| GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, May 24 to Saturday, May 30, 2026 **update**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, May 24, 2026THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS |
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| What are you reading? From the archives: Sommelier Jay Whiteley was reading a novel he believed everyone in the wine and hospitality industry would enjoy. Mary Ann Farrell was reading a poignant, “uniquely Canadian” memoir. Kevin Scanlon was reading a book he called “captivating” and said it is one of the best of the many he has read on the subject. Monday, May 25, 2026TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS |
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| Mayor’s Report: Mayor Steve Ferguson with details of federal government’s investment of $20+ million in the Wellington Wastewater Treatment plant, update on county road 49 and more. County Docs: Adam Hambly, Director of Physician Recruitment, discusses successful recruitment of family doctors, incentives offered and future plans.Radiothon 2026! Craig Mills, County FM GM, explains the need for the annual fund-raiser and Megan Hutton, Musical Director, spotlights the many local musicians taking part from June 4 to 7. Tuesday, May 26, 2026CONSUMERISM |
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| Picton’s Fashion Week returns June 1 to 6. We are joined by two of its organizers,Nicole Voskamp from Mode Elle and KC Closet, and Kelly Sommerville from October Sky who will tell us about: |
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| In our third episode of World of Wine, Sommelier Jay Whiteley talks about the rich history, craftsmanship, and the global appeal of French wines while sharing insights into tasting pairing and selecting wines. From the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy to modern winemaking trends, we explore what makes French wines so influential the globe over. SERVICES |
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| Since 1988 Command Performance has been providing Prince Edward County residents the opportunity to sing with a local choir and the chance to enjoy choral music concerts. Their annual spring concert is next weekend (May 30 and 31). We speak with Choir Director, Moira Forrester, to learn how the music is selected for their annual concerts and how you can join the group! COUNTY DOG |
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| The snoot, the truffle and the rhinarium are all terms for a dog’s nose — and the topic of this month’s County Dog! Regular guest, Professional dog trainer, Tasha Shaw-Verbic, dives deep into the remarkable capabilities of a dog’s nose, how the nose operates in ‘stereo’ interpreting the world through smell and the incredible tasks the nose can perform. Wednesday, May 27, 2026COUNTY COOKS |
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| Liz Moran speaks with Larissa Punzalan, the founder and pastry chef of The Cookie Mama. Larissa’s skillet cookies and other custom offerings can be found at various markets and retail locations throughout The County. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS |
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| A conversation with Hri Neil from The Department of Illumination and Greg Landucci from Slake Brewing about the benefits and impacts of sponsorship. Slake Brewing just signed on as the Premier Season Sponsor of The Department of Illuminations programming for their 2026 season and they are celebrating that partnership together with an event collaboration coming up on Saturday June 20 called Big Fires. We will hear all about that event, how this kind of sponsorship can benefit both parties, and about The Department of Illuminations new annual sponsorship strategy. THE COUNTY, NATURALLY |
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| Photo: NASAWe’re fortunate that there is so much conserved land along the South Shore of Prince Edward County. So it’s easy for us to take protection of Lake Ontario itself for granted. In fact, there’s a lot of work to do to create marine protected areas on the Canadian side of the lake. Julia Laforge, Policy and Campaign Manager of Protected Areas for Nature Canada talks to Pamela Stagg about the importance of protection and how it could be facilitated. Thursday, May 28, 2026COUNTY GROWS |
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| Jane Thompson will be speaking with Heather Coffee who is co-owner and farmer at Fiddlehead Farm along with her partner Stephanie Lang. Since 2012 they have been developing this farm business on 10 acres of former hay fields to the point where it now provides fresh vegetables for 300 families through the model of Community supported agriculture, CSA. You will find them at www.fiddlehead-farm.ca COUNTY PROFILE |
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| Gage Broderick speaks with Liz Simpson, a multi-talented actor, employee at County Cider Company, and County FM volunteer. Gage and Liz discuss her upbringing in a military environment, her various educations, and what brought her to acting and working in the County. WHAT’S HAPPENING |
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| Photo: Barbara Vaughan, Bill Wood and Elaine Marshall plan the Red Riding Hood Puppet ShowLiz Zylstra talks about upcoming special storytimes, including guest appearances by Alex Wyte, SSJI, Vi Woo and Chloe Fox. Friday, May 29, 2026ARTSCENE |
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| This week on Artscene, co-host Catelyn Thornton will be talking to three of the County’s thespians about their play Sexy Laundry coming up in early June at the Mount Tabor Playhouse. Cheryl Singer directs Colleen Simm and Thom Harrison in this fun romp, and the three of them share laughs and insights about putting this play together. SPORTS ROUNDUP The Prince Edward County Sports Hall of Fame showcases memorable athletes and events. PET REPORTDave Wheatley reports on lost and found cats as well as profiling the ones looking for a forever home. WHAT’S THE BUZZNew Music |
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| Pat Larkin presents current music trends, artists, and releases. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 12 Annual Radiothon – Celebrate with us Thursday June 4th – Sunday June 7th Four days of amazing live local music. Special thanks to our title sponsor “Wellings of Picton”. Click here for the musical line-up. This year’s theme is “Grown Here” celebrating our agricultural community and everything created right here in Prince Edward County. Special thanks to this year’s Honorary Chair Jane Thompson. Please help bridge the funding gap of $77,000. Learn more online at www.993CountyFM.ca Thank you to this year’s sponsors Wellings of Picton,Heidelberg Materials, Angie’s Pooper Pumping Service, JJ International Media and Management Solutions, Lockyer’s Country Gardens, McDougall Ins & Financial (Picton), Prinzen Ford, Royal Hotel, Stormy’s Auto Group, Veenstra and Lloyd’s Plumbing Heating and Cooling, and Edward Jones Picton. 11th Annual Rotary Club Lilac Ride Sunday May 24The Rotary Club of Picton invites cyclists of all ages to join the 11th Annual Lilac Ride on Sunday May 24. It’s a picturesque 25, 50 or 100 km morning ride along some of The County’s most beautiful lilac lined routes…followed by a BBQ from noon to 2pm. Drivers on Sunday May 24th are asked to be extra careful on the roadways, please watch for the cyclists. The annual “Lilac Ride” helps to support the Rotary Club’s various charitable initiatives. More info at www.lilacridepicton.ca 99.3 County FM is a proud sponsor of the Annual Rotary Club Lilac Ride. Hike for Hospice June 6thJoin 99.3 County FM for the 15th Annual Hike for Hospice. Macauley House 23 Church St., Picton.Hospice Prince Edward provides support to people in our community who are affected by life-limiting illness. Get outside, move, and raise money for a great cause. Whether you’re joining a team or as an individual: Go to www.hospiceprinceedward.ca and click on the register button! County Kids of Steel Triathlon June 7Please support The County Kids of Steel Triathlon. This is a community-focused event, open to participants ages 3-17! The mission is to foster fitness, perseverance, and fun through sports. While promoting safety, healthy development and local family engagement. Go to www.countykidsofsteel.ca for more information and to register!Promotional support sponsored by Books and Co, Picton Family Dentistry, Shannon Warr-Hunter, and 99.3 County FM. In The Key of Blue – July 3rd-5th **update** Experience the soul of Canadian Rock as local talent takes the stage. Don’t miss the world premiere of “In the Key of Blue” at Picton’s historic Regent Theatre, July 3rd through 5th. Follow Jarod Scott and his band’s journey through the perils of fame and betrayal. Starring The County’s own Juno-nominee Miss Emily and featuring the iconic music of Blue Rodeo performed live by talented County musicians. Profits directly support The Regent Theatre. Media Sponsor 99.3 CountyFM. Tickets and details Inthekeyofblue.ca Community Radio Initiative99.3 CountyFM and more than 250 radio stations across the country like us, need your support. Day in and day out, we work to bring you the local news that matters, the music you won’t hear anywhere else, and we are here in support of our community. The CRI is an initiative for community radio stations to receive some support in the federal budget. If you would like to assist it takes less than five minutes and a few clicks. Go to www.mycri.ca Thank you Newsletter Sign Up99.3 Grapevine newsletter, signup button on the top right of our website. Volunteer OpportunitiesDonations 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. Newscasters – openings – a few hours a week. Indigenous host – IndigiVibes Wednesday 7p-8p French host – C’est Bon – Wednesday 8p-9pCall the station at 613-476-2229 to learn more or email volunteer@993countyfm.ca |
