WHAT’ S NEWS IN CRANBERRY
SPORTS-MYSTERY CONSPIRACY NOVEL PUBLISHED BY LOCAL WRITERS
Three local writers have collaborated to publish“ Game Changers,” a sports-mystery conspiracy novel that takes place at the intersection of government, big business, sports and gambling.
Co-authored by Tim Wesley and Tom Bickert and edited by Jim Pane,“ Game Changers” is an intriguing glimpse into a fictional sports conspiracy started by a low-level government employee. The tale includes a corrupt businessman, a mobster and a reporter digging for the facts.
“ Our story is captivating and the characters are classics,” Wesley said.“ There’ s Sherman Shipton, the underachiever who birthed a
Cranberry authors, left to right: Tom Bickert, Jim Pane and Tim Wesley.
game-changing scam; Theodore Winston III, a con artist who stole Shipton’ s idea and scored big; and Little Tony, a mobster who tips the scale at a cannoli shy of 350 pounds and has a hunger for the truth.
“ While Cal Matthews, a hard-nosed reporter with a soft spot for his lovely wife, might give his last full measure to uncover the story. And then there’ s Hassan and Viktor, a dastardly, greed-driven father-son duo taking advantage of America’ s twin infatuations with sports and gambling.” Bickert says the story— some of which is true— begins in the 1920s.“ Under cover of the notoriously corrupt Harding administration, Winston began betting government cash on sporting events, while also using the Fed’ s money and muscle to fix the outcomes,” he explained.“ Winston‘ skim-scammed’ for 30 years before the government canned him and kicked the habit. Or did it? Let’ s just say that in the current climate of government shenanigans, conspiracy theories and sports-betting scandals, our characters and their actions meet the moment.”
The authors aren’ t gamblers, but they are former sportswriters and longtime avid sports fans who believe that money and greed form a powerful and corruptive lineup. They have a combined 125 years of award-winning writing in journalism and corporate communications, informed by a natural curiosity for the truth, a healthy dose of skepticism and the love of a good story.
Wesley— originally from Harrisburg and now living in Cranberry Township— won awards in journalism and corporate communications, and self-published a memoir,“ My Boxes,” in 2016. His hobbies include playing ice hockey.
Bickert is a Pittsburgh native living in Ellwood City, who won awards for writing and editing during his newspaper career. He is active in community theater, where he has participated in more than 120 shows.
Also a Pittsburgh guy and living in Cranberry Township, Pane had an award-winning journalism career and has edited more than a dozen published books. His activities now include putzing around the house.
“ Game Changers” is available through Amazon.
SOUTHERN BUTLER COUNTY GARDEN CLUB TO HOST 18TH ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR
Southern Butler County Garden Club’ s 18th Annual Garden Tour will be held Saturday, June 27, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. There are seven gardens on the tour this year.
Registration and day-of-event ticket sales are from 9 to 10 a. m. at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road. Ticket holders will receive a wristband, along with a booklet of garden descriptions and driving directions.
Tickets will be collected for a chance to win a door prize and chances may be purchased to win several“ Garden Delight” raffle baskets. Stepping stones and pottery will be available to purchase along the tour.
The price of your ticket is tax deductible and helps fund horticultural programs in our communities. Get inspired by touring several private gardens in and around the area, with homeowners available to answer questions and share their insights.
Presale tickets are available for $ 20. Tickets purchased on the day of the tour will be $ 25. To prepurchase a ticket, mail a check payable to Southern Butler County Garden Club, c / o 2640 Timberglen Drive, Wexford, PA 15090-6930. Include a phone number and a self-addressed stamped envelope(# 10) with your payment.
The club appreciates your support! For additional information, visit southernbutlercountygardenclub. org or call Linda at 412.335.0550.
8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags. com