GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 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, August 16, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
Stories from the archives. Dorothy Speirs recalls a memorable meal in Paris. Peter Lockyer reads My Great Folly: Adventures in Restoration. Carole Falkner describes her love affair with the stars of rock and roll in Adelaide, Australia, in the 1960s. Janet Kellough recites her poem,”Faster Foster!” followed by The Frere Brothers and “The Ballad of the Picton Traffic Lights”.
Monday, August 17, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Steve Ferguson’s monthly report to residents includes affordable housing summit, update on County Road 49, upcoming election and more.
The State of Real Estate: Local realtor Tammy Noyes discusses latest statistics on County residential properties, what’s available, who is selling and who is buying.
ICYMI. Dominique Jones of The County Foundation explains how to apply for the Vital Impact Fund grant of $180,000 focused on food security, with the aim of supporting the processes, efficiencies, and infrastructure to better serve the community’s needs.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
CONSUMERISM / HEALTH & WELLNESS
In our last conversation with professional interior designer, Andrea Panacci of Andrea Panacci Design, we discussed how elements in our immediate surroundings can influence our mood as well as productivity. Now, in Part 2, we explore the influence of colour and sound. It’s a fascinating look at how the spaces around us can support a greater sense of calm, comfort, and well-being.
SERVICES
Across Canada this is Public Service Pride Week. We’ll be joined by two government employees at the municipal level, Elis Zeigler and Kiydan Zachariah, for a conversation about what it means to be part of the LGBTQ2S+ and working in municipal government. We’ll talk about their personal experiences, the importance of being able to bring your authentic self to work, and why visibility and representation matter in a small, rural community like Prince Edward County. We’ll also explore what inclusion, belonging, and being a good ally can look like in our everyday lives.
OCCUPATIONS OF INTEREST
Joining us in studio is Prof. Justin Patrick, PhD, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Wenzhou-Kean University in China. His role in building a student movement at the University of Ottawa exposing corruption, mismanagement and democratic accountability was a catalyst for his doctoral research. We’ll talk about student leadership in Canada and around the globe, the nuances of having access to higher education, and the experiences that shaped his work today. We’ll also explore his international work in student leadership, the “hidden curriculum” in higher education, and what he has learned about the barriers students around the world face in accessing education and having their voices heard.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Liz Moran speaks with Amir Ahmadi, the Executive Chef at The Knoll Restaurant at The Isaiah Tubbs Resort. Tune in to hear about recent updates to the menu, to the property, and the seasonal celebratory meals he has planned for the coming months.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Duarte Da Silva, CEO of the PEC Chamber of Commerce speaks to Katy Jocsak, Founder of Glorified Tea. An iced tea beverage company based in Wellington offering premium tea blends contain 100% local natural sweeteners, hand juiced citrus, and come in reusable glass bottles.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
There’s a beautiful plant headed our way — but looks can be deceiving. The foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), now advancing along the 401, can be deadly to livestock, wild animals and even household pets. The time to stop this invasive plant is now, before it takes hold in the County. Vicki Simkovic of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council explains to Pamela Stagg how to identify foxtail barley and — more importantly — how to get rid of it.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Krista Hepburn speaks with local gardeners about their gardening successes, challenges, and secrets.
COUNTY PROFILE
Gage Broderick speaks with the lovely Jennifer Sills. A member of the County’s theatre scene for quite some time, Jennifer is hot off the heels of her directorial debut Hunting Camp for Theatre Roulant. She’s here to tell us about her life experiences, her career, and what the theatre means to her.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Photo: Andrew Janikowski and Brian Goldman in conversation at the Library’s Authors Festival.
Author events and readings are alive and well in Prince Edward County. Barbara Sweet and Liz Zylstra discuss the state of reading in PEC.
Friday, August 21, 2026
ARTSCENE
Cheryl Singer chats with the wonderfully multi-talented Colleen Simm—writer, playwright, actor, director, and stand-up comic. Colleen is an award-winning playwright, with recognition from the Belleville 10 Minute Play Festival, Spark 10 Minute Playwriting, and the Quinte Arts Festival.
We’ll explore her creative journey, her love of theatre, and the art of comedy—including the question: What makes something funny? Join us for a lively and entertaining conversation with Colleen Simm on Artscene!
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
Pat Larkin presents current music trends, artists, and releases.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Aug 17-23
Hot Days, Cold Cash 50/50 Raffle on Now
Support 99.3 County FM and our partner, The Prince Edward County Hospital Foundation Back the Build Campaign. Get your 50/50 ticket The pot is already worth $1,080 as of this morning. 5 for $10.00, 30 for $20.00, 150 for $50.00, 400 for $100.00. Buy NOW until August 30th. Contest open to Ontario residents 18 years of age or older. License RAF 1266439
99.3 CountyFM Presents “OUR STORIES. OUR HISTORY”
It’s now easier than ever to find and listen to specific Grapevine stories online. We have recreated how we store and catalogue audio for interviews, documentaries, specialty projects and images. Each week we are loading more of our living history into the 99.3 COUNTY FM PUBLIC ARCHIVE.
You can still search for any of our music or specialty programs heard over the past 60 days and stream them.. The new archive is a historical record to give you access in perpetuity to the stories from our community and 99.3 CountyFM’s historical record. We keep loading in more historical
content every week and will ensure the daily Grapevine shows are loaded within 24 hours of broadcast.
Go to online to 993COUNTYFM.CA and click on the magnifying glass or hit the word, “Search” to explore all the archive has to offer.
Special thanks to leaders who have put so much into this project archivist Heather Fraser and IT guru Matt Dwight, as well to Gage Broderick, Joe Martin, and Duncan Smith. This is an ongoing effort that will require ongoing vigilance to constantly increase the value of the resource to our community.
PEC Jazz Festival – August 11th-16th
99.3 CountyFM is a media sponsor of the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival with top jazz talent, from local heroes to international stars in our beautiful County. Keep listening for your chance to win tickets to events throughout the festival.
Celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Tragically Hip’s final concert Aug 22
Join 99.3 CountyFM at The Mustang Drive-In Saturday August 22nd! It’s a special screening under the stars, relive the magic of this legendary Canadian band. County FM’s own Mike Farrell will be emcee and broadcasting reports live from the site! Admission is free. You are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to help support PEC families in need. Dusty Kelly is playing live before the event, The Hip take the screen at 9pm.
Join our new host Justin Rutledge
Beloved Juno Award winning musician Justin Rutledge joins 99.3 CountyFM as of Saturday August 29th. Join him for “Downtime” Saturday at 8pm followed directly by Party Time with your host “The Tripper”.
The 2026 BIGLAKE Festival Aug 21st – 29th
Communities across The County come alive with world-class music and unforgettable performances August 21st – 29th.. Ten extraordinary concerts and events. Artists collaborate and perform in exciting new ways, and inspire audiences through imagination, creativity, and inclusion. 99.3 County FM media sponsor.Tickets and get all the details at biglakearts.com
ANDARA Gallery, Canadian Musician Astrid Young & 99.3 County FM Present VORTEX
Prince Edward County, get ready for an experience unlike any other! ANDARA Gallery proudly presents VORTEX — a groundbreaking fusion of art, music, wine, and interactive technology with tasting notes and tunes by Sommiella & Canadian musician Astrid Young. The exhibition continues until Sept 7.
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.
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
Timeless Classics – Do you love classical music? If you are interested in hosting our Sunday 6-8pm show on an interim basis for the summer please email or call the station and ask for Gage Broderick.
