Angela Page (left), host of Folk Plus on WJFF, shares a laugh with Jill Padua, organizer of the benefit concert. Photo by Neale Eckstein.
Although best known in music circles for her radio show, as well as reviews for Sing Out! and her active involvement with the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA), for which she has been a showcase judge since 2002, Angela Page devoted more than 23 years of her life to working for a school district in Sullivan County. After 13 years of exposure to water damage, molds and mycotoxins, Page was diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, a debilitating illness that prompted her to leave her job in June 2004 and file for workers compensation.
After unsuccessfully fighting her worker’s compensation claim, the local school board terminated Page’s employment in December 2007 since she was unable to formally return to work due to a condition created by its own failure to adequately address environmental health problems that prompted the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to give the district’s school buildings a negative health assessment.
For Page, who was nearly isolated — a shut-in in her home– for several years after leaving her job, and for whom exposure to fragrances and other synthetic chemical products with an added scent can be dangerous, the school board’s action added insult to serious injury. She filed a $2-million lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the school district last year, alleging disability discrimination and violation of a teachers’ contract that she claims is intended to ensure re-employment of those out on workers’ compensation.
“I am happy to help Angela in any way. She has been a stalwart supporter of us as a community, and has fought this thing mostly silently, in my opinion,” remarked Arlon Bennett, a singer-songwriter who will be among those performing in the day-long benefit presented by RiverFolk Concerts at the Beaverbrook Rod and Gun Club on Dexheimer Road in Narrowsburg, New York, on Sunday, July 5, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. “Not only will this raise some funds for her, but, perhaps more importantly, [it will] raise awareness about an issue few of us really understand,” he added.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Joe Crookston, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, who received the prestigious Album of the Year Award during the 21st Annual International Folk Alliance Conference earlier this year. Crookston recalls how Page befriended him and became a sort of “musical angel to me” after he moved from Seattle, Washington to Ithaca, New York in 2004 to be more connected to the east coast music scene. “She supported me and introduced me to many amazing musicians, DJs and venues… not to mention playing my music regularly on her “Folk Plus” radio show,” he said. “Through Angela, it quickly became apparent that I was becoming part of a family… and I am honored and eager to be part of this benefit concert, and to give back to her… she’s family.”
The benefit concert — which also will feature performances by Peggy Atwood, Lydia Adams Davis, John Guth, Mike Agranoff, Miche Fambro, Ken and Julie, The Riff Kings, Mike Jung, Two Steps Back, The Crackers and Callison Stratton — is being produced by Jill Padua and her partner, Mike Jung. A caterer and folk music aficionado, who has been a volunteer for WJFF for several years, along with Jung, Padua noted that Page inspired her to launch the RiverFolk concert series last year.
“Mike and I owe this concert series to Angela – and we wanted to do something special for her,” said Padua. Expressing satisfaction in “what we’ve been able to put together,” Padua said she is still getting calls from performers. “The support has been incredible. Zoot (Woodstock Stage) is doing sound, and we’re lining up volunteers for the gate, parking, CD sales, etc.” More volunteers, artist vendors and raffle prizes are being sought, she added.
Although Padua’s catering business, Jill’s Kitchen, will sell food (with part of the proceeds going to Angela), she has encouraged folks to bring a picnic. “I’d rather folks donate more to Angela than spend money with me,” she said. “And I’ve kept the admission price low [$20 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12] as I’d rather have more people come because it isn’t expensive and fill the venue, which will seat about 500.”
To reserve tickets for the benefit concert, call (845) 252-3043. Those unable to attend but who wish to make a donation may send checks to the Angela Page Benefit Fund c/o Jill Padua, 78 Kirk Road, Narrowsburg, NY 12764.
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