WHAT’ S NEWS IN MARS AREA
SPORTS 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 tenacious reporter.“ Our story is captivating and the characters are classics,” Wesley said.“ There’ s Sherman Shipton, the underachiever who birthed a gamechanging 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, with a hunger for the truth.
“ 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 fatherson 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‘ skimscammed’ 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, 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 in his newspaper career. He is active in community theater, and has participated in more than 120 shows.
Also a Pittsburgh guy and living in Cranberry Township, Pane had an awardwinning journalism career and has edited more than a dozen published books. His activities now include putzing around the house.
Their book is available through Amazon.
HOPE HOSPICE IS LOOKING FOR COMPASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS
Interested in making a difference? One of the quickest ways to add happiness and feel a sense of purpose is to be of service.
Hope Hospice, a nonprofit organization in the North Hills, is looking for kind and compassionate volunteers to visit with patients at home or in facilities.
Consider helping those in your community by reading, socializing, doing arts / crafts or merely offering your presence!
Hope Hospice is located at 3556 Babcock Boulevard, or you can visit online at hopehospicepgh. org or contact the organization at 412.367.3685 and wshoerner @ hopehospicepgh. org.
PITTSBURGH YOUTH CHORUS TO PRESENT‘ A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING’ CABARET
The Pittsburgh Youth Chorus( PYC) will present its Grand Night for Singing cabaret on Tuesday, June 2, at 5:30 p. m. at Greystone Fields in Gibsonia.
This lively, family-friendly event will showcase the talents of PYC’ s young performers in an evening of solo and group numbers spanning a variety of music styles.
The cabaret will also feature special guest artists, including Scott Blasey, Steven Brault, Isabel Valasek and Liz Berlin, adding star power to an already exciting program.
Founded in 1981, the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus is dedicated to providing highquality vocal training and performance opportunities for young singers throughout the region.
Under the direction of Dr. Christine Jordanoff, the organization continues to inspire confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music.
Tickets and additional information are available at pittsburghyouthchorus. org.
6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags. com