GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 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, May 3, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
Sounding the alarm! In The Crisis Of Canadian Democracy, author Andrew Coyne states that “far from a democratic example to the world, our parliamentary system is in a state of advanced disrepair” and he makes the argument that voting should be mandatory. In The Casino Shift: Stories from an ER on the Edge, Dr. Brian Goldman describes the latest advances in medical technology while highlighting the challenges of practising “waiting room medicine”. (Note: Interview with Dr. Goldman continues on The County Grapevine, May 4.)
Monday, May 4, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
MP Chris Malette discusses the federal government’s economic update including a program to train up to 100,000 skilled trades workers by 2030-31 plus his role as a member of the Committee on National Defence and the Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.
Dennis Darby, president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, is one of 25 appointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. He reports on the Committee’s first meeting and recommended strategies for negotiators.
Dr. Brian Goldman, author of The Casino Shift: Stories from an ER on the Edge, gives his opinion on reducing the age of screening for colorectal cancer to 45 and on the current shortage of family physicians.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
SERVICES
Spring is here and it’s time to get ready for summer. Lesley Lavender, CEO of the Federation of Cottage Associations, joins us to share FOCA’s spring readiness checklist. Seasonal and year-round County property owners will learn what’s needed and what to ensure their property is safe and environmentally friendly as summer approaches.
CONSUMERISM
Curious about raising your own backyard chickens? We speak with Jennifer Sills, who has turned her passion for raising chickens into a thriving flock. She’ll share how she got started, the different breeds she raises, and what daily life looks like caring for her birds. We’ll also explore how incubation works and what it’s like to sell eggs. Whether you’re seriously considering chickens or just intrigued by the idea, it’s a fun and informative conversation you won’t want to miss!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
We’ll be exploring the powerful connection between our surroundings and our well-being with Interior Designer, Andrea Panacci — how thoughtful design can support healing, balance, and overall health. We’ll discuss the role of nature in our homes, creating spaces that feel grounded and restorative. Andrea will also share insights on practical design choices that can help our living environments feel both healthy and safe. And we’ll also discuss how colour influences our psychology in subtle ways by shaping mood, energy, and emotional wellness.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Worth Repeating: Liz Moran speaks with Kaija Ozgur, the founder of Halfkanga Custom Cakes. You can find their cakes at various shops around Prince Edward County and also place a custom order for a special celebration.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Dave MacKay speaks with Matti, owner of PECISH bakery in Milford about expanding the business this past winter by launching PECISH EXPRESS in the newly opened Claramount Club.
THE COUNTY NATURALLY
Photo: Opossumsrule
Rehabilitating an injured or orphaned opossum takes specialized knowledge, round-the-clock feedings and marsupial baby formula specially imported from Australia. Pamela Stagg will visit Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee to talk to the rehab experts, Sue Meech and Martina Milava, about caring for opossums.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
As part of a discussion associated with Mental Health Week 2026, Cheryl McLellan speaks with Kristin Wheatcroft, Director of Agriculture Wellness Ontario. Kristin explains what her job entails and how important mental health education is for everyone, including our farmers.
COUNTY PROFILE
Pearl Hucul speaks with Jen Moroz, well known media personality, 99.3 County FM board member, and creator of Furball Connection, a podcast about celebrities and their pets.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Craig Mills speaks with the County Kids of Steel Triathlon, which is proudly sponsored by 99.3 County FM and many other local businesses and organizations.
Lori Farrington, Instructor and Special Projects Coordinator at Prince Edward Learning Centre speaks with Brenda Garvey about Mental Health Week which runs from Monday, May 4 to – Sunday, May 10.
Friday, May 8, 2026
ARTSCENE
Art, tradition, and a community coming together. Cheryl Singer sits down with Jaiya Gray and Ele Pawelski to talk about the Bloomfield Public Library’s very first art exhibit. Opening May 23, it’s a celebration of local talent and creative spirit.
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.
99.3 County FM’s 12th annual Radiothon – presented by Wellings of Picton
Tune in June 4th to June 7th, four days of great live local music.
The best ideas often come from the ground 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. The goal this year is $77,000 thousand dollars. 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.
ReadyPEC Emergency Preparedness Community Event Sunday May 3rd
Prince Edward Community Centre, 375 Picton Main St in Picton. Free entry. 3:30 pm – 5:30pm
Are You Ready for Outages & Emergencies weather, food shortages & more? Hear local experts, get practical tips. Join 99.3 CountyFM on-site. Receive a free emergency kit (while supplies last) & enter for door prizes.. Learn, connect, and get ready—together. Details online at www.ReadyPEC.ca
Celebrate Mother’s Day with 99.3 CountyFM – Enter Now
Send in your requests to promotions@993countyfm.ca Listen Sunday May 10th as we play requests. All entries received by Friday May 8th at 9am have the chance to win: A Mother’s day brunch for two at the Waring House and a Regent Theatre special night out entertainment package including tickets to see The Devil Wears Prada 2. The Waring House brunch buffet runs from 10:30 to 2:30. Plus wagon rides from 12 to 2. For bookings call 613-476-7492.
The Ultimate County Kid Presented by Marysburgh Mummers May 8-17
An original Mummers Musical by Megan Hutton,a high-energy musical comedy set in Prince Edward County. Fictional county contestants compete in answering questions about county heritage, culture, and more! A celebration of our past, present, and future. The show runs Friday May 8 to 17 at the Mount Tabor Playhouse in Milford. For tickets and more info Ticketscene.ca or www.993countyfm.ca Media Sponsor 99.3 CountyFM
Mental Health Week 2026 runs from May 4th to 10th
This year’s theme “Come Together, Canada” celebrates the power of social connection and how meaningful relationships support our mental wellbeing. Social connection matters. Even small, genuine moments with others can reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and help us feel less alone. We will have special programming this week and be supporting mental health initiatives thoughtout May. Mental health or addictions support call 613-
476-2990 or visit www.cmhahpe.ca
The PEC Jazz Festival special launch event May 8
It’s the start of another exciting festival season and 99.3 CountyFM is excited to return as a media sponsor. At the kick off, dance the night away to the fabulous sounds of The Crap Shooters Jive Band. You’ll also be among the first to know the full Main Stage lineup for the 2026 Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. Location: Waring Hall 395 Sandy Hook Rd., Picton. Tickets through Eventbrite.
Community Radio Initiative
99.3 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
County Kids of Steel Triathlon June 7
Please 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.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Donations 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.
