GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 23 – Saturday, August 29, 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 23, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
From the archives: Astrid Young, author of Being Young: Scott, Neil and Me discusses her relationship with her beloved father, touring with her famous brother and her careers as singer, songwriter, screenwriter and sommelier. Update: Astrid and Andrew Csafordi of Andara Gallery describe the Vortex Art Exhibition showcasing works by Andrew and Tara Wilkinson based on Astrid’s original songs. (Astrid Young portrait credit Tara Wilkinson)
Monday, August 24, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
The municipal election is Monday, October 26th and the campaign is underway. Hear the 3 candidates for Mayor of Prince Edward County discuss their reasons for running, qualifications, priorities and platform.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
OCCUPATIONS OF INTEREST
Duncan Smith spent 12 weeks with 99.3 County FM this summer as our Administrative Assistant, while also taking on radio hosting, helping archive material for our new website project and stepping in as a Community Reporter. But when Duncan isn’t behind the scenes at the station, he has a very different creative passion: painting miniature figurines for the tabletop war game Warhammer 40,000. In this conversation, Duncan takes us inside a fascinating hobby that combines storytelling, painting, building and collecting. We’ll explore what draws people to choosing and creating their own armies and factions, the artistry and patience involved in painting the tiny figures, and why so many enthusiasts become deeply immersed in the world of Warhammer 40K.
SERVICES
Pulling from the vault! After graduating from her Advanced Aviation Course last summer, Ivy Broomfield joined us in-studio to talk about her journey as an Air Cadet. From her experiences in the cadet program to the opportunities and skills she’s gained along the way, Ivy shares what inspired her to pursue aviation and what the experience has taught her so far.
COUNTY DOG
This month, Tasha Shaw-Verbic of Fearless Tails Training joins us to talk about what to consider when adopting a dog from a shelter, rescue organization or a private rehome. From understanding a dog’s history and needs to assessing whether their temperament and energy level are a good fit for your household, Tasha will share practical advice to help prospective adopters make an informed and thoughtful decision—and give their new companion the best possible start.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Pearl Hucul speaks with Jenna Empey, formerly of Pyramid Ferments, now owner of Vvitchfarm Market and Apothecary that offers farm-fresh produce, local market items, farm-to-table foods, fresh baked goods, flower essences, apothecary items, in-person workshops, and tarot readings.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Photo: Ram-Man
There’s yet another new initiative being pioneered at Prince Edward
Point Bird Observatory. Ketha Gillespie is going to be tagging monarch butterflies this fall to see where “our” monarchs go in the winter. Ketha will talk to Pamela Stagg about this much-loved butterfly and the process of tagging and tracking the monarch on its travels to Mexico each year.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Astrid Young catches up with Gerry Spinoza of Exultet Estates in the South Bay. Tune in to learn about Exultet’s sustainable viticulture certification and how it informs decisions in the vineyard.
COUNTY PROFILE
Pearl Hucul speaks with Vic Alyea, long time county resident, popular educator, county politician, Consecon Mason, and much more.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Pearl Hucul speaks with Vic Alyea, long time county resident, popular educator, county politician, Consecon Mason, and much more.
Friday, August 28, 2026
ARTSCENE
Co-host, Mary Ann Farrell chats with Jacqueline Hatt, the Board Chair of the Rednersville Road Art Tour about the upcoming tour (it’s 17th year) as it returns on Labour Day Weekend (Sept. 5-7). This year’s tour will feature over 22 local artists.
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?
I Know That Voice
I Know That Voice presents a special dedication to the late, great Kevin Conroy. Conroy is most famous and beloved for his performance as Batman in the 90’s Batman: The Animated Series, a role which he would reprise for 30 years in various cartoons, films, and video games. We lost Conroy in 2022 and this episode will be a long overdue tribute to one of the greatest men to ever work in the voiceover industry.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Aug 23-29
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 constant increase the value of the resource to our community.
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.
The Picton Fall Fair September 10-12
One of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs is coming to The Picton fair Grounds next month!
From our historical Crystal Palace, (only one of it’s kind left in North America) to first class exhibits of homecrafts, woodcrafts, schools, cattle & horse shows, midway, live music in the Crystal Palace Community Centre All, and our popular “Rising Star” competition. Tractor pull, Demolition Derby & Lawn Tractor racing etc…Listen to 99.3 County FM for chances to win tickets and for more information. Tickets and get all the details at pictonfair.ca
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.
