GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, September 6 – Saturday, September 12, 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, September 6, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
In his book, The Batteau Railway, historian Dan Buchanan recounts the untold story of Asa Weller’s unique transport service across the Quinte Portage which proved critical to traders, settlers and the War of 1812. (Author presentation, September 12, 10 a.m. in the Church Gallery at Ameliasburgh Heritage Village.) Andrea Dawes of County Kids Read invites families to celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8th and join the Great County Read-In at Benson Park in Picton on September 13th, 11:30 to 12:30.
Monday, September 7, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
In case you missed it!
First aired on The County Grapevine, August 24th.
The municipal election is Monday, October 26th. Hear the three candidates for Mayor of Prince Edward County discuss their reasons for running, qualifications, priorities and platform.
In addition, Municipal Clerk Catalina Blumenberg has information for voters.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
SERVICES
If you or someone you know is looking for childcare outside of the traditional Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 schedule, a new local option may be worth knowing about. Reaching for Rainbows has launched new childcare services in partnership with the County Foundation and the municipality. Reaching for Rainbows Executive Director Beth Lafay and Community Services Coordinator Ashley Stewart from Shire Hall join us to talk about the new services, the community survey that helped shape them, and how the Rainbows space will be used.
CONSUMERISM
Let’s get an update on the Pinecrest Housing Project in Bloomfield — an ambitious vision to revive an empty school built in 1967 and turn it into affordable housing and a thriving community for seniors. Ken Could a tree have rights? It may sound strange, but one Quebec municipality has taken the extraordinary step of recognizing trees as living beings with rights—including the right to life, growth and protection from unnecessary harm. So what would it mean if we started thinking about the trees around us not simply as property, but as living members of our communities? Conservation biologist Jennifer Gagné of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, a former consulting arborist and urban forester, joins us to explore this fascinating idea—and what it could mean for the future of trees in Prince Edward County.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
About 21% of Canadians will experience addiction or substance use challenges at some point in their life. September is recovery month across Canada to raise public awareness and to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness. Registered Psychotherapist Matt Harris joins us to talk about the weekly SMART Recovery group at the Picton Library. This free, science-based program offers support for people looking to make changes around addiction and other behaviours, with a focus on practical tools, self-management and empowerment.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Liz Moran speaks with Peggy Wong and Mitchell Wong, Chefs and Owners of Peg’s Patties in Prince Edward County. Tune in to hear about all their offerings including handmade Jamaican patties with spice levels to suit all taste buds, Breakfast patties, Vegan patties, and their very own Jamaican Jerk Sauce also available for sale. You can find them at various shops throughout The County and also online on their website.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
County business owners share their experiences and advice with Duarte Da Silva, Chief Executive Officer of the PEC Chamber of Commerce
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Photo: spenceregan7
A listener asked Pamela Stagg how a forest regenerates after a wildfire. Instead of answering directly, Pamela spoke to an expert. Hugh Powell, of Cornell Lab of Ornithology who spent summers watching a burnt forest come back to life. This is part one of an in-depth conversation.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Krista Hepburn speaks with local gardeners about their gardening
successes, challenges, and secrets.
COUNTY PROFILE
One from the vault: If you’ve ever needed technical support in the County of Prince Edward Public Library, you already know the
knowledgeable and generous Adam Cavanaugh.
Join Timothy Luginbuhl as he hears about Adam’s years as a board member of the Al Purdy A-Frame Association and his 3 seasons high atop a look-out tower in Northern Alberta helping to fight forest fires (and a scary bear too).
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Anne Russell speaks with John Hallam about the 2026 Milford Fair. Susan Smith shares exciting details about the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club’s 150th Celebrations with Roxanne Mackenzie.
Friday, September 11, 2026
ARTSCENE
Co-host Catelyn Thornton talks to County Arts’ Executive Director, Janna Smith, about PEC being chosen as a provincial hub for Ontario Culture Days, running September 18-20. County Arts has organized all sorts of arts and culture events around the County which will be free for public participation. Cultural fun and entertainment for all ages and all interests!
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 Sept 6 – 12
Hot Days, Cold Cash 50/50 Raffle – Congratulations
Thank you to all who participated and supported 99.3 County FM and our partner “The Prince Edward County Hospital Foundation Back the Build Campaign. Congratulations to Elizabeth Randall who won $925.00
99.3 CountyFM Memberships
We are reaching out to ask you to renew or consider a new membership. Your payment of $10 covers September 1, 2026 through to August 31, 2027. As a member, you can vote at the Annual General Meeting and stand for election as a member of the Board. Being a member of 99.3 County FM is about much more than paying a membership fee — it’s about being part of something that belongs to our community.
As a community-owned, not-for-profit radio station, our members help provide the foundation that keeps 99.3 County FM truly local. Membership also helps keep us connected and accountable to the people of Prince Edward County. To renew your membership online Click here. Payments can also be made by e-transfer to ar@993countyfm.ca (no password required), with cash, or by cheque. You can drop off your payment or you can mail a cheque to 99.3 County FM, 2-38 Cold Storage Road, Picton, ON K0K 2T0 Please ensure all of your contact details are included. Thank you.
Homegrown 2026 – Come Celebrate at 99.3 County FM’s 12th Birthday Party – Oct 15th
Come celebrate with us at the 2026 Homegrown Concert! Join us at Wellington United Church—a stunning, intimate venue renowned for its warm, natural resonance and rich sound.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening featuring top local talent, including ….Steve Wilkinson, Astrid Young, Bill Wood and Chris Bennett, Annelise Noronha, Telegraph Narrows, Dusty Keller, Fearless Love, Megan Hutton and more.. Doors open at 6:15 for a pre-show meet-and-greet with refreshments & fun draws, the show starts at 7. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with all proceeds directly supporting your volunteer-driven, non-profit community radio station. Space is limited to four tickets per order, so don’t wait!
Reserve your tickets today CLICK HERE or visit www.993countyfm.ca
Fundraiser for the Baxter Arts Centre Oct 9th
An unforgettable evening with Justin Rutledge and his band as they take to the Regent Theatre stage for a fundraising concert in support of Baxter Arts Centre. Tickets theregenttheatre.org Made possible by generous financial support from the donor advised Elderberry Fund, media sponsor 99.3 County FM.
99.3 CountyFM Presents “OUR STORIES. OUR HISTORY”
It’s easier than ever to find and listen to the stories we share on-air including the latest on the local election. It’s a new catalogue of audio for interviews, documentaries, specialty projects, images, and more. Each week we are loading more of our living history into the 99.3 COUNTY FM PUBLIC ARCHIVE. Go 993COUNTYFM.CA click on the magnifying glass or hit the word, “Search”
Rednersville Art Tour Labour Day Weekend
The studio tour showcases artists in their creative spaces, and their one-of-a-kind artworks
in their chosen medium. Starting in Rossmore or Carrying Place, the studio tour delivers a weekend of fun while exploring the arts. Info at rednersvilleroadarttour.com/
ANDARA Gallery, Canadian Musician Astrid Young & 99.3 County FM Present VORTEX
Prince Edward County, an experience unlike any other! ANDARA Gallery proudly presents VORTEX — a groundbreaking fusion of art, music, wine, and interactive technology with tasting notes and tunes by Sommiella & Canadian musician Astrid Young. The exhibition continues until Sept 7.
The Picton Fall Fair September 10-12
First class exhibits of homecrafts, woodcrafts, schools, cattle & horse shows, midway, live music including the popular “Rising Star” competition. Tractor pull, Demolition Derby & Lawn Tractor racing etc. Check out our special fall fair merch, visit the 99.3 CountyFM tent. Tune in for chances to win tickets. More info pictonfair.ca
The Milford Fall Fair turns 80! Sept 19th
The community event gives back thousands of dollars every year to County community groups and special initiatives! Bring the whole family to the Milford Fair Grounds in Mt. Tabor. Cash entry only: $5 for anyone over 17; everyone else free.MilfordFallFair.com
Volunteer Opportunities Call the station 613-476-2229 or email volunteer@993countyfm.ca
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.
Also Needed:
