Jessica Stolen, Vice Chair & Events Coordinator

Jessica grew up in the Granite Falls area and recently moved back. She’s the editor of three local newspapers and a fine art photographer. Having spent a lot of time around Bluenose over the last year she has seen how much everyone pours their heart and soul into Bluenose and wants to use her skills to help keep the Bluenose spirit thriving. Bluenose has been such an inspiration watching friendships form, watching musicians return to their love of music and meeting so many new people.

To contact Jessica, email jessica@bluenose.coop

Sarina Otaibi, Chair

Sarina Otaibi is a rural cultural worker shaped by her 20 years of experience working in entrepreneurship, community development, building activation, and local government. She works with artists and community leaders to build creative third places as the Activate Rural Program Director at Department of Public Transformation.

Sarina is the 5th generation of women in her family to graduate from the high school in her home community of Granite Falls, MN. She served as an elected City Council Member for 6 and a half years in addition to various leadership roles within the community. As the founding Board Chair of Bluenose Gopher Public House Cooperative for 8 years (2014-2022), Sarina continues her commitment to a thriving future for Bluenose as a community hub, creative taproom, and gathering place for not only Granite Falls, but for Minnesota's Southwest region.

To contact Sarina, email sarina@bluenose.coop

Brian-Paco Bertrand, Financial Officer

Born into a Navy family back in 1982, Brian-Paco (B-P, Paco, Brian) is a well traveled person that loves rural Southwest Minnesota. However, Paco has lived most of his life in Minnesota now. After obtaining a General Studies Associate’s degree with a Concentration in Mathematics in Maryland, Brian-Paco got a Bachelor’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. A poet in the world, Brian-Paco is an open mic performer and well known figure from Marshall to Sioux Falls, SD to Willmar and Granite Falls.

B-P lives in Marshall and became Bluenose member #373 in 2023. When collecting ideas to keep the cooperative running after closure in 2025, Brian-Paco came up with a presentation “Sustaining a Cooperative” and would be appointed to the board as of March 18, 2025.

To contact Brian, email brian-paco@bluenose.coop

Ryan Meehan, Records Officer & Volunteer Coordinator

Ryan lives and works in Granite Falls, MN. He's been involved with the Cooperative since the early days as one of the founding Board members and as an employee when Bluenose opened its doors. Serving the community through various ways on the Granite Falls Park Board and Squid Festival Committee, Ryan is passionate about public lands and spaces in rural areas.

To contact Ryan, email ryan@bluenose.coop

Luwaina Al-Otaibi, Board Member

Luwaina is a creative event organizer, collaborator, environmental advocate, and artist! Born and raised in the Middle East, she moved to the US at the age of 17 to attend University where she received a degree in Environmental Science. Nine years ago she moved to her mother’s small hometown of Granite Falls, MN for (what was supposed to be) just a short period of time. 

She ended up falling in love with the riverside town and found her passion embedding herself in the vibrant arts community through her work as Bluenose Gopher Public House’s first Chief Operating Officer. Collaborating with musicians, dancers, foragers, theater artists, and more to help create local events, proving that art of all shapes and sizes is an essential piece of any thriving downtown. Luwaina lives in Granite Falls with her two cats and dog. She enjoys the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley by kayaking the rivers and hiking the land.

To contact Luwaina, email luwaina8@bluenose.coop

Matt Moon, Board Member

Matt was born and raised in Southwest Minnesota and currently resides in Minneota, MN. He graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University with a degree in Environmental Science and has worked in public service for over 13 years. Matt is currently a permit writer for the State of Minnesota at the Pollution Control Agency and helps his wife photograph for their business, Moon Photography. He also previously worked in graphic arts and marketing and is hoping to use his various skills in service to the Bluenose.

Matt recently found the Bluenose and became a member in 2025. After going to several live music events, he found he really liked the people he met and the atmosphere at the Public House. There is literally no place like it in the area. He also has self taught himself to play the harmonica and performed at the Bluenose in February of 2025 with a friend and longtime Bluenose musician. Matt wants to help the Bluenose keep its charm and character while also helping it grow and prosper as a gathering place of friends and artists.

To contact Matt, email matt@bluenose.coop

Tim Velde, Board Member

Tim has lived between Hanley Falls and Granite Falls all of his life, has been actively participating on local, state, and national boards and serves as a director on other Co-op boards. He believes deeply in Bluenose, supporting our community, promoting Co-ops, and providing a space where people can gather to enjoy entertainment and great conversation. Tim has experience in business, speaking, planning, and Co-op.

To contact Tim, email tim@bluenose.coop