Home Names New Lodge Manager

Carveth Retirement Lodge has a new manager.

Joe Classen, 32, of Lyn, was named to the role last month (September 2025). He follows Phyllis Lorbetskie who retired in July 2025. 

Currently working in the lodge as a Registered Practical Nurse, Joe is delighted with the promotion. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time because it’s a new role,” he says with a smile. “I’m grateful I have experienced managers here who I can turn to for guidance and support.”

Part of Carveth Care Centre, the retirement lodge has 34 rooms. It is half of Carveth Care Centre which also has a 104-bed long-term care (LTC) home. Joe started his career in LTC more than 10 years ago as a Personal Support Worker at Carveth. He earned his nursing license in 2021 and began working in the lodge as a nurse.

Speaking on behalf of the home, Administrator Brett Gibson notes, “I want to start by thanking, and showing my family’s gratitude to, Phyllis Lorbetskie for all the years of service she has provided to our home. She will be greatly missed. Replacing Phyllis was never going to be easy, but after several conversations and applications, the one name that kept coming back to us was Joe Classen. Joe fits our home’s values and was mentored by Phyllis. He understands residents needs and puts them at the forefront. We are going to help Joe into this new position, and we know he is going to work hard with our residents/staff on the lodge side.”

Asked what he brings to the role, the friendly man notes, “I bring a positive attitude, brevity and passion for maintaining the high standards this home is known for. I’m already familiar with the residents and staff which will help me answer their questions. I have always enjoyed this place and its people. It’s home.”

Looking thoughtful, Joe notes with sincerity, “I always loved how Phyllis ran the home. I don’t plan to change anything right away. My focus is to provide assisted daily living in a clean, comfortable and safe environment. I want to continue to ensure people are happy and healthy while preserving dignity and promoting independence. If the residents are happy, I’m happy.”

Former Lodge Manager Phyllis Lorbetskie notes, “I’d like to congratulate Joe on the advancement of his career by accepting the lodge manager position. I found it to be a very rewarding role. It is an additional step in the nursing department, providing an open avenue to learning and applying new skills. If you have any questions, Joe, I am always by your side to help and provide feedback and assistance. Best of luck in the future ahead. I know you will do an amazing job!”

Married with two children, Joe is particularly grateful for this positive change in his professional life due to a recent stroke of bad luck in his personal life. Joe suffered a house fire last May that destroyed most of his personal belongings.

“The rebuild starts the end of this month,” he says happily. “We’re hoping to be in by the end of November or early December. It will be nice to be back into my own house again. In the meantime, I’m grateful for the warm embrace of my Carveth family.”

Carveth Care Centre is proud to announce Joe Classen as our new Lodge Manager. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-382-4752.