MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 04 - 1982 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Mass. MUFON NEWS LETTER, dated December 1982, features several key updates and announcements relevant to the organization and its members. The primary focus is on MUFON's acquisition of tax-exempt status and the introduction of a new State Director for Massachusetts.

MUFON to have Tax-Exempt Status

According to Walt Andrus, MUFON's International Director, the organization has been granted tax-exempt status. Walt is currently awaiting the official tax-exempt number. Once received, he will provide detailed information to MUFON members regarding the implications of this new status for investigators. Specifically, the new status will permit investigators to list certain, specific expenses related to their investigations on their income tax forms. These deductible expenses may include items like gasoline and motel costs incurred when an investigator needs to travel to another city or town for a case and stay overnight. Additionally, costs associated with administering psychological testing on witnesses in abduction cases will also be deductible. Donations made to MUFON will also be considered deductible contributions. However, it is advisable for members to wait for specific written information from Walt before deducting any of these items, with the expectation that this information will be available before the end of 1982.

Mass. MUFON New Director

Marge Christensen has been approached by several MUFON members to consider accepting the position of State Director for Massachusetts, following Joe Santangelo's decision to vacate the role. Christensen expresses her appreciation for the confidence placed in her and acknowledges the significant responsibilities of the position. She pledges to exert her best effort to ensure that Mass. MUFON upholds high standards of professionalism in UFO research and investigations. She also intends to maintain excellent lines of communication with all members and remain open to suggestions that benefit the organization, similar to Joe Santangelo's tenure. Christensen emphasizes the importance of public information and education, noting that the public is often uninformed or misinformed about the UFO situation. To address this, she plans to continue teaching courses and encourage others to do the same. She will support projects and activities aimed at informing citizens about the UFO situation and seeks the assistance of members in this endeavor, expressing enthusiasm for working together as they enter the New Year in 1983.

From our Historian

Barry Greenwood, the Historian, is requesting that anyone with file folders they no longer need save them for him, as he has an urgent need for a large number of them. He is also seeking a 1976 Almanac and asks anyone with a spare copy to contact him. Prentice-Hall has officially agreed to publish a book on government documents written by Barry Greenwood and Larry Fawcett, with the book expected to be on the market in mid-1983. Congratulations are extended to both Barry Greenwood and Larry Fawcett on this upcoming publication.

Public Education Committee Underway

The newly formed National Public Education Committee, a sub-committee of the Public Relations Committee, commenced its work on November 21st. The initial meeting was held at the home of Marge Christensen. Committee members in Massachusetts include Walter Webb, Joan Thompson, and Marge Christensen, with Barry Greenwood serving as a special consultant. The committee's immediate tasks involve writing objective, balanced, and interesting news articles of public interest for national distribution via the UPI and AP news wire services, with the goal of keeping the UFO topic in the news. Additionally, a national telephone network is being formulated to enable Walt Andrus to notify every State Director of a major event within an hour. Preparations are also underway to better utilize the National Advisory Board of Consultants and their expertise. A counterpart-committee exists in Texas, with members Dennis Stacy and Thomas Deuley.

Get Well

Mass. MUFON member Belinda Bacon has been hospitalized due to an accident. Members wishing to send a get well card can address it to: New England Rehabilitation Hospital, Rehabilitation Way, Woburn, MA 01801.

Thank You, Joe

The members of Mass. MUFON express their gratitude to Mr. Joseph Santangelo for his fine leadership and dedicated service as the former State Director. It was under his direction that the 1981 International MUFON Symposium was successfully held at M.I.T. Joe is described as having always been receptive to new ideas and suggestions, and it is hoped he will continue to serve as a resource person. Joe will remain involved in MUFON, particularly with the Amateur Radio Network. It is also noted that Joe will continue to maintain the MUFON Hotline at his home, and the telephone number remains the same: 944-0686.

UFO Media Presentation

On Sunday, November 14th, WBZ TV aired a program titled "THE UFO EXPERIENCE" at 2:00 p.m. Due to a lack of publicity or advance notice, most people missed the show. Fortunately, Barry Greenwood has made a videotape copy of the program, which he will show at the January meeting. Members who saw the program are urged to write to its producer, Mr. Ron Lakis at KPIX TV in San Francisco, California, to compliment KPIX TV on its excellent and balanced presentation of the UFO topic. This program is contrasted favorably with a recent "NOVA" program. Mass. MUFON has contacted WGBH TV, urging them to air the program as a response to "NOVA," and Walter Webb has also contacted WBZ TV regarding the possibility of them airing the program a second time.

Essex County Has New Section Dia

Linda Seal has been appointed as the new Section Director for Essex County, replacing Marge Christensen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the importance of organized UFO research, public education, and effective communication within the MUFON organization. There is a clear emphasis on professionalism, accuracy, and transparency in reporting UFO-related information. The editorial stance supports initiatives that aim to inform the public accurately about the UFO phenomenon and encourages member participation in these efforts. The transition in leadership is handled with appreciation for past contributions and optimism for future endeavors, highlighting a commitment to continuity and growth.