GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 10 – Saturday, August 16, 2025

GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 10 – Saturday, August 16, 2025

11 August 2025 / by Joe Martin

99.3 County FM is dedicated to keeping you informed about our programming.

To this end, we are sharing with you highlights of the next week on Sunday’s The County Writes…The County Reads and Monday to Friday Grapevine (noon hour & repeat 6:00 p.m.) plus any other unique programming specials.

This newsletter is sent once per week. If you prefer not to know what’s happening on Grapevine, please unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of this email.

click here to subscribe to the Grapevine Newsletter. 
 

THE COUNTY WRITES…THE COUNTY READS
Sunday, August 10, 2025

It’s a program worth repeating! What are you reading? In January, Kevin Scanlon was delving into a spy novel with familiar characters but written by the son of the original creator of the series.  Mary Ann Farrell was reading a poignant memoir which she called “uniquely Canadian”. Jim JJ Johnston was re-reading one of over 40 novels by a favourite South African author.!

THE COUNTY GRAPEVINE

Monday, August 11, 2025

False accusations, insults, lies and even death threats have been levelled at politicians at all levels of government. Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explains why she established www.electrespect.ca which aims to “rebuild a culture where everyone can participate in democracy free from fear or intimidation.” Councillor Phil St. Jean discusses his resolution in support of the Elect Respect pledge which was adopted by Prince Edward County Council. 

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found in Picton. Bill Sherlock, Manager of Healthy Environments, and Aptie Sookoo, Public Health Inspector, of the South East Health Unit assess the risks.

Evan Nash of Wellington Home Hardware is spearheading the annual drive to collect backpacks and school supplies for County kids and explains how you can help.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 

In our annual chat with Beth Lafay, Executive Director of Reaching For Rainbows, we’re reminded of the life-changing support offered to young girls at their space on 31 King Street in Picton. This annual fundraiser helps cover the operating costs that make their work possible while they build a brighter future for local girls.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 

It can sometimes be challenging to know where to turn when we need help for our mental health.  Matt Harris, Registered Psychotherapist, and Tammy Orr, Mental Health Counsellor, talk about how the Mental Health Program at the Prince Edward Family Health Team can help people find the services they need either directly from the Family Health Team or through other programs and providers in the region.

CONSUMERISM 

You may know Troy Eaton as a world champion arm wrestler, representing Prince Edward County on the global stage. But did you know he’s also the guy behind sparkling clean homes and businesses throughout the region? When he’s not dominating in arm wrestling competitions, Troy is rolling up his sleeves to power wash homes as sole proprietor of Under Pressure Power Washing serving the Quinte area. In this conversation, we dive into the surprising health benefits of power washing, how it boosts curb appeal, and why it’s a smart move homeowners can make before selling. . 

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 

COUNTY COOKS

As the late summer saunters on, the trees of the County are dripping with plums of all colours and sizes. Chef Chris Byrne talks about what to do with this abundance.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Grace Conroy-Sabayan shares with Pearl Hucul the history, challenges, and joys of running the Newsroom Suites in the heart of Wellington.

THE COUNTY, NATURALLY

           Photo: Pamela Stagg

Do you like saving money? How about helping the environment at the same time? This week, find out how you might be able to save up to 75% on your property taxes when you plant or augment a 10-acre forest, Or maybe you have a smaller acreage. You can get a significant discount on trees to plant when you participate in Ontario’s 50 Million Trees program, Pamela Stagg talks to Rob Keen, the emeritus CEO of Forests Ontario to find out how to do it. 

Thursday, August 14, 2025 

COUNTY GROWS

Krista Hepburn speaks with local gardeners about their gardening successes, challenges, and secrets. 

COUNTY PROFILE

Learn about the lives, interests, and passions of interesting, local personalities. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Brenda Mercer-Garvey speaks with Cynthia Riordon about the 2025 Cram the Cruiser event. 

Craig Mills speaks with Elissa Lee, founder of Waterweek which evolved into the Big Lake Festival. Since 2018, the Big Lake Festival has brought world renowned classical music performers to county venues. Learn more about “HIDDEN GEMS”  this year’s theme and all of the festival details running from August 15-23

Friday, August 15, 2025 

SPORTS ROUNDUP  

The Prince Edward County Sports Hall of Fame showcases memorable athletes and events.

PET REPORT

Dave Wheatley reports on lost and found cats as well as profiling the ones looking for a forever home. 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? 

Representatives from the ROC youth centre in Picton share the imaginative talents and perspectives of the youth in Prince Edward County.

ARTSCENE

Hear an artist talk about the work of making his art, what intrigues him and what makes making art worthwhile. This week, PEC artist Howard Goldberg talks with Sarah Moran about his photography. He explores pieces from his latest exhibition, Because the sky, and his obsession with light.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

99.3 County FM wants to thank Ben Tedesco for sharing his talent, time, and expertise during these past months.  Ben arrived just in time to help with Radiothon which included editing its promo video.  He also provided support in many other areas including news and creating a history outline of the early days of 993 County FM. His youthful energy, work ethic, and technical skills will be missed.


County Comedy presented by 99.3 CountyFM

Having performed many times at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, The Understudies (Rob Knox, Megan MacKeigan, Justin Skinner) won the Producers’ Pick Award in 2025 and are bringing their comedy skills to the Cape on Wednesday, August 13.

CBC’s This and That performers, Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly, join forces with Carolyn Taylor, co-creator and star of the hit show The Baroness von Sketch Show, to keep audiences laughing at the Regent Theatre on August 23.  Click here for your Comedy Country tickets

County Stage Company Presents

Flowers… A story of a woman in northern Ontario who gives birth to identical quintuplets in 1934, altering her family’s dynamics. Years later, the quintuplets visit their dying mother and reflect on their shared identity shaped by joy and tragedy. The drama explores the struggle for individuality among sisters perceived as one unit, posing the question: Can five truly be one? Inspired by the Dionne quintuplets. August 14, 16 @ 7:30 p.m.

Bittergirl, a Canadian made musical, follows the hilarious journey of thee scorned women and the men who left them.  This funny yet touching quest for independence invites audiences to celebrate getting dumped while promoting female empowerment and featuring girl group doo-wop hits like “Be My Baby,” “And then He Kissed Me,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” August 10, 13 @ 7:30.

Snow White. Expect humour and unexpected twists in this hilarious take on a classic story which is suitable for all ages.  Two actors portray Snow White, the huntsman, the prince, and all seven dwarves. Tickets start at $30.00 plus fees.  August 10, 17 @ 2:30 & August 12, 15 @ 6:30 

Listen to 99.3 County FM to win tickets. Purchase tickets at More info.


2025 Gimme Summer Lovin’ 50/50 Draw:

Win a cash jackpot and support your local community radio station!  Tickets are on sale now!
Go to CountyFM5050.ca to get your tickets or stop by the station Monday – Friday between 9 & 5 to purchase.

Tickets are 5 for 10 dollars, 30 for 20 dollars, 150 for 50 dollars and 400 for 100 dollars.

Win big by supporting County FM! Contest open to Ontario

residents 18 years of age or older.  Draw September 1st 2025.

License number RAF1427577


2025 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

We want to support  seniors in managing, using, and understanding technology  to enhance their autonomy and self-confidence, reduce social isolation, and make everyday tasks easier.

To this end, we have begun work on an exciting new program initiative titled Seniors and Technology – Embracing the Digital World as part of our past specialty programming, which has included Outsmarting the Scammers – Helping Seniors Fight Fraud, Scammers, Voices from the Shadows: Homelessness in a Rural Community, and Reflections on Lives and Times in PEC

Please take 10 minutes to complete the survey at this link: https://forms.gle/pkjc6hQYgQufSR4w6

If you prefer a “pencil and paper”, please visit the station at 38 Cold Storage Rd, Picton, from 9-5 Monday to Friday and we will provide a copy for you to complete.

All responses are confidential and all survey reporting will be anonymous. No individuals will be identified but we will share results on-air.

Thank you to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for supporting this initiative.

99.3 CountyFM is the presenter for select PEC Jazz Festival events.
PEC Jazz Festival 2025 features a diverse selection of talent including Ahmed Moneka on August 15 at the Waring House, The Music of Quincy Jones on August 16th at the Regent, and Danae Olao on August 17th at the Regent.      

Keep listening for your chance to win  tickets from CountyFM.

Get your tickets now. Check out all of the events August  12th – 17th. More info.

99.3 CountyFM presents Big Lake 2025 Festival 

In its 5th year, Big Lake Festival brings world renowned musicians to local county venues.  Wellington Music Hall features Hidden Gems with Canadian pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico, a recent recipient of the Order of Canada; Starry Night Candlelight Concert; Cheng2 Duo, David Maracle, and Mihaela Martin’s Master Class. 

Don’t miss Avaatar at the Waring House,, the Canadian quartet, Fretless and Madeleine Rogers at the Regent, or the community jazz session with SHHH!! Ensemble in the Wellington Park Gazebo.

The last day focuses on the younger generation of musicians including Musicus Young artists in the afternoon and concludes in the evening with compositions written by 19th century composers, Enescu and Mozart when they were in their teens.   

99.3 CountyFM is the media sponsor. 

Get your tickets now. Check out all of the events August  15th – 23rd. More info.


99.3 CountyFM Lawn Signs
Show your love of community radio and help spread the word.  Pick up a free 99.3 CountyFM lawn sign from the station, 38 Cold Storage Road, Monday-Friday 9-5.  The signs really help get the word out about the radio station and encourages further support. Thank you.  P.s if you are a business and display a sign we are happy to give you some shout outs during the summer for your support.

 Newsletter Sign Up
If you know of someone who might be interested in receiving the 99.3 Grapevine newsletter, we have  signup button on the top right of our website or the person can click here to subscribe.  


Volunteer Opportunities

IndigiVibes – Indigenous host – Wednesday 7p-8p

C’est Bon – French host – Wednesday 8p-9p

Contact the radio station 613-476-2229 and ask about these and other opportunities.


Listen at 99.3 FM or stream www.993countyfm.ca
38 Cold Storage Rd, Picton, ON K0K 2T0

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