GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, April 12 to Saturday, April 18, 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, April 12, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
In author Karen Smythe’s novel, A Town With No Noise, fact and fiction combine to examine difficult questions about the communities we build and how secrets from the past may contaminate the present.
Megan Hutton, writer/composer, and Pat Larkin, director, discuss the upcoming Marysburgh Mummers production of The Ultimate County Kid, a high-energy musical comedy staged as a live, locally televised talent competition.
Janet Kellough, moderator of County Reads which launches the 2026 Authors Festival on April 16th, reveals the names of the 5 participants and the titles of the books they will defend.
Monday, April 13, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Mustang Drive-in Sold: Ian Chislett and Aravind Selvaraj of Rebel Taco explain why they purchased the venerable site and their plans for added attractions. (photo credit: Vikas Bakshi for The Toronto Star)
Vicki’s Veggies: 2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Vicki Emlaw describes her journey to farming and how her company has grown and expanded over the years.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
SERVICES
Earth Day is on Wednesday, April 22. Celebrations, educational workshops, and events will happen in 180 countries when Earth Week begins April 19. We speak with Prince Edward County Environmental Services and Sustainability Supervisor, Albert Paschkowiak, about the events scheduled for Prince Edward County and the ways you can get involved!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Will caregivers know what healthcare measures we want in the event that we aren’t able to speak for ourselves? Illness or injury can occur at any age and someone else may have to decide what care or treatment we receive. An Advance Care Plan is a way to let health care professionals and those who will have to make decisions on our behalf know what our preferences are. Prince Edward Family Health Team Registered Nurse, Dawn Calnan-Kerr, joins us to discuss what an Advance Care Plan is, how it works, and how we can put one in place.
CONSUMERISM
As part of our ongoing Branding A Business series, we sit down with Anice Jewellery’s Britt Hopkins, the creative force behind a brand that is redefining what it means to wear something meaningful. Now located in Bloomfield, Britt has built a business that goes beyond artistic pieces. It’s about transforming heirlooms or forgotten treasures into contemporary designs filled with story and sentiment. During this conversation we’ll learn about turning a product into a memorable brand experience, building community through creativity, and why the most successful businesses today aren’t just selling — they’re connecting.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Liz Moran speaks with Chef Jonathan Viau of the Foundry restaurant at The Claramount Club in Picton. The Foundry offers thoughtful and elevated updates to pub classics, crafted entirely from scratch using seasonally driven, locally sourced ingredients. We touch on their Countylicious menu, talk about the soon to be opened Delphine restaurant, and learn about the summer plans for their outdoor patio.
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: Alexis
This year, Pamela Stagg has invited local groups involved in nature to share the microphone in the Friends of Nature series. Now it’s the turn of Quinte Conservation. Their Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator, Lindsay Nash, will talk to Daniel Butler, Invasive Species Technician, about some of the invasive species found in this area.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
On Saturday May 2, the County will be having a giveaway for tree seedlings, specifically for trees that are natural to the County. Cheryl McLellan speaks with Lise Bois about the importance and history of the trees that we see in the County and what to expect at the May 2 event.
COUNTY PROFILE
Even if you do not have a pet, it’s likely that you have been inside the Pet Valu store and if you have, you have undoubtedly noticed Fiona Patton whose personality resounds through the store! However, did you know that they are a published author? Listen to Renay Weissman-Stanners’ interview with Fiona Patten to learn all about this colourful County personality!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Liz Zylstra talks about library services and offerings you may not have heard about before including the recording studio, meeting rooms, tech help and musical instrument library, and more.
Friday, April 17, 2026
ARTSCENE
Mary Ann Farrell chats with Janna Smith, Executive Director, Prince Edward County Arts Council, and Heather Braaten, Artistic Director of the County Stage Company.
Last month, both organizations were recipients of an OCAF (Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund) grant to assist with the marketing and promotion of their activities and events in the County. Tune in to learn what that means and how two major arts organizations continue to explore and create and promote artistic offerings for local residents and visiting tourists to Prince Edward 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
New Music
Pat Larkin presents current music trends, artists, and releases.
Spring for Cash 50/50 – Only 11 days left
Win big and support 99.3 County FM and the Rotary Club of Picton with Spring for Cash 50/50.. Tickets are 5 for $10, 30 for $20, 150 for $50, or 400 for $100. Get yours online www.countyfm5050.ca …or drop into CountyFM’s studios during regular business hours Mon-Fri 8:30a-5p. Participants must be 18+. Winner announced on the Jim JJ Johnston Morning Show, Monday, April 20th at 8:40 AM License number RAF1519149
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
The County Reads Debate Apr 16
Get ready for an exciting literary showdown with the PEC Library and 99.3 County FM! Join The County Reads as we hit the stage on Thursday, April 16th, 7-8pm St. Mary Magdalene Church in Picton. Can’t make it? 99.3 County FM has you covered! For the first time ever, listen live on-air or stream it at www.993countyfm.ca….But remember that if you want to vote, you must be there in person. Tickets are just $5 at the library or go to www.peclibrary.org
The PEC Jazz Festival special launch event May 8
It’s the start of another exciting festival season and 99.3 CountyFM is excited to return as a media sponsor. At the kick off, dance the night away to the fabulous sounds of The Crap Shooters Jive Band. You’ll also be among the first to know the full Main Stage lineup for the 2026 Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. Location: Waring Hall 395 Sandy Hook Rd., Picton. Tickets through Eventbrite.
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