GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, May 17 to Saturday, May 23, 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, May 17 , 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
A celebration of the legacy of Steve Campbell and County Magazine. In excerpts from previous interviews Steve explained his inspiration for the magazine. Plus interviews with Steve’s friend and collaborator Ian Robertson, writer, editor and designer Janet Davies, Steve’s kids, Ginny Taylor, Mike Campbell and Chris Campbell and Karine Ewart, the new publisher of County Magazine.
Monday, May 18, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
ICYMI
Monday – Carson Arthur and Carlyn Moulton of ReadyPEC explained the impetus for creating the initiative which is focused on strengthening local readiness and mitigating the impact of crises, while helping reduce pressure on municipal emergency services.
Wednesday – Belleville has been designated a Bird-Friendly City. On The County, Naturally, Pamela Stagg and Dan Guenther of Quinte Field Naturalists discussed why establishing a bird-friendly city can be an important step in creating a more people-friendly city.
Friday – Artscene host Sarah Moran spoke with Georgia Papanicolaou, Artistic Director of Shatterbox Theatre and previewed the upcoming production Silent Sky.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
SERVICES
We speak with Executive Director, Beth Lafay, from Reaching For Rainbows to learn how donated funds from 100 People Who Care help the important work they do supporting young girls in the community — through their no-cost after-school programming. We’ll explore how the organization operates its transportation, meals, and programming in a safe and supportive environment for the children they serve.
CONSUMERISM
Herbalist, Tamara Segal, joins us for a conversation about the valuable medicinal plants already growing — for free — in our backyards across Prince Edward County. Using common plants like dandelion, lemon balm, garlic mustard, common mallow, and Herb Robert as examples, Tamara will explain how many everyday “weeds” and garden plants can support health and well-being when used safely and knowledgeably. We’ll learn how to identify these plants for ourselves and reconnect with the natural medicine growing on our properties, and the surprising role of poison ivy — it’s not all bad. She’ll also tell us about her upcoming workshop and her personalized property walks she offers to help people better understand the healing plants around them.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
We continue an important discussion building on the conversation we had with the County’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan’s Action Team addressing Violence Against Women while we focus on the mental health impacts of sexual assault. In this Part 2, Psychiatrist, Dr. Joe Burley takes a deeper look at how trauma can affect individuals in both the short and long term and discusses pathways toward healing and recovery.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Krista Hepburn speaks with her son, Craig Hepburn to speak about numerous homegrown recipes, most notably the viral “TikTok Pasta.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Dave McKay speaks with Henry Goddard, owner / operator of the County Farm Collective. Henry describes the workings of the Collective and how it incorporates technology to create a unique farm to table innovation.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
What happens when a museum makes a mistake? Mat Wooller, an eminent paleontologist from University of Alaska Fairbanks, found out that there was a slip-up when some woolly mammoth bones came back with a highly improbable carbon dating result. He tells Pamela Stagg what came next.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Krista Hepburn speaks with local gardeners about their gardening successes, challenges, and secrets.
COUNTY PROFILE
Timothy Luginbuhl talks with Michael .. who is a guard in the Ontario corrections system, a musician, and a carpenter – all of which he’s accomplished before his 25th birthday.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Anne Russell speaks with Doug Anderson about the 11th annual Rotary Lilac Ride, happening on Sunday May 24.
Friday, May 22, 2026
ARTSCENE
Pamela Mayhew talks with Bear Epp and Bay Woodyard about Gather in the county, a modern textile event at the Crystal Palace, Saturday June 13 from 10am – 4 pm. This outdoor/indoor market is an exciting market that features 90+ textile makers, art installations, small batch producers, indie dyers, artists, collectors, and vintage and handmade textiles.
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.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Radiothon 2026, our 12th annual celebration – June 4th-7th
Four days of great live local music. Special thanks to our title sponsor “Wellings of Picton”.
Click here to check out our amazing musical line-up.
This year’s theme is “Grown Here” celebrating our agricultural community and everything created right here in Prince Edward County. Special thanks to this year’s Honorary Chair Jane Thompson.
Please help bridge the funding gap. The goal is $77,000. Learn more online at www.993CountyFM.ca Thank you to this year’s sponsors Wellings of Picton,Heidelberg Materials, Angie’s Pooper Pumping Service, JJ International Media and Management Solutions, Lockyer’s Country Gardens, McDougall Ins & Financial (Picton), Prinzen Ford, Royal Hotel, Stormy’s Auto Group, Veenstra and Lloyd’s Plumbing Heating and Cooling, and Edward Jones Picton.
The Ultimate County Kid Presented by Marysburgh Mummers May 8-17
An original Mummers Musical by Megan Hutton,a high-energy musical comedy set in Prince Edward County. Fictional county contestants compete in answering questions about county heritage, culture, and more! A celebration of our past, present, and future. The show continues until May 17th at the Mount Tabor Playhouse in Milford. To see if there are tickets still available click here Ticketscene.ca Media Sponsor 99.3 CountyFM
11th Annual Rotary Club Lilac Ride May 24
The Rotary Club of Picton invites cyclists of all ages to join the 11th Annual Lilac Ride on Sunday May 24. It’s a picturesque 25, 50 or 100 km morning ride along some of The County’s most beautiful lilac lined routes…followed by a BBQ from noon to 2pm. Drivers on Sunday May 24th are asked to be extra careful on the roadways, please watch for the cyclists. The annual “Lilac Ride” helps to support the Rotary Club’s various charitable initiatives. More info at www.lilacridepicton.ca 99.3 County FM is a proud sponsor of the Annual Rotary Club Lilac Ride.
Hike for Hospice June 6th
Join 99.3 County FM for the 15th Annual Hike for Hospice. Macauley House 23 Church St., Picton.
Hospice Prince Edward provides support to people in our community who are affected by life-limiting illness. Get outside, move, and raise money for a great cause. Whether you’re joining a team or as an individual: Go to www.hospiceprinceedward.ca and click on the register button!
County Kids of Steel Triathlon June 7
Please support The County Kids of Steel Triathlon. This is a community-focused event, open to participants ages 3-17! The mission is to foster fitness, perseverance, and fun through sports. While promoting safety, healthy development and local family engagement.
Go to www.countykidsofsteel.ca for more information and to register!
Promotional support sponsored by Books and Co, Picton Family Dentistry, Shannon Warr-Hunter, and 99.3 County FM.
Community Radio Initiative
99.3 CountyFM and more than 250 radio stations across the country like us, need your support. Day in and day out, we work to bring you the local news that matters, the music you won’t hear anywhere else, and we are here in support of our community. The CRI is an initiative for community radio stations to receive some support in the federal budget. If you would like to assist it takes less than five minutes and a few clicks. Go to www.mycri.ca Thank you
Newsletter Sign Up
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Volunteer Opportunities
Donations Coordinator – responsible for maintaining the process surrounding financial donations from individuals and businesses that support the operations of our community radio station, while fostering strong relationships with donors and working well with our volunteer team.
Newscasters – openings – a few hours a week.
Indigenous host – IndigiVibes Wednesday 7p-8p
French host – C’est Bon – Wednesday 8p-9p
Call the station at 613-476-2229 to learn more or email volunteer@993countyfm.ca
