GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, October 11 – Saturday, October 17, 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, October 11, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
Storytellers: Sarah Selecky reads excerpts from Story is a State Of Mind: Writing and the Art of Creative Curiosity. Debra Whittall reads from her novel based on the perilous journey of her great grandmother, a Mennonite colonist, from Russia to Canada. Carole Falkner’s story is entitled Some Men are Different. Fay Garand reads Botswana Memories. A Thanksgiving tradition: Lawrence Scanlan recalls family gatherings at Thanksgiving at his cabin in the County from his book Harvest of a Quiet Eye: The Cabin as Sanctuary. Nora-Lyn Veevers reveals the list of writers who will be reading their work at Dime Stories, Oct. 24, 2 p.m. Picton library.
Monday, October 12, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Mark and Erika Houghton donated $100,000 to establish an endowment fund of $1,000,000 for the Picton United Church Food Bank. The couple explain why they made this generous donation and what it means for the future of the Food Bank which has seen a 40% increase in visits this year.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
COMMUNITY SERVICES SUPPORTING OUR HEALTH & WELLBEING
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Breathing can be a daily challenge for many Canadians and the Prince Edward Family Health Teams’s Lung Health program is there to help. Registered Practical Nurse and Certified Respiratory Educator Nicole Stoness and Respiratory Therapist Carlene Scott join us to talk about the Lung Health program, Lung disease, COPD, and some of the ways you can prevent breathing problems. (Interviewer: Dave)
SERVICES
The County Foundation plays a critical role in identifying social needs and administering grants and donations in Prince Edward County and they have just rolled out a new strategic plan. Executive Director Dominique Jones joins us to talk about the Foundation’s objectives for the next few years and the outcomes they expect to achieve. She will also update us on some of the Foundation’s latest funds and grants. (Interviewer: Dave)
SERVICES/ HEALTH AND WELLNESS
A walker, a wheelchair, or a bed table can make a big difference to someone’s daily life. PEC Lions Club spokesperson, Janet Marissen, joins us to talk about their lending service, which provides donated, non-electrical medical equipment for County residents to use for as long as they need. We’ll learn what’s available, what equipment is most needed, and how Jen and Malcolm Ross manage and organize this valuable community service. (Interviewer: Suzanne)
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Krista Hepburn is joined once again by her son, Craig Hepburn to learn about some of his favourite recipes and tips that he has learned from working in restaurants over the years.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Craig Mills speaks with Pina D’Intino, MDes, PMP, CPACC. CEO, Senior Accessibility Adviser, Strategist and Business Implementation at Aequum Global Access Inc. They will discuss the New Accessibility Minded campaign, as well as the event being held at the TO BE CONFIRMED!!! Breakfast meeting in the Rotary Hall in Picton Community Centre on November 2.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Photo: Juliancolton
Have you ever looked up and seen the Milky Way or the Big Dipper? Many city dwellers have no chance to see these magical sights because there’s too much light pollution for them to be visible. Astronomer Steven Burr will talk to Pamela Stagg about the benefits of dark skies in the County.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Jane Thomspon speaks with Lynn Leavitt, pictured to the far right of the group of the 2026 inductees to the Quinte Agricultural Wall of Fame. Lynn, a County beef farmer from East Lake, was the Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture’s nominee for this prestigious honour for his invention of a device for recycling white plastic bale wrap. It is a fascinating story!
COUNTY PROFILE
Gage Broderick speaks with County FM volunteer and host of Wondrous Stories and Progressive Melodies, Timber Masterson. Timber explains his upbringing and how he made a name for himself in many different industries including acting, writing, music, and radio just to name a few.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Barbara Sweet and Liz Zylstra chat about what “Loud for Libraries”, the theme for this year’s Ontario Public Library week, means to them.
Friday, October 16, 2026
ART SCENE
Catelyn Thornton talks with local County artist, Julie Seddon. They discuss what drew Julie to the County and how it has informed her artistic practice, as well as providing her with a vibrant and supportive community of fellow artists. She also discusses her inspiration from teaching art at the County Arts Lab in Picton and other venues.
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?
ScreenPlay
Raj Dhillon shares interviews, reviews, and analysis of all things film and movie related.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Oct 18-24
Homegrown 2026 – 99.3 County FM’s 12th Birthday Party
Thank you to everyone who made it out to enjoy our 6th annual Homegrown Concert and to our tremendous host The Wellington United Church. Special shout out to our Music Dir & performer Megan Hutton and to all of the fabulous musicians Steve Wilkinson, Astrid Young & Ray Farrugia, Bill Wood & Chris Bennett, Annelise Noronha, Craig Foster, Jennifer Allen & Dave Skippen, Telegraph Narrows, Dusty Keller, Fearless Love, The Cast of “Next to Normal” and Emerson Pringle on sound. Please support our great event sponsors Picton Home Hardware, Lockyer’s Country Gardens, Green Gables Gifts and Greetings, and Farm Dog Coffee. Thank you to all of CountyFM volunteers and staff who contributed so much to make the evening a success.
99.3 Lifestyle and Adventure Auction
Thank you to each prize donor, congratulations to all of our bidders, and thank you to our fundraising team! Together we generated $6,605 for our community radio station and we hope you enjoyed the amazing collection of local prizes and gifts. A note went out to all winners, bids can be paid via etransfer to ar@993countyfm.ca (include your invoice number and contact info). You can also pay next week in person during the times directed in our letter to all winners.
2026 Pumpkinfest in Wellington, Sat Oct 17th
The parade kicks off at 10:30am from the Wellington Community Centre. Watch for CountyFM in route. Take in community activities mid-day in the Kid Zone. Then the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off begins at noon hosted at CML Snider Public School. 99.3 CountyFM on location with live reports courtesy of Wilkinson & Company LLP.
Election Coverage on the 99.3 CountyFM Archive
Use the search button at our website and check out our archive to hear the mayor’s “debate” or click here. You can also search by your ward such as “Ward 5” to find the candidate profiles aired to date (as aired on Monday’s Grapevine). Municipal election is Monday, October 26, 2026. 99.3 CountyFM brings you live reports – get out and vote!
Casting Call “An Untitled Play by Al Purdy” Oct 28 & 30
Wednesday Oct 28th 6:30pm and Friday Oct 30th 6:30-8:30pm Bethany Christian Reform Church, 158 Bloomfield (west door – basement). A radio adaptation by Phil Knox. Roles for all ages. Contact philipaknox@gmail.com
14th Annual Firelight Lantern Festival Nov 6 & 7
The Department of Illumination returns with one of our most cherished community events. The Department of Illumination lights up the night with The Firelight Lantern Festival including two magical evenings of arts and music at the Crystal Palace in Picton and of course the wonderful Festive Parade (gather at Benson Park Nov 7 at 6pm). Media sponsor 99.3 CountyFM. Learn more
Shatterbox Theatre “Next to Normal” at The Cape Nov 12-21, CountyFM presents
Winner of 3 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal is a powerful and deeply moving contemporary musical that explores family, mental health, love, loss, and resilience. Recommended for 14+, there is also a content advisory. Learn more.
