We are working to build our social capital because we believe that when people come face to face with a common interest or purpose, something magical happens. By creating fun and inspiring gatherings, programs, events and mixers, we bring people together to find our common ground, create friendships, engage in meaningful conversations, and realize a sense of belonging.
Member Driven
We are a 501(c)3 California Non Profit Organization, made possible by your participation. Please consider becoming a member if you haven’t done so already. With your support, we can continue to protect and build our vibrant society and ensure a quality of life return on your investment.
We Keep You Informed
Want to get more involved in your local community or would you simply like to be in the know of all the cool and positive things are going on in Petaluma? We did too! That’s why we created our Community Calendar and our weekly Aqus News – a live website and newsletter that comes directly to your inbox each week.
Aqus Community Foundation Executive Director, John Crowley is a dedicated community builder who has significantly enhanced the social and cultural fabric of Petaluma through his innovative efforts to create social capital. Known as the Pied Piper of Petaluma’s cultural and social riches, John has been recognized with Petaluma’s highest honor, the Good Egg Award. In 2010??? He founded Aqus Café, a vibrant community hub that serves as a “third space” for residents to gather and connect. His establishment of Aqus Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, further underscores his dedication to creating a vibrant and connected community.
John’s initiatives, Is this the first thing you want to list? Maybe it gives the wrong impression to funders. add more recent things, Join (maybe don’t mention specific clubs like Moose, Elks.. gives impression of OLD…such as the Aqus Community Crawl, the rejuvenation of community-containers such as the Petaluma Moose Lodge, and numerous festivals and fairs, have successfully brought people together and supported local businesses. His belief in the profound impact of increasing social capital has driven him to create environments that encourage community interaction, from hosting community dinners and industry-specific gatherings to facilitating Petaluma Conversations, a series of dialogues aimed at fostering understanding and empathy on important social issues.
In his latest initiative John aims to bring people together through a platform that encourages social engagement and active participation in various community activities. Responding to the United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call to address the loneliness epidemic, John has proposed an innovative community-driven solution: committing to join one new membership organization every year for the next five years. This initiative aims to counteract the loneliness epidemic by encouraging deeper engagement with community organizations, fostering connections, and promoting a sense of belonging and purpose.
Petaluma offers numerous opportunities for such engagement, with local organizations like Toastmasters, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Moose, and various artist collectives providing invaluable platforms for connection. By embracing this collective effort, the community can confront isolation and promote overall well-being. John is also a co-founder of CoolPetaluma.org, a nonprofit inspiring local climate action through community building, fostering connections, and promoting sustainable practices. John’s commitment to this initiative is a testament to the power of community in tackling today’s challenges, fostering stronger connections, and creating a healthier society.
Diane Elise Gentile
Diane comes to Aqus Community after having ‘several lifetimes of experience from an academic educator to director of an international company. Having lived abroad and moving extensively throghout her life Diane aquired a early appreciation of social relationships and community. Hoping to settle somewhere Diane chose Petaluma for precisely the community values she shares with her partner and fellow Aqus Community visionary John Crowley.
“Petaluma, is an extremely desirable place because here exists a culture of community in the truest sense. The people I’ve come to know maintain a very high level of social interaction and within this lies a bunch of pretty great values – like the importance of our relationships to one another, compassion and tolerance.” Her work with Aqus Community Foundation resonates now, more than ever.
Val Richman
Val was the Executive Director of the Petaluma Arts Center since July, 2014. She has been a Petaluma resident for 27 years. Before joining the Petaluma Arts Center, she served as Executive Director for Mentor Me Petaluma. Richman also was education and marketing director at Cinnabar Theater and has volunteered for many organizations and causes in Petaluma and Sonoma County. She was a founding member of Le Cercle Français de Petaluma. As DJVal, she produces Twist & Shout Funky Dance Jam, Lunch Beat Petaluma, and keeps the dance floors full at events and parties. Richman served on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Wine Country Chapter and is a volunteer with ARTery at Burning Man. She was a longtime Girl Scout Leader, a tutor and PTA President, among many school-related volunteer positions.