GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 24 – Saturday, August 30, 2025

GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 24 – Saturday, August 30, 2025

25 August 2025 / by Joe Martin

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.

click here to subscribe to the Grapevine Newsletter. 

Support your community radio station and be eligible to win $$$.

Go to CountyFM5050.ca

2025 Gimme Summer Lovin’ 50/50 Draw:

Win a cash jackpot and support your local community radio station!  This is the last week to get your tickets. Go to CountyFM5050.ca to get your tickets or stop by the station Monday – Friday between 9 & 5 to purchase.  Tickets are 5 for 10 dollars, 30 for 20 dollars, 150 for 50 dollars and 400 for 100 dollars.  Win big by supporting County FM! Contest open to Ontario residents 18 years of age or older.  Draw September 1st 2025.

License number RAF1427577

THE COUNTY WRITES…THE COUNTY READS
Sunday, August 24, 2025

A program worth repeating: A gruesome murder, a notorious tavern poet and thief and the machinations of the ruling class of medieval France – all play a role in Written on the Dark by Guy Gavriel Kay. The award-winning, best-selling author discusses his lengthy career, the inspiration for his novels and his connection to The County. Excerpt read by Simon Vance.

(Photo: The author with narrator and friend, Simon Vance.)

THE COUNTY GRAPEVINE

Monday, August 25, 2025

Mayor Steve Ferguson led the County’s delegation to the Association of Ontario Municipalities (AMO) annual general meeting and conference. He reports on meetings with Health Minister Sylvia Jones and other provincial ministers. Also discussed at the AMO conference, a civility and anti-harassment strategy. ICYMI: Mayor Marianne Meed Ward of Burlington and Picton Councillor Phil St. Jean discussed www.electrespect.ca. (first aired Aug. 11) Tom Mikel, ISA certified arborist, a teacher in the Forestry and Aboriculture programs at Fleming College and owner of www.pecwoodco.ca explains how the hot, dry weather has affected trees in the County and the possible long-term results.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 

SERVICES 

Just after graduating  from her Advanced Aviation course this summer, Ivy Broomfield joins us in-studio to talk about her journey of being an Air Cadet.

CONSUMERISM 

Given the current climate and the growing awareness of the limitations of grass, Co-chair of the County Garden Club, Lise Bois, spoke last month about the history and evolution of lawns—how grass became a staple on properties around the world, why its shallow root system makes it so dependent on water, and the environmental challenges that come with maintaining it. As a follow-up, in this episode Lise will discuss a range of options for removing grass for those interested in rethinking their lawns. (If you would like to hear the previous interview, find it in our Archives — July 29.)

HEALTH & WELLNESS 

September is a time of big schedule changes for a lot of families having measurable impacts on our canine family members. In this episode, Dog Trainer Tasha Shaw-Verbic discusses ways to identify stressors in dogs who are confused by the schedule change and what we can do to bring about contentment and better behaviour. 

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 

COUNTY COOKS

Liz Moran speaks with Ian McClatchey, the owner and chef at Quaich and Banter, a Scottish inspired restaurant and whiskey bar just outside of Picton.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Pearl Hucul speaks with Janice Scharf about how she and her partner, Gary Scharf, came to open the Local store in 2016. Starting with just 60 local artists, the Local store now features over 160 Ontario creators including artists, artisans, and food producers. 

THE COUNTY, NATURALLY

Steve Burrows is the author of an engrossing series of what he calls birder murder mysteries. Not surprisingly, birds play a key role in each book. In fact, they often create a mystery within a mystery. Pamela Stagg talks to Steve about birds, bird-watching, and his latest mystery novel, A Deceit of Lapwings.

Thursday, August 28, 2025 

COUNTY GROWS

This Thursday on the County Grows Viticulture, Astrid Young speaks to Frederic Picard, winemaker and winegrower at Huff Estates. Discover what he’s learned following his 21st County vintage and why he stuck it out despite the challenges. 

COUNTY PROFILE

Pearl Hucul speaks with Carole Thimidis about her family, her travels, and her thousands of hours of volunteering.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Anne Russell speaks with Lise Bois about the Picton Fair. Gabi Cole will also be joining Anne to talk about Baxter Arts.

Friday, August 29, 2025 

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? 

Raj Dhillon shares interviews, reviews, and analysis of all things film and movie related.

ARTSCENE

Paul Marleyn speaks with co-host, Mary Ann Farrell about the 2025 season of the Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival, and what we can look forward to seeing at the festival Sept. 12-21.

There is something for everyone – from Mozart to Metallica. There will be composers of every ilk including a baroque ensemble, a yoga class with live music, the Dinuk Wijeratne World Music Fusion Trio, and so much more. Performances take place at the St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, Macaulay Heritage Park, and The Andrew..  There’s lots to catch up on. Tune in to learn more about this year’s exciting musical collection.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Seniors and Technology – Embracing the Digital World.

Thank you to all of those who completed our survey, your input has been very helpful. We are now ready to accept registrations for our in person events.

99.3 CountyFM, along with Prince Edward Learning Centre, will be conducting free workshops titled Seniors and Technology: Embracing the Digital World. The workshops will focus on the role of digital technology in your life. It’s an opportunity to share your experiences with and attitudes towards technology and discuss how we spend our time in the digital world. And perhaps identify some opportunities to use digital technologies in new ways.

The workshop will be offered at these dates and locations:

SEPT. 18 – PRINCE EDWARD LEARNING CENTRE (PELC) – 3:00PM – 5:00PM

OCT. 2 – WELLINGS OF PICTON – 3:00PM – 5:00PM

Oct. 20 – WELLINGTON LIBRARY – 3:00PM – 5:00PM

If you would like to attend, please register online click here for the direct link   You can also register at 993countyfm.ca or by contacting Lori at PELC via email Lori@pelc.ca or phone (613) 476-1811  ext 114

Complimentary beverages, snacks and a gift. We can assist with transportation if required.  This program is part of a series of live events and a new radio documentary being produced to air on 99.3 CountyFM in 2026 entitled Seniors & Technology: Embracing the Digital World. We are working in partnership with the Prince Edward Learning Center, the County of Prince Edward Public Library and The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.  The program is made possible by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program.

County Comedy presented by 99.3 CountyFM

CBC’s This and That performers, Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly, join forces with Carolyn Taylor, co-creator and star of the hit show The Baroness von Sketch Show, to keep audiences laughing at the Regent Theatre on Saturday August 23.  Click here for your Comedy Country tickets

Big Lake 2025 Festival 

In its 5th year, Big Lake Festival brings world renowned musicians to local county venues.  Wellington Music Hall features Hidden Gems.  This is the last day (Aug 23rd) 

IMPACT FUNDRAISER.  Next Generation Violinists.  Saturday, Aug 23 — 11 AM

OCTETS CLOSING NIGHT.  Chamber Music Masterpieces. Saturday, Aug 23 — 7 PM

99.3 CountyFM is a proud media sponsor of the festival.  More info.

 County Stage presented by 99.3 CountyFM
Colin Mochrie & Debra McGrath. County Stage Company’s annual Haymaker Comedy Festival.  Eddie Hotel & Farm in Bloomfield. Closing out the season they welcome back to PEC comedy legends Colin Mochrie & Debra McGrath!Tickets and info Click here

Base31  Rock  the County Festival Aug 22 – 23

Get set for a fantastic weekend with I MOTHER EARTH + BIG WRECK plus more…

Drill Hall RBC Stage, plus supporting acts Kasador and Luscious.  More info and tickets  https://base31.ca/rtc/

Picton Fair Sept 8-10

Welcome to the home of one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, presented by the Prince Edward Agricultural Society (established 1831) and held annually at the Picton Fairgrounds in Prince Edward County. Watch for the 99.3 CountyFM tent on-site, live reports, merch, and prizes. Tickets and more info Picton Fair

99.3 CountyFM Lawn Signs
Pick up a free 99.3 CountyFM lawn sign from the station, 38 Cold Storage Road, Monday-Friday 9-5.  The signs really help get the word out about the radio station and encourages further support. Thank you.   

 Newsletter Sign Up
If you know of someone who might be interested in receiving the 99.3 Grapevine newsletter, we have  signup button on the top right of our website or the person can click here to subscribe.  


Volunteer Opportunities

IndigiVibes – Indigenous host – Wednesday 7p-8p

C’est Bon – French host – Wednesday 8p-9p

Contact the radio station 613-476-2229 and ask about these and other opportunities.


Listen at 99.3 FM or stream www.993countyfm.ca
38 Cold Storage Rd, Picton, ON K0K 2T0

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