure with Masonic Care Community, Richard has had a vital role in two major building projects: construction and renovation of the Health Pavilion (skilled nursing facility) and Wiley Hall (adult care facility). At Richard's urging, the Masonic Care Community researched services needed to allow individuals to remain in their homes in the community. As a result, Masonic Care Community acquired licensing as a certified home care agency and a licensed home care agency, expanding service beyond the borders of the campus.

Richard's philosophy has spurred the Masonic Care Community to become not just an outstanding health care facility, but an outstanding member of the community as well. Under his guidance and leadership, the Masonic Care Community has partnered with numerous groups to promote local health-related events and hosts the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk and the National Kidney Foundation walk each year.

Richard's skills and talents are focused now on the development of a 20-year Master Plan for the Masonic Care Community's campus that will sustain and promote the organization's mission of providing quality health care for future generations.

Richard is well known for his favorite saying: "Quality, quality quality!", and he consistently promotes the highest standards through his leadership as board president. He continually challenges staff at all levels as well as the board to offer the best customer service and the utmost level of care to the residents and families they serve. For that, NYAHSA is proud to name him "Trustee of the Year."

Founded in 1961, the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) represents nearly 600 not-for-profit and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.