Long Island UFO Update - Vol 1 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: LONG ISLAND UFO REPORTER
Issue: VOL. 1, ISSUE 1
Date: JANUARY 1989
Publisher: L.I.U.F.O.N.
Price: $2.00

This inaugural issue of the Long Island UFO Reporter, published by L.I.U.F.O.N. (Long Island UFO Network), focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena on Long Island, New York, during 1988. The magazine aims to inform the public about ongoing investigations and encourage reporting of unusual aerial events.

Hot Spots on the Island

This section details several significant UFO sightings reported on Long Island:

Mastic Beach

On November 30, 1988, a witness in Mastic Beach observed an oval craft, approximately 60-80 feet in diameter, dip at a 45-degree angle, hover, and then flash eight white lights in a circular pattern before heading west. Later, the witness saw an immense object, the size of a football field, with a gondola underneath, illuminated brightly, and featuring visible windows and red hot engine exhausts. An investigation by LIUFON found magnetic anomalies and radiation readings far above normal background levels in the sighting area.

Smith Point Beach

On August 27, 1988, over one hundred witnesses at Smith Point Beach observed a large, cigar-shaped object in the sky for about an hour. The object was described as being enclosed in a transparent bubble and was estimated to be three times the size of a 747 airliner. A light aircraft that approached the object appeared as a mere speck in comparison. Lifeguards also witnessed the object. LIUFON collected reports from several witnesses.

Rockaway, Queens

On September 3 and 4, 1988, residents of Rockaway Beach reported seeing three objects: an oval one that hovered, a mobile light probe that emanated from the oval object, and a cigar-shaped object. These appeared as white lights and hovered over the ocean. The oval object reportedly descended over Rockaway Beach Boulevard, hovered briefly, and then returned to the ocean. The local newspaper 'The Wave' covered the story, and LIUFON investigator Bill Knell was informed by two staff reporters, though he could not contact the actual witnesses.

Chairman's Corner: Operation Skywatch

The Chairman's Corner announces the launch of 'Operation Skywatch' in December 1988, a program by the Long Island UFO Network Inc. to alert the public to unknown objects in the night sky. The organization, an eight-month-old non-profit research corporation, has conducted 144 investigations and identified emerging patterns of UFO activity on Long Island. They are soliciting public reports via a hotline. The article highlights two key findings:

1. Long Island as a UFO Center: Long Island has historically been a major center for UFO activity, with significant areas in Suffolk (including the Hamptons, Center Moriches, Mastic Beach, Brookhaven National Laboratory) and Nassau Counties (Jones Beach, Port Washington, Great Neck, Roslyn), as well as in Queens (College Point, Flushing, Rockaways).
2. Large Objects and Reconnaissance: UFOs of immense size have been visiting Long Island skies at regular intervals for at least five years, conducting low-level overflights of populated, industrial, and research areas, suggesting careful reconnaissance.

Further points detail:

3. Highway Networks: UFO activity appears to center over highway networks, with UFOs seemingly using highways like the Long Island Expressway and Sunrise Highway as navigational aids.
4. Military Activity: There is a pattern of military helicopter overflights before and after UFO sightings, similar to occurrences in the 1960s.
5. Government Intimidation: The US government has historically intimidated witnesses, a policy that appears to be recurring.
6. FAA Non-Cooperation: The FAA has shown no cooperation in confirming radar tracks of UFOs, neither confirming nor denying.
7. Abductions: There is growing testimony of UFO abductions, some involving young children, occurring over the last two years.
8. Seasonal Patterns: Winter months (November to April) are prime observation times, usually between 7 PM and midnight on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Disc-shaped objects over 1,000 feet are common, with activity peaking a week to ten days before and after Christmas.

LIUFON is appealing to police, fire departments, and ambulance corps to report UFO activity to their hotline and is organizing volunteer observers. A major UFO conference is planned for the spring.

On the Difficulties of Investigating UFO Abductions

By Jean Mundy, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychologist, MUFON Consultant)

This article argues that human beings are being abducted by aliens, citing the Betty and Barney Hill case as an early example. Dr. Paul Simon documented the Hills' sanity, and John Fuller found over 60 collaborating witnesses and USAF radar reports. A recent television show, "UFO Cover Up...Live," on October 14, 1988, reportedly received 4,500 abduction reports from 75,000 callers. Mundy suggests that public disbelief stems from two psychological issues: the desire to believe humans are the universe's darlings and the fear of losing freedom and free will. Investigating UFO phenomena is difficult because it challenges our understanding of reality, involving beings with advanced technology who can become invisible, change shape, and travel vast distances instantaneously. Mundy emphasizes the need for researchers to remain open-minded, consider physical measurements, and not dismiss witness testimony simply because it seems incredible.

The Mount Misery Story

By Bill Knell

This article delves into the mysterious history of Mount Misery on Long Island, a location known to UFOlogists through John Keel's "The Mothman Prophecies." The author conducted a study in 1978-1979 and presents documented facts. Mount Misery, located west of the Long Island Expressway, is described as Long Island's best-kept secret. Its history includes:

• Early History: Possibly an Indian mound, with evidence of an intercontinental boundary line and a potential Revolutionary War battle site.
• Insane Asylum: An asylum operated in the late 1700s or early 1800s, reputedly housing deformed and mentally handicapped individuals, with reports of mistreatment and screams heard by neighbors. It was closed after twenty years, but the area retained its name and reputation.
• Strange Occurrences (Mid-1800s): Reports from an 1838 church logbook mention livestock, horses, and dogs disappearing, with some farmers selling their land. Strange lights, creatures, and disappearances were also reported.
• The Maniac Story: A tale of an escaped mental patient who terrorized the Mount, allegedly murdering at least eight people, accompanied by weird lights and sounds.
• Veterans' Hospital (Post-WWI): A veterans' hospital was built on the Mount but was never fully utilized and closed in 1942. Even after closure, residents reported strange happenings, including the surgical floor being illuminated at night and military trucks on backroads.
• WWII Military Exercises: The Mount was used for military exercises, including training for paratroopers and special forces, due to its isolated, mountainous terrain. Rumors of secret military bases and landings of "planes" with landing lights during blackouts circulated.
• Late 1950s-Mid 1960s UFO Flap: Mount Misery was a hub for UFO sightings, abductions, CEI-IV experiences, animal mutilations, and the "Mount Misery Monster." This period also saw reports of black, unmarked propeller-powered planes and low-flying helicopters, along with visits from "Men In Black" (MIBs), suggesting government disinformation efforts.

The article concludes by noting that the phenomenon led to police chasing UFO watchers and media ignoring the Mount, but encourages anyone with information to write to Bill Knell at LIUFON.

The Commack Sighting

Case No. 002-88 from the archives of the Long Island U.F.O. Network, Inc.

This report details an investigation conducted by LIUFON into a sighting that occurred in Commack, a heavily populated residential area, in the first week of February 1988. The witnesses, identified as "Edith" and "Earl," reported observing an extremely large, dark object rising from behind a house across the street. The object, described as "HUGE," was surrounded by a ring of circular red lights and made a roaring sound as it moved slowly across the night sky at tree-top level. The object's texture seemed to blend with the night sky, appearing as an inky blackness. The witnesses felt the object might have landed in the adjacent school yard. A radiological survey of the school yard yielded no results. Contact with the FAA provided their usual uncooperativeness. No other witnesses were found after a neighborhood canvas. LIUFON concluded that the object was not a helicopter or conventional aircraft and listed it as a true unknown.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and significance of UFO sightings and alleged abductions on Long Island, the perceived involvement and secrecy of the U.S. government and military in these phenomena, and the challenges faced by investigators and witnesses. The editorial stance, as represented by LIUFON's activities and publications, is one of active investigation, public awareness, and a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena, urging the public to remain vigilant and report their experiences. There is a clear emphasis on documenting evidence, despite official non-cooperation, and on exploring the psychological and societal implications of these events.

Title: THE UFO PHENOMENON-PART 1
Issue: PART 1
Date: 1989
Publisher: LONG ISLAND UFO NETWORK, INC.

This issue of 'The UFO Phenomenon' delves into the study of UFO literature, indicating that the phenomenon has existed since ancient times and has generated numerous theories about its origin and nature. The publication aims to assist readers in their research by presenting these theories and providing a comprehensive bibliography.

Popular UFO Theories

The article outlines five popular theories concerning the origin of UFOs:

1. The Extraterrestrial Theory: This theory posits that UFOs originate from other planets. A recommended book for this theory is "The Interrupted Journey" by John F. Fuller (Dell Publishing, 1966).
2. The Ulterraterrestrial/Parallel Universe Theory: This theory suggests UFOs may come from parallel universes or dimensions. Recommended books include Jacques Vallee's "Dimensions" (Contemporary Publishing, 1988) and John A. Keel's "U.F.O.'s: Operation Trojan Horse" (Putnam & Sons, 1970).
3. The Religion Theory: This perspective views UFO phenomena through a religious or spiritual lens. Clifford Wilson's "The Alien Agenda" (Signet Books, 1988) is suggested.
4. The Hollow Earth Theory: This theory proposes that UFOs originate from a civilization within the Earth. Raymond Bernard's "The Hollow Earth" (Dell Publishing, 1968) is cited.
5. The Natural Atmospheric Phenomenon Theory: This theory explains UFO sightings as misidentified natural atmospheric events. Donald H. Menzel & Mrs. Lyle Boyd's "The World of Flying Saucers" (Doubleday and Co., 1963) is recommended.

The publication strongly urges readers to research each theory with an open mind and to consider the evidence presented.

Bibliography

Page 11 provides an extensive bibliography of UFO-related literature, covering a wide range of authors and topics. Notable entries include:

• Charles Berlitz & William Moore's "The Roswell Incident" (1980)
• Charles Fort's "Book of the Damned" (1941)
• Raymond E. Fowler's "UFO's: Interplanetary Visitors" (1974) and "The Adreasson Affair" (1979)
• John G. Fuller's "The Interrupted Journey" (1966)
• Budd Hopkins' "Missing Time" (1988) and "Intruders" (1988)
• J. Allen Hynek's "The UFO Experience; A Scientific Inquiry" (1974), "The Edge of Reality" (1975), and "Night Siege" (1987) with Imbrogno and Pratt
• David M. Jacobs' "The UFO Controversy in America" (1975)
• Morris K. Jessup's "The Case for the U.F.O." (1955)
• John A. Keel's "U.F.O.'s; Operation Trojan Horse" (1970)
• Coral E. Lorensen's "The Startling Evidence of the Invasion from Outer Space" (1966)
• Edward J. Ruppelt's "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" (1956)
• Ronald D. Story's "The Encyclopedia of U.F.O.'s" (1980)
• Leonard H. Stringfield's "Situation Red, The UFO Siege" (1977)
• Jacques Vallee's "Dimensions" (1988), "Messengers of Deception" (1979), "Passport to Magonia" (1974), and "Anatomy of a Phenomenon; UFO's in Space" (1974)
• Clifford Wilson's "The Alien Agenda" (1988) and "UFO's and Their Mission Impossible" (1975)

Some entries are marked as "HARDCOVER ONLY."

Editorial Staff and Copyright

The editorial staff includes Professors George McLain and Linda Geiger as editors, with Catherine Ford, Martha Richardson, and Linda Geiger as typists. Articles were contributed by Bill Knell, John Ford, Rick Loomer, and Dr. Jean Mundy. The publication is copyrighted 1989 by LONG ISLAND UFO NETWORK, INC., with copying of articles strictly prohibited without permission.

UFO Conference Announcement

The issue announces the first annual UFO conference, sponsored by the Long Island UFO Network (LIUFON), with the theme "UFO's on Long Island." The conference is scheduled for April 2, 1989, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Artist Lake Condominium complex Recreation Hall. Admission is $20.00 for LIUFON members and $25.00 for non-members.

Featured speakers include:

• Joel Martin: A noted talk show host on Viacom's TV6, well-versed on UFOs on Long Island.
• Dick Ruhl: A UFO researcher with national acclaim and a former prominent member of APRO.
• Antonio Huneas: Who will provide an update on current UFO encounters in South America.

Tickets are available by advance registration only. Checks should be sent to LIUFON, attn: Ticket Sales, P.O. Box 232, Center Moriches, N.Y., 11934, including the attendee's name and phone number. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. For ticket sales information, contact 516-732-3449 (days) or 516-924-5210 (evenings).

A map is provided showing the location of the conference venue relative to local roads and landmarks.

Cartoons

The final page features four cartoons. One cartoon depicts a figure emerging from a tree with swirling patterns. Another shows an explosion with radiating lines. A third cartoon illustrates a flying saucer in space, and the fourth shows an alien figure holding a trumpet-like object. One cartoon includes the text: "Those LIUFON people are getting too close for comfort..."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration and categorization of UFO theories, the provision of resources for further research through a bibliography, and the promotion of community engagement via a UFO conference. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open-minded research into the UFO phenomenon, providing a platform for discussion and information sharing, and fostering a local UFO community through the Long Island UFO Network.