GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, September 28 – Saturday, October 4, 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.
Sunday, Sep 28, 2025
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
(1. Janet Davies, Ian Robertson and Steve Campbell in 2009 at launch of Prince Edward County: An Illustrated History at Books & Company, Picton. 2. Steve Campbell outside former County Magazine Printshop on Main St., Bloomfield, Ont. 3. Steve Campbell at his desk in former County Magazine Printshop, Main Street, Bloomfield, 2005.)
Ian Robertson remembers the late Steve Campbell, his friend of over 50 years. He reveals how they started County Magazine in 1976 and collaborated on Prince Edward County: An Illustrated History.
From January 2018: An interview with Steve about his book Confessions of a County Boy: Tales from the Back Page Vol. 3. He recalls growing up on the family farm, attending a one-room school house, a disastrous high school date, his career as a teacher and ends with poignant memories of his older brother Rick.
Photos courtesy of Ian Robertson.
Monday, September 29, 2025
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Highline Closing: Corey Engelsdorfer, Wellington Councillor and publisher of The Times, has an update on the closing of the Highline mushroom farm which will put 275 people out of work, including 150 temporary foreign workers.
Police Report: OPP Constable Lori Josephson reports on Marine Unit patrols, accidents at Hwy. 62 and CR 1, IMPACT program, and community outreach.
Orange Shirt Day: Phyllis Webstad tells the story of how her first day of school at age 6 became the inspiration for the wearing of orange shirts on September 30th, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (first aired Sept. 2020)
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
As part of our programming for Truth and Reconciliation Day we are featuring three special interviews with our neighbours in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
David Maracle is well known to Prince Edward County Residents as an internationally famous sculptor and musician but he is also an entrepreneur. David shares how his art and music are influenced by his vision of indigenous culture. He also recountst some of his recent ventures including the Lil Crow Cabin and Pod couples retreats, his first vinyl record release. and a recently published coffee table book.
Callie Hill is the CEO of the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. First up is an episode from 2023 where Callie talked with Dave McKay and Christy Conte about the Mohawk language and the efforts being made to save the language and teach new speakers.
Next Callie will talk about the progress made since 2023 and some of the other cultural programs underway to preserve and expand Mohawk culture.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
COUNTY COOKS
Krista Hepburn speaks to Sarah Fox of “Visit the County” about the upcoming Countylicious culinary event and possibly some recipes you can look forward to trying.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Craig Mills speaks with Tom Mikel, owner of PEC Wood Co. and an ISA Certified Arborist. PEC Wood Co. specializes in reclaiming urban ‘waste’ wood, milling lumber and creating wood products that tell a story.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
You may never have seen a flying squirrel, because they’re nocturnal. They’re also fascinating little animals. Jeff Bowman, a scientist with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, has a particular fondness for flying squirrels. He’s researched them extensively. He talks to Pamela Stagg about what his research has taught him.
Photo: Henrique Pacheco
Thursday, October 2, 2025
COUNTY GROWS
Krista Hepburn speaks with Thalia Gamage, the owner of the florist shop, Dahlia Thalia, that will host a Dahlia Design Workshop for hands-on floral design on Sunday, October 5. Thalia shares the history of her business and explains what to expect at the upcoming event.
COUNTY PROFILE
Both she and her kids worked at the Mushroom plant. She lived in New Zealand and the USA! Now, Ruth Richards is back dancing in Prince Edward County. Join Renay Weissman-Stanners as she learns about Ruth’s life.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Liz Zylstra speaks with Erynn Ahern and Alex Currie of the Radiator Collective about the community information board they contributed and maintain at the Picton Branch Library.
Friday, October 1, 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?
Screenplay
Raj Dhillon shares interviews, reviews, and analysis of all things film and movie related.
ARTSCENE
Michele Hozer stopped by the station to chat with co-host, Mary Ann Farrell to talk about her new original documentary THE PITCH which tells the previously untold story behind Canada’s First Pro Women’s Soccer League. The film just had its world-premiere at the Atlantic Film Festival and is playing in all of the newly established National Super League cities across Canada.
Michele’s film provides us with the back story about how this league was formed, and the trials and tribulations in forming a professional women’s soccer league – something that did not exist in Canada. The film features some of Canada’s female soccer heroes, Diana Matheson, Christine Sinclair, Erin McLeod, to name a few, and shows the grit and determination of these women in making this happen. Michele also speaks to the art of creating a documentary film, and the challenges she faced in making this film.
Sept 28-Oct 4
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CAFF Film Festival – Sept 26-28 – sponsor 99.3 CountyFM
The County Adaptation Film Festival (CAFF). CAFF is a conversation—a place where screenwriters, authors, filmmakers, and audiences gather to explore the power of narrative and its endless possibilities. Congratulations to all of our ticket winners.
There are still some tickets at the time of this writing, check it out at County Adaptation Film Festival
Wellington Dukes Play by Play
99.3 CountyFM with all of the Wellington Dukes Weekend Away Game Play by Plays with Craig Foster at the rink and Gage Broderick in the studio.
Sat Sept 27th The Wellington Dukes against Lindsay Muskies. 7:30pm.
Sat, Oct 4th The Wellington Dukes against the Newmarket Hurricanes. 4:30 pm
A Day to Listen – Tuesday Sept 30 6am-6pm
Special programming for our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. County FM joins radio stations all across Canada for “A Day To Listen” in partnership with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund. This year’s theme is “The Path Here, The Path Ahead”. Hosts are January Rogers, Kiefer Collison, and William Prince.
Learn more at 993CountyFM.ca com or at downiewenjack.ca
Kid’s Can’t Wait Radiothon – Wednesday Oct 1 6a-6p
The Children’s Foundation funds programs that provide all children and youth with social and physical opportunities to explore, learn, play, and grow. Every child and youth will realize their potential with access to positive experiences and equal opportunities.
For more info, visit www.thechildrensfoundation.ca to make a donation, call 613 962 5437. Every gift makes a difference!
99.3 CountyFM is working in partnership with other media throughout our region.
Seniors and Technology – Embracing the Digital World.
99.3 CountyFM, along with Prince Edward Learning Centre, conducts free workshops titled Seniors and Technology: Embracing the Digital World. Thank you to those who attended our first one on Friday at PELC. The workshops 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.
Upcoming workshops:
OCT. 2 – WELLINGS OF PICTON – 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Oct. 20 – WELLINGTON LIBRARY – 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Online events to be announced later for November.
To attend click here for the direct link or visit 993countyfm.ca or by contact Lori at PELC via email Lori@pelc.ca or phone (613) 476-1811 ext 114
Complimentary beverages, snacks and a gift. 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.
The Good Lox Festival – Oct 3-5
Enjoy the new Jewish culture event organized by members of the local Jewish community. Meet amazing Canadian artists that explore aspects of Jewish culture through their own unique voices. Good Lox unites people via soulful music, thought-provoking films, delicious food, and lively conversations with authors. For more information, visit www.goodlox.com
2025 County Marathon – 0ct. 5
Volunteers still needed. To register as a volunteer go to countymarathon.ca ½ marathons and full marathons. Boston marathon qualifier
New this year 5 km fun run and a virtual marathon. For specific routes and to register go to countymarathon.ca Drivers please be extra careful on the roads Sunday Oct 5.
11th Anniversary Lifestyle and Adventure Auction Oct 4-18
If you have an idea or contribution for our fun lifestyle and adventure auction please reach out to Joe Martin at Joe@993countyfm.ca. Prize donors are promoted on-air and online. All items in by Oct 1 at the latest. The event kicks off live Oct 4th, thank you to all to all those who have contributed to date.
11th Anniversary Home Grown Concert – Reserve Your Tickets today! Saturday, October 18th, 7pm at The Andrew in Picton. Homegrown 2025 provides an intimate evening with stellar homegrown musicians.
The pristine Great Hall with its natural light and stellar acoustics is ideal for showcasing our line-up of local talent.
Our musical director Megan Hutton has been working with some incredible talent to make this a fantastic event: Ryan Malcolm, Justin Rutledge, Lisa Bozikovic, Annelise Noronha, Craig Foster, Jennifer Brant, Sam Hirst and Stephanie Rose of Shatterbox Theatre’s “Cabaret”, Greg Hinde, The Highshore Girls, Andrew McLuhan, The Frere Brothers and Bill Wood w/ Chris Bennett.
Tickets are Pay What you can. Reserve a ticket now and choose “pay at the door” or pay when you reserve your ticket. Tickets are limited to one per order. To purchase multiple tickets, you must place separate orders. It’s general seating.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1669065623209?aff=oddtdtcreator
99.3 County FM Membership Drive
It’s time to renew your 99.3 County FM membership or become a member for the first time!
Annual membership only $10! A County FM membership gives you voting rights at the Annual General Meeting Have your say in the development and future of County FM. Buy or renew your membership online or drop by the station at 38 Cold Storage Rd
99.3 CountyFM Lawn Signs Free of Charge
Pick up a free 99.3 CountyFM lawn sign from the station, 38 Cold Storage Road, Monday-Friday 9-5.
Newsletter Sign Up
99.3 Grapevine newsletter, signup button on the top right of our website or click here to subscribe.
Volunteer Opportunities
NEW: Grant Writer
Newscasters
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
