GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, March 1 to Saturday, March 7, 2026
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,March 1, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
Poetry and prose – read by the authors. Carole Falkner recalls how discovering rock and roll as a teenager in Adelaide, Australia, in the 1960s changed her life. Jennifer Hall’s poem was prompted by just one word. Jenny Stewart’s confession will resonate with people of a certain age. Dogs are central characters in Sheila Hannon’s stories, Coyote Walk and Luna at Citizen Frances.
Monday,March 2, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Moshe Lander, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Concordia University, Montreal, discusses the current status of President Trump’s tariffs and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s response.
Dave Eastcott, Water Resources Technologist with Quinte Conservation, advises residents to prepare for possible flooding when the spring thaw occurs.
Mark Houghton, Picton United Church Food Bank, Tara Wood, team captain of The County Huggers and Tabitha Keast, team captain of PEC Staff are Freezin’ for a Reason!, report on the Coldest Night of the Year fund-raising walk in Picton, February 28th.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
CONSUMERISM
Our monthly World of Wine series returns! In this first episode of the year, Sommelier Jay Whiteley, turns our attention to the richness of fortified wines. From the sun-soaked vineyards that produce elegant ports to the time-honoured traditions behind sherry, we explore what makes these wines so distinctive and beloved the globe over. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll be sure to discover something new to savour.
SERVICES
This is the fourth in our series covering the County’s five Action Plans and the teams developing innovative ideas to tackle complex issues. This week we speak with Elis Ziegler and Hilary Fennell from the Housing and Homelessness Action Team in an extended interview regarding the growing urgency of affordable housing in the County. Drawing on the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan, the conversation explores how housing stability connects to community safety, what rising housing costs mean for local residents and workers, and how the municipality is navigating financial pressures while trying to keep housing a priority. We also unpack ideas like the potential role of modular and tiny homes, what short-term progress the community can realistically expect, and how including all County residents can be part of the solution.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Liz Moran speaks with Kaija Ozgur, the founder of Halfkanga Custom Cakes. You can find their cakes at various shops around Prince Edward County and also place a custom order for a special celebration.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
We chat with Zoltan Lorantffy, Co-Owner and President of Savour Italy. Savour Italy Tours is a boutique travel design company specializing in tailor-made itineraries.
THE COUNTY NATURALLY
If you’ve never heard of Axel Heiberg Island, you’re not alone. This remarkable island in the Canadian high Arctic contains the remnants of a prehistoric forest that grew about 40 million years ago. As well, there are important archaeological sites along the shore. Now part of the island will become a territorial park to protect both the ancient forest and the archeological sites. The first step in creating a park is always doing an inventory of the plants, animals, birds and insects on the site. Paul Sokoloff of the Canadian Museum of Nature was part of the plant inventory. He’ll be talking to Pamela Stagg about the plants — modern and from 40 million years ago.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
On the County Grows Jane Thompson welcomes Lee Nurse, a young dairy farmer from Hillier, to discuss the current trade challenges from south of the border to the Canadian Supply management system.
SENIORS AND TECHNOLOGY
For six weeks, County FM explores topics and trends that can help you navigate through the maze of today’s technology. An abundance of new technology exists with the potential to change how we live at home and improve the quality of life.
In episode 6, we’ll be talking about Lifelong Learning.
Research shows that among all the ways seniors use technology, lifelong learning is not at the top of the list. Research also shows that older adults learn differently from younger people. In this episode, we dig a little deeper into online learning by speaking with an expert about our capacity for learning in later life and the benefits this might offer. We’ll also discuss the many online learning opportunities available to Canadian seniors and the support available to guide us through the learning ecosystem.
The show airs during Thursday’s Grapevine at 12pm right after the news and repeats at 6pm.
County Profile will return Thursday, March 19.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Danielle Pilon and Liz Zylstra chat about the library’s recent accreditation and Freedom to Read Week.
Friday, March 6, 2026
ARTSCENE
In this 6-week course, Allison will work with students to explore and try on different writing tools and techniques to breathe new life into nonfiction writing projects. Each week, Allison Nichol Longtin will share a short reading that exemplifies expert wielding of a writing tool or technique that can be applied to one’s personal essay, or memoir. Tune into Art Scene on Friday, March 6 to learn more, and who knows, you may find yourself tackling that story that’s been waiting to be told – whether it’s a personal essay, or memoir, you can learn how to shape your perspective into a story.
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
NEW MUSIC
2025 Prince Edward County Business Excellence Awards. 99.3 CountyFM won the award for “Excellence in Arts & Culture” and CountyFM tied with County Kids Read as co-winners of the award for “Excellence in Not-for-Profit Organizations. Congratulations to all the nominees. These awards created by the PEC Chamber of Commerce are a welcome recognition for the contribution of all our volunteers and staff however they are also reflective of all of our donors and advertisers support. Thank you all for your efforts to help us serve our community.
The Coldest Night of the Year Saturday February 28th!
6,000 of our friends and neighbours in Prince Edward County are food insecure. 1,500 people utilize the services of foodbanks while the other 4,500 presumably go without. February 28 at 5pm is “The Coldest Night of the Year”. It’s a walk through Picton to raise money for the Picton United Church Food Bank. By walking in the cold, you’ll feel a hint of the challenge faced by those experiencing homelessness during winter. To register or support others, visit cnoy.org 99.3 County FM is a proud sponsor of this event.
99.3 CountyFM Curling Reports 2026 Brier – Direct from St. John’s, N.L.
A world-class event for fans from across the globe to enjoy!
Eighteen of Canada’s top men’s teams compete for the national title and the chance torepresent Canada at the 2026 LGT World Men’s Curling Championship. Defendingchampion Team Jacobs returns as Team Canada, joined by three pre-qualified teams based on 2024–25 Canadian Team Ranking System results, along with fourteen provincial and territorial champions.
99.3 CountyFM’s Newsteam members Rosalind Leslie and Don Leslie will be representing The County in St. John’s. They’ll bring some great interviews and give you the stats.
Tune into 99.3 for regular reports and information leading up to the semi-final and final on Sunday March 8th.
Newsletter Sign Up
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Volunteer Opportunities
Grant Writer – work with our fun team and take on exciting projects to serve our community.
Newscasters – openings – a few hours a week.
IndigiVibes – Indigenous host – Wednesday 7p-8p
C’est Bon – French host – Wednesday 8p-9p
Call the station at 613-476-2229 to learn more or email
