MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 06 - 1983 02

Magazine Overview

The "Mass. MUFON NEWS LETTER" Issue #6, dated February 1983, is a newsletter from the Massachusetts chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). It covers recent UFO cases, MUFON's media presence, a local student's project, and important information regarding tax deductions for members.

Key Articles and Information

New Cases and Media Attention The newsletter reports that MUFON received significant media attention, including interviews with Marge Christensen and Linda Seal on Channel 7 news and Marge Christensen as a guest on the Boston Sunday Review radio program. This media coverage resulted in eleven phone calls to the MUFON hotline, reporting new cases. Sightings were reported from various locations in Massachusetts (Cambridge, Stoughton, Medford, Danvers, Fitchburg, Sagamore, Wareham), as well as Las Cruces, New Mexico, and central Pennsylvania. These cases have been assigned to State Section Directors for investigation, with discussions planned for the February and March meetings.

Membership Application Anomaly It was discovered that applications for membership in the national MUFON organization were inadvertently being copied and forwarded to the Center for UFO Studies in Illinois. This appears to be due to MUFON Headquarters in Texas accidentally addressing an envelope to the wrong address.

Acknowledgment of Barry Greenwood Mr. Barry Greenwood is thanked for an "extremely interesting and informative presentation" during the January meeting. The newsletter notes that the "Kirtland documents story continues" with several significant developments, and appreciates Barry's attention to this case.

Public Information and Hotline The newsletter emphasizes that public information remains a top priority. It mentions a letter in "Fate" magazine from a Massachusetts resident who had witnessed a UFO sighting and had difficulty finding a local research organization. Members are urged to provide the MUFON Hotline number (617-944-0686) to police, newspapers, radio, TV stations, and civic organizations. The importance of checking with the Section Director before providing the number is stressed, as many sightings go unreported due to lack of contact information.

UFO Videotape Project Emerson College student David Schwartz compiled a 30-minute videotape about UFOs. He attended a MUFON meeting and videotaped a training session, though that tape was not usable. He later interviewed Barry Greenwood, Ray Fowler, and Betty Andreasson. The videotape was shown on WCVB Channel 5. Mr. Schwartz has agreed to provide Barry Greenwood with a copy, which will be shown at a future MUFON meeting.

Mass. MUFON in Journal The October issue of the MUFON Journal complimented the Massachusetts MUFON members on their monthly newsletter and their "Make Your Own 'E.T.' Contest" held in October at the Ideas Exchange Fair in Beverly. Walt Andrus indicated that a more detailed article on the contest might appear in a later MUFON Journal. The newsletter expresses pride in Massachusetts having one of the most active and talented MUFON groups in the U.S.

UPI Release A National Committee on Public Education, appointed by Walt Andrus and including members from Texas and Massachusetts, is responsible for writing press releases for UPI. The first release, concerning government documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, was scheduled for the weekend of February 19-20. This release was prepared by the Massachusetts members, with Barry Greenwood serving as a special advisor.

Count Your Blessings - International Case Cynthia Hind, MUFON's Continental Coordinator for Africa, reported a new case in Zimbabwe. She is excited to have a new case, but faces severe gasoline shortages in Zimbabwe, hindering her ability to investigate. The case involves a sighting of a blue light near Chinhoyi, 74 miles from Salisbury. The farmer who saw the light found flattened bushes and arrow marks, along with a "bear" imprint. The light had been seen on multiple occasions. The farmer's niece also reported seeing arrow marks in another area where the light landed. Additionally, the farmer's neighbor reported seeing three men in silver suits outside his window one night. Cynthia Hind's address is provided for correspondence.

For Income Tax Purposes The newsletter provides important information for MUFON members regarding tax deductions. The Mutual UFO Network, Inc. is exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) and is a publicly supported organization. Donations to MUFON are deductible. Investigators can deduct 9 cents per mile for transportation costs incurred for MUFON work, with their activity log serving as verification. The IRS accepts this. If an overnight stay is required for an investigation, motel, meals, and tolls are deductible, provided they can be verified as part of MUFON work and not a personal vacation. Costs of items purchased for investigation, such as tape cassettes or cameras, are not deductible. However, if an item is costly, a check should be written to MUFON, which will then purchase the item, making the contribution deductible. Similarly, payments for lab fees or psychological testing for a witness are deductible if paid via a check to MUFON and the bill is submitted to MUFON. An IRS representative was consulted, and Publication #526 is recommended for further information, available at the JFK Bldg. in Boston. Members are advised to deduct their MUFON contributions and other qualifying case-related expenses on their 1982 Federal Income Tax Return.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects MUFON's ongoing commitment to investigating UFO sightings, disseminating information to the public, and supporting its members. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting and the role of investigators. The editorial stance is one of active engagement with the UFO phenomenon, encouraging public participation and providing practical support, such as tax guidance for members. The newsletter also highlights the international scope of MUFON's work, as evidenced by the report from Zimbabwe.