GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 31 – Saturday, September 6, 2025
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 inform us by emailing reception@993countyfm.ca.
click here to subscribe to the Grapevine Newsletter.
2025 Gimme Summer Lovin’ 50/50 Draw:
This weekend is your last chance to win the cash jackpot. Go to CountyFM5050.ca to get your tickets. 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. Winner announced on-air Monday September 1st 8:40am. Thank you to all who have bought tickets to date.
License number RAF1427577
Sunday, August 31, 2025
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
In A Deceit of Lapwings, Detective Chief Inspector Domenic Jejeune is facing turmoil in his professional and personal life with a case that presents unusual challenges to the avid birder’s observational skills. Author Steve Burrows discusses the extensive research he conducted for the ninth novel in the birder murder mystery series, and his recent adventures in birding. Christopher Bolton narrates an excerpt. Note: A special surprise for Steve occurs at the end of the show! (Photo credits: Atlantic Puffin courtesy Steve Burrows. Glaucous Gull and Great Shearwater courtesy Doralina Robinson)
Monday, September 1, 2025
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Happy Labour Day! Susie Harrington, chair of the Picton Fair Board, has details on the annual Bake-off featuring a special category in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young, winner of the inaugural Bake-off in 2007.
ICYMI: Tom Mikel, owner of PEC Wood Company, discusses how the summer drought may have affected trees in the County.
Carole Thimidis, subject of Pearl Hucul’s County Profile, discusses her career in the jewellery business, her love of travelling and commitment to volunteering.
Astrid Young chats with head winemaker Kalvin Holland of Casa Dea Estates Winery in Hillier and discovers what’s so special about their terroir and reveals the challenges of overseeing one of the largest areas under vine in Prince Edward County.
Tuesday, September 1, 2025
CONSUMER INFORMATION
SERVICES
Gillian Armstrong, Interim Executive Director of www.thecountyfoundation.ca joins us again to talk about upcoming Fall applications for “In Kind Support from the Municipal Community Grant Program”. We will learn what kind of projects qualify, how to apply for a grant, and provide an update on the renowned Vital Impact Fund.
Amelia Huffman of www.alzheimer.ca/hpe will talk about the educational event at Picton Library on September 10th. As part of World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the focus is on the ever-evolving risk factors for dementia and tips for good brain health we can use at any stage in life.
As part of our bi-monthly segment with www.communitycareforseniors.org Laura McGugan joins us to give us an update on their capital campaign and talk about their fall lineup of events happening in and around Picton’s 74 King Street, especially those events that help with cognitive abilities.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
COUNTY COOKS
Chris Byrne shares favourite recipes and tips for creating tasty, nutritious vegans meals for your family and friends.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Pearl Hucul speaks with Janice Scharf of the Local Store about the joys of showcasing and selling the creative work and products of over 160 local and Ontario artists, artisans, and food producers.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Photo: Jasper Shide
Willow the grey ratsnake is a favourite of visitors and staff at Thousand Islands National Park. She’s one of a rare Ontario species, found mostly in the Thousand Islands and Bon Echo areas. Thousand Islands National Park has a study that’s been running for over 30 years and it’s providing a lot of information about the grey ratsnake and snakes generally. If you’re hesitant about snakes, Josh van Wieran from Thousand Island National Park is fascinating to listen to.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
COUNTY GROWS
Cheryl McLellan speaks with Ben Van Rijn about Return to Earth, his family-owned and operated farm located just minutes outside of Picton. Situated on a 38-acre property comprising near equal parts grassland and coniferous / deciduous forest, they utilize regenerative farming techniques to sustainably and responsibly raise their animals.
COUNTY PROFILE
When Alistair Stark moved to Prince Edward County we gained an energetic and determined volunteer, a talented drummer, and one of the first live liver transplant recipients. Renay Weissman-Stanners learns all about his world
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Bob Cooke speaks with Liz Zylstra and Adam Cavanaugh about the many tech services available at the Library and the variety of tech workshops offered at different libraries from September to December which include Hands on with Artificial Intelligence, Decoding Disinformation, Makerspace Drop In, and Online Safety and Privacy. To register for free go to peclibrary.org or phone (613) 476-5962.
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Friday, September 5, 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?
I Know That Voice
Gage Broderick takes a look at the career of one of the most prolific voice performers of the 21st century, Tara Strong. We’ll see how this Canadian born actress grew into one of the most recognizable voices in media over the past nearly 40 years.
ARTSCENE
Pamela Mayhew speaks with Karole Marois whose “art underscores the significance of preserving our bond with nature and cherishing our fundamental interconnectedness with our surroundings.” Don’t miss Marois’ opening reception on Saturday September 6, from 2 to 6 pm in the Royal Hotel Annex for her show, The Power of Water, which will be open to the public on Fridays from 5 to 9 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm, until September 28.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Seniors and Technology – Embracing the Digital World.
Please help spread the word. 99.3 CountyFM, along with Prince Edward Learning Centre, will be conducting free workshops titled Seniors and Technology: Embracing the Digital World. The workshops will focus on the role of digital technology in your life. It’s an opportunity to share your experiences with and attitudes towards technology and discuss how we spend our time in the digital world. And perhaps identify some opportunities to use digital technologies in new ways.
The workshop will be offered at these dates and locations:
SEPT. 18 – PRINCE EDWARD LEARNING CENTRE (PELC) – 3:00PM – 5:00PM
OCT. 2 – WELLINGS OF PICTON – 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Oct. 20 – WELLINGTON LIBRARY – 3:00PM – 5:00PM
If you would like to attend, please register online click here for the direct link You can also register at 993countyfm.ca or by contacting Lori at PELC via email Lori@pelc.ca or phone (613) 476-1811 ext 114
Enjoy complimentary beverages, snacks and a gift. We can assist with transportation if required. This program is part of a series of live events and a new radio documentary being produced to air on 99.3 CountyFM in 2026 entitled Seniors & Technology: Embracing the Digital World. We are working in partnership with the Prince Edward Learning Center, the County of Prince Edward Public Library, and The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association. The program is made possible by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program.
County Comedy presented by 99.3 CountyFM
Cue the plot twist: Episode 3 sees Belleville’s KYLE FOR MAYOR combine with The County’s own Gen-X improv bromance SHORT ATTENTION SPA and things get whacky at The CAPE. Sep 10 @ 7:30 pm at The Cape. Click here for your Comedy Country tickets
Picton Fair Sept 5-7
Welcome to the home of one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, presented by the Prince Edward Agricultural Society (established 1831) and held annually at the Picton Fairgrounds in Prince Edward County. Watch for the 99.3 CountyFM tent on-site, live reports, merch, and prizes. Tickets and more info Picton Fair
11th Anniversary Lifestyle and Adventure Auction Oct 4-18
99.3 CountyFM will again be launching our exciting and fun lifestyle and adventure auction in October. If you have an idea for an interesting prize please reach out to Joe Martin at Joe@993countyfm.ca.
The goal is to have all confirmations by Sept 27th or before.
99.3 CountyFM Lawn Signs
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 encourage further support. Thank you.
Newsletter Sign Up
If you know of someone who might be interested in receiving the 99.3 Grapevine newsletter, we have a 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
