GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, December 21 – Saturday, December 27, 2025
Happy Holidays
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. [We will take a holiday Dec 28 and skip a week]. If you prefer not to know what’s happening on Grapevine, please inform us by emailing reception@993countyfm.ca.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
It’s the traditional Countdown to Christmas. Terry Sprague recalls Christmas on Big Island in the 1950s. Joan McBride reads Nola Sprague’s Memories of Christmas In Coe Hill. Roch Carrier narrates The Hockey Sweater, his iconic story that has delighted hockey fans for decades. Conrad Beaubien recalls a magical train ride to Montreal and beyond in the heart of winter. Music by Michel Bérubé, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Bill Wood and the Woodies and Jeanette Arsenault.
Monday, December 22, 2025
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Mayor’s Report: Steve Ferguson’s monthly report to residents includes the roundabout at Hwy. 62 and CR 1, challenges facing the County in 2026, the holiday card design winner, and an invitation to the Mayor’s New Year’s levee.
AI in the News: Mark Daley, Chief AI officer and Professor, Department of Computer Science, Western University, comments on the ‘Architects of AI’ – Time magazine’s Person of the Year 2025 – and looks ahead to 2026.
Rotary Youth Exchange: Andy Janikowski of the Rotary Club of Picton, describes the program and the rewards of being a host family. Cameron Butler discusses his experience as an exchange student in Finland and PECI student Callie Craig looks forward to studying in another country in 2026.
Tuesday,December 23, 2025
SERVICES
Callie Hill is the CEO of the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Callie talks about the progress made at the new centre over the last year and some of the other cultural programs underway to preserve and expand Mohawk culture.
CONSUMERISM
Canadian documentaries and productions in film, television, national museums, and advertising require stills, footage and information to tell their stories. As part of our ongoing Occupations of Interest series, we spoke with Elspeth Domville a journalist and archive producer, researcher, and rights clearance specialist who spent over 25 years of her career working in these areas. At the time of this interview, Elspeth had just returned from attending the International Awards for the Federation of Commercial Audiovisual Libraries in Britain. She was one of the nominees for best international researcher of the year for her contributions to the film, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
We’ve all had moments of embarrassment due to the letting go of gas. Now a new Flatulence Therapy is putting this ‘information’ to good use! To talk about this groundbreaking new age therapy — on April Fool’s Day — was Dr. Heidi Sphinct.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
THE COUNTY WRITES…THE COUNTY READS
CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL Noon and 6 p.m.
A County Christmas! Randee Dann reads excerpts from Carrie Cross Carter’s column in the Picton Gazette, December 24, 1964. Michel Bérubé sings a heartwarming, original song of the season, “Mama’s Words”. Remembering his dad, Pat Larkin narrates A.A. Milne’s classic Christmas poem, “King John’s Christmas”. Janet Kellough’s “Grandma’s Christmas” puts a smile on everyone’s face. Claudia McCabe’s delightful story, “Mrs. Toddlebottom’s Christmas”, features Bloomfield, the mischievous cat. Brought to you by June Gill, Agent, Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty
Christmas Eve Join us for continues Christmas Music and Programming
Our gift to you from 8pm Christmas Eve and all Christmas Day
Christmas Eve 8pm
‘Celebrate Christmas’. Bringing holiday cheer into your home Christmas Eve and with an encore performance Christmas DayDec 25th at Noon.14 County Communities of Faith share scripture, carols and heartfelt Christmas greetings. What began as a lifeline during the pandemic and the 2022 winter storm has blossomed into a cherished tradition for listeners Listen at 99.3 FM and streaming @ www.993countyfm.ca
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
The office will be closed on these weekdays during the holidays: The afternoon of Dec 24th, Dec 25th, Dec 26th; the afternoon of Dec 31st, and Jan 1st
Holiday 50/50 Raffle
Support your community radio station and help older adults live well at home, stay active, and feel connected. The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association and 99.3 County FM present the Holiday 50/50 Raffle. A great stocking stuffer for a loved one!
Get your ticket at countyfm5050.ca or stop by the station at 38 Cold Storage Rd during regular business hours. Tune in on New Year’s Day at 8:40 am to find out if you or a loved one is the the jackpot winner! Contest open to Ontario residents 18 years of age or older. License number RAF1519149
Comedy Country – Holiday Hijinks
After the HO-HO-HO is over, treat yourself and your family to some HA-HA-HA at Mount Tabor Playhouse! Join Prince Edward County funny folks for a variety show of live standup, improv and sketch comedy. 3 SHOWS ONLY, Sat, Dec 27 – 7:30pm; Sun, Dec 28 – 2:00pm; Sun, Dec 28 – 7:30pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item to support The Picton United Food Bank. Details here
Ras Bingi New Year’s Day Top 99 Countdown – Sunday Jan 1 Noon to 6:00pm
Enjoy the Top 99 songs of 2025 with Ras Bingi host of our Friday night “Island Jam”. Our Music Department, Production Team, and IT have worked to create a create show. Sponsored by “Luso Bites” Portuguese inspired luncheonette, located in the heart of Picton.
Newsletter Sign Up
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Volunteer Opportunities
Grant Writer – are you a good writer? Convincing, concise, powerful? Work with our team and help ensure the financing so that we can take on exciting projects to serve the community.
Newscasters – openings – a few hours a week.
IndigiVibes – Indigenous host – Wednesday 7p-8p
C’est Bon – French host – Wednesday 8p-9p
Call the station at 613-476-2229 to learn more or email volunteer@993countyfm.ca
County Writes…County Reads returns on Sunday, January 4, 2026
Grapevine regular programming will return on Monday, January 5, 2026
