GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, December 14- Saturday, December 20, 2025
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, December 14, 2025
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
Christine Renaud’s reading of her personal story, Drifting on a Christmas Eve, has been a yearly tradition since 2014. Roch Carrier reveals his mother’s response when she read his iconic and much-loved story, The Hockey Sweater. (Roch reads the story on Dec. 21st edition of CWCR) Annelise Noronha’s lovely song, Every Flake of Snow, brings comfort to those missing a loved one at this festive time of year.
Monday, December 15, 2025
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
OPP statistics in PEC show intimate partner violence (IPV) calls for service numbered 223 in 2024 and 296 to date in 2025. Julie Watson, Executive Director of Alternatives for Women, discusses the new Protecting Victims Act and launches AFW’S capital campaign for transitional housing so survivors have a safe, stable place to heal and rebuild.
Anne Preston, founder and board chair of County Kids Read, explains the need for the organization and Andrea Dawes, discusses her role as the newly appointed, first ever Executive Director.
Jeanette Arsenault launches her Christmas song, Home for the Holidays, and discusses her invitation to a Festival in France next year honouring the legacy of her late aunt Angèle Arsenault.
Tuesday,December 16, 2025
CONSUMERISM
We will be joined by Peter Williams, proprietor and fifth-generation owner of Bay Williams Fishery here in Prince Edward County on Big Island, when we’ll learn how his family business helps keep traditional fishing alive. Peter will share the history behind his family’s fifth-generation legacy, what they fish for, how the business has evolved over the years, and what it’s like to run a local fishery in today’s world.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Studies suggest that half of all Canadians will face a significant mental health challenge before the age of 40 and as many as one in three seniors could benefit from mental health care, especially at these festive times of year. Mental Health Counsellor Tammy Orr and Registered Psychotherapist Matt Harris from the Family Health Team joined us to talk about how we can recognize any mental health concerns and what assistance is available through PEFHT.
CONSUMERISM
We will speak with Leah Byford, the proprietor and creative force behind The County Candle Company about how she transforms our island’s towns and villages into fragrances. We’ll learn how each candle in her collection captures the feeling of a specific local area in PEC through carefully chosen scents, influenced by the region’s natural elements and atmosphere.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
COUNTY COOKS
Plant based over the holidays. Whether you have vegan family coming by for treats or the big holiday meal, or if you just want to lighten up parts of your holiday festivities, Chef Chris Byrne pops by to discuss creating amazing plant based options this holiday.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Pearl Hucul speaks with Chris de Mille about the 24 years Chris de Mille Excavating has been helping county landowners shape and refine their land and yards.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Image: NASA
“What’s your most memorable moment in nature?” That’s the question that Pamela Stagg asked of naturalists and scientists who spend a lot of time outdoors. Their magical memories will take you from our own South Shore to Wood Buffalo National Park and out into the middle of the Bering Sea. You can enjoy them on this special holiday edition of The County, Naturally.
A Christmas to Remember – Written by Conrad Beaubien – Wednesday December 17th 9pm
A presentation of Théâtre Roulant in cooperation with A Theatre Club and 99.3 County FM
In the 1950’s eight workers in a remote lumber camp won the luck of the draw for seats on a supply plane to take them home for Christmas. When the plane went down in a gale, it would take more than luck for them to survive. Director: John Burns. Production Producer: Sarah Kirby. Music Director: Conrad Beaubien
Sponsored by Elizabeth Crombie Royal Lepage ProAlliance.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
COUNTY GROWS
Astrid Young catches up with Stephanie Bryers, the newly minted winemaker at Lighthall Vineyards in South Bay. We talk about the parallels and differences between BC’s Okanagan Valley and PEC’s terroir from a viticultural perspective, and discover what she’s learned in her first season here.
COUNTY PROFILE
Pearl Hucul speaks with Shawna Church about her life in the county and her involvement with the Prince Edward Well Managed Community Group.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Craig Mills and Brenda Mercer-Garvey speak to organizers of two of the county’s many festive events. Tune in to hear all about the Celebration of Lights – Hanukkah at Base 31 put on by the Jewish Community of Prince Edward County on Sunday December 21. As well, learn about a Free Community Christmas Skate at the Prince Edward Community Centre at 375 Main Street, Picton on Monday, December 22 from 10AM–12PM.
Sneptic Tank Alt-Xmas Dec 18th 7pm-9pm
Holiday sound track sounding a little tired? It’s the twelfth annual Sneptic Tank Alt-Christmas Spectacle.
It’s the County’s tradition of Christmas with attitude! Sponsored by Wandering Albatross Books and Miscellany
Beacon Bike & Brew, and June Gill, Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty
Friday, December 19, 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?
To cap off the end of the year, the spotlight gets shone on a voice actor whose resume is a bit less varied than others we’ve covered, but whose voice has carried a respect and legacy that few can match. I Know That Voice covers the man who brought the voice of Optimus Prime (Transformers) to life, the legendary Peter Cullen.
ARTSCENE
Artscene is closing out the year with a special Eggnog Chat. Your hosts—Catelyn, Pamela, Sarah, MaryAnn, and Cheryl—are reflecting on the spirit of artistry in Prince Edward County: the landscapes that inspire, the people who support, and the artists who give this place its creative heartbeat. It’s warm, it’s thoughtful, and it’s all about the County we love.
What’s Happening
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS (Dec 14 – 20)
Holiday 50/50 Raffle
Supporting 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 have teamed up to bring you 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 at The CAPE
99.3 CountyFM proud supporter of Comedy Country’s final big events for 2025.
RESCHEDULED – Thursday, December 18th 7:30PM. What better way to cap a first season than with the promise of CHEAP WINE?! This brand-new monthly series pairs top-tier comedy acts from Toronto, Montreal, and beyond with rising local talent for unforgettable nights of live performance transforming one of the County’s most stunning venues into a midweek comedy hub. Details here
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
Other upcoming 99.3 CountyFM Holiday Programming – sneak peak
Many hosts choose to do a special holiday version of their show as we offer incredible specials…
The County Writes The County Reads – Special Festive Version Dec 21 at noon
Continuous Christmas Music and Programming Christmas Eve thru Christmas Day
CWCR Christmas Eve program Noon-1pm and 6pm-7pm
Celebrate Christmas show for 2025 Dec 24th 8pm and repeats at Dec 25th at noon.
Grapevine takes a holiday Dec 24 through Jan 2
Top 99 Countdown New Year’s Day Noon-6pm
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Volunteer Opportunities
Grant Writer – work with our team to help us 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
Call the station at 613-476-2229 to learn more or email volunteer@993countyfm.ca
