GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 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, October 18, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
Award-winning author Shane Peacock discusses the two novels in his Northern Gothic Mystery series – As We Forgive Others and A Place of Secrets. The professional and personal lives of Hugh Mercer, the homicide detective from New York, and Sergeant Alice Morrow from small town Ontario are intertwined as they investigate murders and uncover long-buried secrets. Also, Peacock’s novel for young readers, SHOW, was inspired by The Great Farini, a remarkable Canadian from the 1800s whose amazing adventures and inventions are relatively unknown.
(Music by Neil Young and Ian & Sylvia) A program worth repeating!
Monday, October 19, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
With one week left before the municipal election on Monday, October 26th, the three candidates for Mayor of Prince Edward County – Ernie Margetson, Brad Nieman and Terry Shortt – return to the Monday Grapevine to discuss the issues residents say are of utmost concern and how they plan to address them.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
What’s it like to share the ocean with a humpback whale? County residents Eric Moran and Julie Burrows join us to share their experience swimming with these remarkable animals off the coast of Tahiti. Joining us live by phone from New Zealand is their guide, Magenta of Magenta Oceans, to talk about the whales’ behaviour and what goes into creating respectful encounters with them in the wild.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Prompted by the sexual assault allegations involving a former Cornell University student known as Jane Doe, this timely conversation explores how misogyny takes root—and how we can interrupt the cycle. Psychiatrist Dr. Joe Burley joins us to explore what boys and girls absorb growing up around misogyny, how it shapes their adult lives, and why these attitudes persist across generations. We’ll also discuss the courage it takes to speak out about sexual harassment or abuse, and how to respond when we encounter misogynistic behaviour in our own lives.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Liz Moran speaks with Mark Jermolow and Gus Wenceslau owners and founders of J & W Farms in Milford where they produce many wholesome products to nourish your body and soul.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
County business owners share their experiences and advice with Duarte Da Silva, Chief Executive Officer of the PEC Chamber of Commerce
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Photo: Francesco Veronesi
Steve Burrows’ latest mystery novel, A Murmuration of Starlings, is his best, according to Pamela Stagg. She just loved the book. The title suggests that starlings play a leading role in this fast-paced novel, but it’s the birds, the snakes and the desert of Australia that are the real stars of this “birder murder” mystery. Pamela will talk to Steve about his experiences in Australia while he was researching the book.
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Thursday, October 22, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Astrid Young catches up with several county winemakers and vineyard managers to get their takes on the 2026 vintage and what variables influence their harvest decisions.
COUNTY PROFILE
Pearl Hucul speaks with Hri Neal about his many years of experience as a creator, organizer, and promoter of a wide variety of entertainment, arts, and community events in the County and throughout Canada for over 25 years.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Cliff Rice shares details about the Waring Creek fundraising event with Craig Mills.
Brenda Garvey speaks with the Sophiasburgh Rec Committee about the upcoming Howler Dance.
Friday, October 23, 2026
ARTSCENE
JOE, WHICH ONE SHOULD WE USE?
Sarah Moran asks what goes on at the Youth Craft Academy, a programme delivered by County Arts. Allison Nichol-Longtin, the program lead, and Andrew Phua, an instructor, answer why it’s a unique programme and explain how it opens up creative futures for young people in the county.
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?
Pat Larkin presents current music trends, artists, and releases.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Oct 18-24
Homegrown 2026 – 99.3 County FM’s 12th Birthday Party
Thank you to everyone who made it out to enjoy our 6th annual Homegrown Concert and to our tremendous host The Wellington United Church. Special shout out to our Music Dir & performer Megan Hutton and to all of the fabulous musicians Steve Wilkinson, Astrid Young & Ray Farrugia, Bill Wood & Chris Bennett, Annelise Noronha, Craig Foster, Jennifer Allen & Dave Skippen, Telegraph Narrows, Dusty Keller, Fearless Love, The Cast of “Next to Normal” and Emerson Pringle on sound. Please support our great event sponsors Picton Home Hardware, Lockyer’s Country Gardens, Green Gables Gifts and Greetings, and Farm Dog Coffee. Thank you to all of CountyFM volunteers and staff who contributed so much to make the evening a success.
99.3 Lifestyle and Adventure Auction
Thank you to each prize donor, congratulations to all of our bidders, and thank you to our fundraising team! Together we generated $6,605 for our community radio station and we hope you enjoyed the amazing collection of local prizes and gifts. A note went out to all winners, bids can be paid via etransfer to ar@993countyfm.ca (include your invoice number and contact info). You can also pay next week in person during the times directed in our letter to all winners.
2026 Pumpkinfest in Wellington, Sat Oct 17th
The parade kicks off at 10:30am from the Wellington Community Centre. Watch for CountyFM in route. Take in community activities mid-day in the Kid Zone. Then the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off begins at noon hosted at CML Snider Public School. 99.3 CountyFM on location with live reports courtesy of Wilkinson & Company LLP.
Election Coverage on the 99.3 CountyFM Archive
Use the search button at our website and check out our archive to hear the mayor’s “debate” or click here. You can also search by your ward such as “Ward 5” to find the candidate profiles aired to date (as aired on Monday’s Grapevine). Municipal election is Monday, October 26, 2026. 99.3 CountyFM brings you live reports – get out and vote!
Casting Call “An Untitled Play by Al Purdy” Oct 28 & 30
Wednesday Oct 28th 6:30pm and Friday Oct 30th 6:30-8:30pm Bethany Christian Reform Church, 158 Bloomfield (west door – basement). A radio adaptation by Phil Knox. Roles for all ages. Contact philipaknox@gmail.com
14th Annual Firelight Lantern Festival Nov 6 & 7
The Department of Illumination returns with one of our most cherished community events. The Department of Illumination lights up the night with The Firelight Lantern Festival including two magical evenings of arts and music at the Crystal Palace in Picton and of course the wonderful Festive Parade (gather at Benson Park Nov 7 at 6pm). Media sponsor 99.3 CountyFM. Learn more
Shatterbox Theatre “Next to Normal” at The Cape Nov 12-21, CountyFM presents
Winner of 3 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal is a powerful and deeply moving contemporary musical that explores family, mental health, love, loss, and resilience. Recommended for 14+, there is also a content advisory. Learn more.
