GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, March 22 to Saturday, March 28, 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, March 22, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
What are you reading? Christine Renaud is reading a coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s Southern Ontario tobacco belt.
Chris Fanning is reading a book by a famous playwright and screenwriter as a preview to the upcoming Picton Gazette’s books on film series.
Mike Farrell is discovering fascinating facts about a place he loves from a book he received as a Christmas gift.
Monday, March 23, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Steve Ferguson reports on provincial government funding for County Road 49 rehabilitation and repair, a timeline for completion and the County’s contribution.
A match made in heaven? Ginny Taylor, Chris Campbell and Mike Campbell, children of the late Steve Campbell, publisher of County Magazine, and Karine Ewart, publisher of Watershed, discuss the transfer of ownership on April 1.
Let’s play ball! Blue Jays home opener is March 27 and Andrew Forbes, author of several books of baseball essays including Field Work: On Baseball and Making a Living looks ahead to the team’s 50th season.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
CONSUMER INFORMATION
SERVICES / HEALTH & WELLNESS
In this fifth and last part of our series covering the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan, we are joined by two Action Team members regarding Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence. Julie Watson, Action Team Chair, and Hilary Fennell, who is leading up the five Action Teams, will share the realities behind these often hidden issues in our community. This conversation will examine complex issues like root causes, including harmful gender norms and societal pressures. We’ll shine a light on how local agencies are working together to support survivors, uncover where gaps still exist, and inform on what happens when someone reaches out for help. The discussion also turns toward solutions while Julie and Hilary will share how attitudes can shift, what prevention efforts are underway, and how community members can play a further role in creating a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
CONSUMERISM
We are joined by the owner of Crowe’s Footwear, Krystal Campbell, to talk about something we often take for granted — our feet and the shoes we put on them! We will talk about how the importance of a proper fit can change over time, why quality matters and how our footwear choices affect our everyday comfort. Whatever lifestyle we’re living in PEC, let’s learn why supportive footwear is so important
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Liz Moran speaks with Chef Luke Haines who is opening the new restaurant Rosetta in Picton in collaboration with renowned restaurateurs Grant Van Gameren and Jesse Fader. Luke formerly worked in many award winning Toronto restaurants including Buca, Bar Raval, and Martine’s Wine Bar.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Duarte Da Silva speaks with local business owners about the joys and challenges of running a business in the county today.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
What happens when a public institution mis-identifies a specimen? Um, that all depends on the institution. If you’re the Museum of the North in Fairbanks, Alaska, you correct it. Dr. Matthew Wooller of University of Alaska Fairbanks tells Pamela Stagg the story of two mysterious bones that … well, we’re not going to ruin the story for you. Tune in to find out.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Krista Hepburn speaks with local gardeners about their gardening
successes, challenges, and secrets.
COUNTY PROFILE
Timothy Luginbuhl speaks with Dr. Jonathan Downar, brain researcher and psychiatrist.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Anne Russell speaks with Gabriele Cole, program director at the Baxter arts centre about their upcoming Spring Sessions.
Roxanne Mackenzie speaks with the Rotary Club of Picton about their annual Waterfall Tours.
Friday, March 27, 2026
ARTSCENE
Artscene this week welcomes two singer songwriters, Gin Sexsmith and O Green, both of whom were successful applicants to the 2026 Indigenous Voices Fund. They’re chatting with co-host Sarah Moran about where their songs come from, what it means to have some secure funding and their excitement about new things to come.
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.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Volunteer Opening
Our Donations Coordinator Leah Werry is stepping down April 8th. We are very grateful for the generous efforts Leah has provided over the past year with Radiothon, donations management in general and with our Homegrown Concert. Leah has also offered to help with the transition.
99.3 CountyFM’s Donations Manager is 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. If you are interested in the role contact volunteer@993countyfm.ca
Spring for Cash 50/50 On-Now
Win big and support 99.3 County FM and the Rotary Club of Picton. It’s our Spring for Cash 50/50 draw. Tickets are priced at 5 for $10, 30 for $20, 150 for $50, or 400 for $100. Purchase tickets online at 993countyfm.ca or countyfm5050.ca…or drop into CountyFM’s studios during regular business hours. Participants must be 18 years or older to enter the draw. The winner will be announced on April 20th at 8:40 AM License number RAF1519149
Maple Pub Night
The Sophiasburgh Recreation Committee and 99.3 CountyFM presents Maple Pub Night Saturday March 21st at the Sophiasburgh Town Hall. The doors open at 7pm. Drinks and food from Rebel Taco. Music by the Bush Pilots and The Sophiasburgh All Stars. It may be sold out by the time this goes to press, check out Sophiasburgh Recreation Committee on facebook for ticket info or click this direct link..
Seniors and Technology: Embracing the Digital World
Our six part original radio documentary series is now available online, visit: Seniors and Technology: Embracing the Digital World | 99.3 County FM Brought to you by Prince Edward Learning Centre, County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives, The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association, our funding parter The Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, and 99.3 CountyFM.
Miss Emily’s “The Medicine” Official Album Release Party, a 99.3 CountyFM Presentation!
Join us at The Regent Theatre April 04, 2026 @ 7:30 pm. Miss Emily and her band officially celebrate her new Soul/Blues/Americana album “The Medicine”. The evening will feature a performance of the new album in its entirety as well as some of Emily’s favourite originals from previously recorded albums and carefully selected soul covers. Get all the details and tickets Click Here
