Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 01 No 01 - 1991

Magazine Overview

The Ohio Valley Skeptics News, Vol. 1, No. 1, October 1991, is the inaugural issue of a newsletter dedicated to encouraging critical thinking in all aspects of life, with a specific focus on the investigation of paranormal events. The publication aims to provide a platform for reasoned inquiry and dissemination of factual information.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

The newsletter details two upcoming meetings. The first is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 1991, at the Holiday Inn at Blue Ash, featuring a business meeting and a program. Attendees are encouraged to reserve their place by phoning Porter Henry. The second meeting is on Saturday, November 9, with the location to be announced, and will feature Dr. Joseph P. Gastright, President of the Ohio Valley Skeptics, speaking on "THE FIRST \"NEW AGE\": Paranormal beliefs in Cincinnati, 1840-1880.

A videotape from the Arthur C. Clarke series on "Strange Powers," discussing poltergeist occurrences and investigations of two European incidents, is also highlighted, with an invitation for local experiences.

Organization and Purpose

The "Ohio Valley Skeptics" (OVS) was formed at an initial meeting on Saturday, September 20, at the Blue Ash Holiday Inn. Fourteen charter members were present, with twenty-seven others expressing interest. The organization's primary purpose is to encourage critical thinking and to critically investigate local reports of paranormal events.

The OVS plans to collaborate with the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claim of the Paranormal and exchange newsletters with other chapters. Initial activities include monthly membership meetings and publishing a news bulletin. Future plans involve sponsoring public lectures, providing a resource panel for the media, and investigating local paranormal claims.

Meeting Logistics and Finances

Details are provided regarding meeting arrangements, including an optional luncheon following the September 10 meeting. To secure a free meeting room, a minimum number of attendees are expected to partake in a preselected $8.95 meal, with a $15 charge covering the meal, tax, tip, and a contribution to the room's set-up charge. A major agenda item for business meetings is selecting a free meeting place with convenient luncheon facilities.

Leadership and Membership

Pro tem officers were selected to serve until the annual meeting in April: Dr. Joseph Gastright (President), Porter Henry (Secretary, temp), Richard Shepherd (Treasurer), and V. D. Jergens (Newsletter Editor). The annual dues are set at $10 for regular members and $5 for fulltime students, which includes a newsletter subscription.

Future Plans and Collaborations

The organization hopes to sponsor a public lecture in early 1991, potentially by Robert Baker, a lecturer at CSICOP seminars, who might speak on "Stalking the Paranormal in Kentucky." A list of attendees at the initial meeting is provided, along with an appeal to send in names of potential new members to Dinny Jergens.

Statement of Purpose

The OVS explicitly states its commitment to encouraging critical thinking and the critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a responsible, scientific viewpoint. They aim to disseminate factual information to both the scientific community and the public. The organization commits to maintaining a network of interested individuals, encouraging objective research, convening meetings, publishing a monthly newsletter, and examining claims objectively without prior rejection.

The Ohio Valley Skeptics is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization that supports the work of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal and its affiliated local organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the establishment of a new skeptical organization, the importance of critical thinking, the investigation of paranormal phenomena, and the promotion of scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of skepticism, objective investigation, and the dissemination of factual information, aligning with the principles of organizations like CSICOP.