The all-volunteer organization celebrates 46 years of making heat and energy more accessible for low-income residents

By James Sloan, Rogue Valley Times

Musicians Jen Ambrose, Ríméad, and Victoria Johnson and Friends will bring their acoustic tunes to Paschal Winery and Vineyard to celebrate the Jackson County Fuel Committee’s 46th anniversary providing warmth in the Rogue Valley.

Admission to the JCFC Folk Music Festival is $25. In addition to live music, folks can also enjoy a no-host bar and tasty bites from local restaurants.

The festival is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Paschal Winery, 1122 Suncrest Road, Talent.

“The Folk Music Festival brings together the hundreds of people who make our work possible throughout the year, from the individuals who donate wood to our woodlot to volunteers who learn advocacy working with JCFC benefit recipients to keep their power connected,” said Foster Gough, operations manager for the Jackson County Fuel Committee. “It’s a celebration, and a very encouraging one to those of us involved in the year-round effort.”

The fuel committee, an all-volunteer membership association, works to make heat and energy accessible for low-income residents.

“For 46 years, JCFC has fought to end the lack of access to heating and energy resources for thousands of low-income workers and families in light of the abundance of such resources in the area,” Gough said. “We are organizing to both end a condition where more of us can’t afford energy and heating while utility corporations make huge profits, and to stop further destruction to our planet.”

“JCFC programs save lives,” he added.

The fuel committee manages multiple benefit programs such as free-of-charge firewood, utility advocacy, weatherization, distribution of heating and cooling equipment and more in an effort to look out for residents in Jackson County.

The group also advocates against policies that increase poverty or negatively impact needs for necessities such as air conditioning or heating.

“In 2017, we got the Oregon Public Utility Commission to put in a severe weather moratorium, which prevents private utilities throughout the state from disconnecting electric service during heat advisories or cutting off gas or electric heat when the high for the day is below freezing,” Gough said.

Considering folk music’s working-class roots, the connection between the music and the fuel committee’s efforts is seamless.

“Music seems to inspire community and people coming together to share, and throughout my experience of performing, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to let my music be a voice for the greater good,” said Jen Ambrose, one of the Folk Music Festival’s performers. “It’s inspiring to me to be able to use my music in this way.”

Ambrose’s music involves an enticing blend of Americana, blues, jazz and country, and the artist is set to play with longtime collaborator Jon Galfano for her set at the Festival.

On what she’s looking forward to most, “It’s definitely a mix of it all, but it’s the idea that this can create greater outreach and bring more awareness to the community,” Ambrose said. “It’s a great time to come together right now and help make the world a more livable place for all of us.”

This year’s festival will the be second time being hosted by Paschal Winery, with panoramic views of the Rogue Valley and surrounding mountains.

“Some of our volunteers and supporters recommended Paschal, and when we visited the venue we knew we found the place,” Gough said. “The owners, Rory Calhoun and Aga Stachurska Paschal, are great supporters of the fuel committee who want to see this community thrive.”

To learn more about the fuel committee, volunteer or get more information on the Folk Music Festival, call 541-488-2905 or visit fuelcommittee.org.

To check out Ambrose’s music, visit jenambrose.org.

Reach reporter James Sloan at [email protected]. This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.

Aug. 26: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Foster Gough’s name and to say that admission to the event is not free, it costs $25. Capacity at Paschal Winery is limited and those wishing to attend should contact JCFC at 541-488-2905.