07/01/2026
Hundreds wish Geldert well
By Don Bellach, Contributing Writer
Sherburne County Commissioner Gary Gray seemed to sum up the general feeling of the almost one hundred people who showed up at the Outdoor Options facility in Big Lake on Thursday, June 25, 2026, for Options Executive Director Brenda Geldert’s retirement party. Gray explained how he felt about working with Geldert and how he felt about the day, “You can never replace the experience, but sooner or later you have to.” He continued, “She’ll be missed.”
Big Lake Mayor Paul Knier expressed similar thoughts, “A community’s true strength can be measured by its compassion and support for those who cannot easily protect themselves. Brenda has helped build an organization that does an amazing job for its clients. She will be missed, but due largely to her diligence, the impact of Options will go on long into the future.”
Big Lake City Council Member and Options Board Member Ken Geroux shared these thoughts, “She’s the best. In the decades I’ve worked with her, she’s been unwavering in her commitment to her job. She’s fantastic in developing personal relationships.”
Employees react
Similar remarks about Geldert’s commitment to the organization were heard from the employees who were in attendance. Stacie Skalak, who will be taking over for Geldert on July 1, said, “I’ve worked here for 27 years and all of them with Brenda,” and she stopped to smile while thinking about what’s ahead. “She has taught me well. I have a good team to support me.”
Skalak described how Geldert’s focus wasn’t just on the clients they served, but also on their employees. “We’re like a family here.”
Employment Specialist Connie Nance shared this, “Brenda’s leadership has been phenomenal. She has been one of the biggest advocates for everyone who Options has been involved with.”
Clients
Because of privacy concerns, this reporter did not interview any of the people whom Options supports, though I did obtain photographs of individuals who wanted to pose with Geldert and gave permission to be photographed.
You could see the love many of them had for her. They and their families surrounded her from the moment the party began at 12:30pm until it ended at 2:30pm, often forming lines around her. Many brought hand-made gifts and presents, which Geldert gratefully accepted. Always with a smile on her face, she took time to recognize each of them.
She explained how she felt about retiring and the party held in her honor, “I feel overwhelmed with how great people are, how great the people are who I provide services to, their families, the people I work with, people in the community. I won’t remember the work part of this, but I will remember all the relationships I’ve made, and for that I’m so very thankful.”
30 years of service
Skalak forwarded me an article that highlighted moments from Geldert’s 30-year Options career. One excerpt said, “Her leadership was built from firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the everyday realities faced by individuals with disabilities, their families, and the staff who support them. Throughout nearly three decades at Options, Brenda remained committed to one principle: people come first.”
Even though the retirement party was held to honor Geldert, it was Geldert who took the time to honor everyone who showed up to wish her well.
