MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 12 - 1983 09

Magazine Overview

This is the September 1983 issue, Volume #12, of the MUFON NEWSLETTER, published by MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. The newsletter covers various organizational updates, upcoming events, and research news relevant to MUFON members.

Magazine Drive

The newsletter announces an ongoing 'Magazine Drive' for 1983, urging members to support this initiative which will help fund investigative costs and research expenses. Gary Hedrick, the National Community Services representative, has assured that corrections will be made for any subscription or renewal problems. Contact numbers for Customer Service (Terry Davis or Rita Campbell) are provided: 617-459-7181 or 7182, with a note to 'CALL COLLECT'.

Journal to be Delayed

There is a significant delay expected in the publication of the MUFON Journal. This is due to the resignation of Editor Dick Hall. The June 1983 issue, which was slated for compilation at the end of August, will be affected. In the interim, the monthly MUFON Newsletter, distributed to State Directors for sharing with investigators, will be reinstated and likely doubled in length.

Mass. MUFON in St. Louis

Powell Adams, MUFON State Director for Missouri, has sent the minutes of a recent St. Louis MUFON group meeting to Marge Christensen. One of the topics discussed was Mass. MUFON's telephone hotline, newsletter, and other projects. This information was exchanged for prior copies of their meeting agendas.

News Briefs

1984 MUFON SYMPOSIUM-- DALLAS, TEXAS

Barry Greenwood, Mass. MUFON Historian and co-author of the book 'CLEAR INTENT' (to be published by Prentice-Hall in spring 1984), has been invited by MUFON Metroplex of Dallas, TX, to be a featured speaker at the 1984 Symposium. Larry Fawcett of MUFON, Connecticut, is Greenwood's co-author.

Marge Christensen, Mass. MUFON State Director, has also been invited by MUFON Metroplex of Dallas to participate. She has been asked to conduct the first program for children ever offered at a MUFON Symposium. A proposal for this program has been submitted to the 1984 Symposium Committee, and its execution depends on sufficient enrollment of youngsters.

TED PHILLIPS NO LONGER ACCEPTING SOIL SAMPLES FOR ANALYSIS

Ted Phillips has informed Marge Christensen via phone that he is no longer actively involved in UFOlogy. Consequently, he will not accept any soil samples for analysis from CEII (Close Encounter of the First Kind) cases. Further details are expected at the September meeting.

BUDD HOPKINS STARTS ABDUCTION STUDY GROUP

Budd Hopkins has initiated a study group focused on understanding the physical and psychological consequences of a UFO abduction experience. The study will divide experiences into three time frames: Prelude (events or feelings preceding the encounter), Encounter (events and feelings during the experience, between prelude and departure), and Aftermath (long and short-term psychological or physical changes occurring after the encounter).

Mass. MUFON Meeting Schedule to Change

At a State Section Directors' meeting on August 20, a revised meeting schedule was decided upon to benefit members. Starting January 1984, the entire membership will meet six times a year, every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). Two of these meetings (likely May and November) will be open to the public and may feature special programs, potentially including dinner meetings at restaurants. Additionally, four working meetings will be held during February, April, June, and October. These will be small group sessions for members working on specific projects like the computer file or case research. Field investigators will receive training, and cases will be discussed during these working meetings. There will be no meetings in August or December, but the schedule is flexible. Members are advised to use the Hotline on meeting dates to confirm schedules, as a recorded message will be available.

New Hotline Machine

MASS. MUFON expresses thanks to Joe Santangelo for purchasing and providing a new, more sophisticated telephone answering machine for their 24-hour Hotline. The original machine was returned for repairs. The new machine features remote retrieval via security code and touch-tones, and can play two programmed messages. It is hoped this upgrade will facilitate incoming calls from witnesses and interested individuals, supporting increased public information efforts.

Police Conference Cancelled

The UFO Information Conference planned for police officers in northeastern Mass. has been cancelled due to insufficient registrations. MUFON plans to explore alternative approaches, such as offering guest speakers at police association conferences, a strategy employed in other states.

In Memoriam Nancy Brown

The newsletter reports with deep regret the death of Mass. MUFON member Mrs. Nancy Brown of Manchester, MA, on August 20, 1983, after a lengthy battle with a serious illness. Although a recent member, Nancy was described as supportive, enthusiastic, and helpful. She will be missed by the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects an active and evolving MUFON organization focused on investigation, research, and public outreach. There's an emphasis on improving communication and member engagement through revised meeting schedules and enhanced hotline services. The content highlights ongoing research efforts in areas like UFO abductions and the preparation for future events like the 1984 Symposium. The editorial stance appears to be one of proactive management, addressing challenges like editorial delays and low registration numbers while celebrating contributions from members like Joe Santangelo and remembering those lost, like Nancy Brown.