MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 20 - 1984 09 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON NEWSLETTER, dated September-October 1984 (Issue #20), is published by MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. and focuses on national and regional MUFON activities, UFO conferences, and related topics. The publication is in English and appears to be from the USA.

MUFON National News

New Journal Editor Dennis Stacy has been appointed as the new editor of the MUFON Journal, succeeding Bob Pratt. Stacy was previously the Asst. Editor.

Field Investigators' Exam Dan Wright, the Michigan MUFON State Director, has developed an examination for field investigators. This exam is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge of various sciences and technological fields relevant to aerial phenomena investigation. It is currently under review by State Directors and consultants, and a copy is available for comment at the September meeting.

States Asked to Name PR Directors Walt Andrus has requested that all State Directors identify and appoint qualified individuals to serve as State Public Relations Directors. These individuals will work with Marge Christensen and the National Committee on Public Information and Education to distribute news releases and coordinate public education efforts within their states. Their role is particularly crucial for the planned National UFO Information Week in the summer of 1985. In Massachusetts, Marge Christensen will serve as PR Director unless another member volunteers for the position, which would help avoid duplication of effort as she is already coordinating the national program.

Next Mass. MUFON Meeting The next Massachusetts MUFON meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 1984. Dues for 1985 are payable at this meeting or through January 31, 1985.

UFO Forum

The first annual UFO FORUM was a significant success, attracting over 140 attendees and generating a profit of $334.60 after expenses. Plans are already in motion for the 1985 UFO FORUM, which will be held in mid-August 1985 as part of the first NATIONAL UFO INFORMATION WEEK. Dr. David M. Jacobs has volunteered to moderate, and Budd Hopkins and Barry Greenwood have agreed to be speakers. Other speakers are being considered, and suggestions are welcomed. A larger, air-conditioned hall is being reserved for the event. Further details will be provided at the September meeting.

Meet Me in St. Louis!

The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis will host the 1985 MUFON UFO SYMPOSIUM from June 28-30, 1985, at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis. The theme for the symposium is "UFOs- The Burden of Proof." Information regarding room rates, tentative speaker lists, and details about St. Louis are available from Marge Christensen. The newsletter encourages Massachusetts representatives to attend and aims to exceed the five members who attended the 1984 Symposium in San Antonio.

Important Information

Magazine Subscription Drive The annual magazine subscription drive is underway. For the past three years, this drive has raised an average of $350 with minimal participation. Mass. MUFON receives 40% of the subscription fees collected. All details will be explained at the September meeting. Members are urged to participate and follow instructions carefully, especially for holiday gift subscriptions.

Buy It, Read It, Donate It Tax Deduct It! Readers are encouraged to purchase the book "Clear Intent" to promote public awareness. It is suggested that individuals buy two copies: one for personal use and one to lend to others. Donating a copy to a local library and listing it as a tax deduction is also recommended as a way to aid public information efforts and receive a tax benefit.

Slide Presentation to be Available A special subcommittee of the National Public Education Committee for MUFON, consisting of Barry Greenwood, Dan Wright, and Tom Gates, is developing slide presentations. Two collections are planned: one for qualified members giving lectures on UFOs, and another for training field investigators. These should be available by late fall at a nominal cost.

UFO Conference

A UFO Conference was held on Saturday, August 25, in Brewster, NY, to attract media attention to numerous boomerang-shaped and circular-shaped UFO sightings reported in the Connecticut and New York areas. Peter Gersten opened the conference, followed by CUFOS investigator Phil Imbrogno, who discussed many of these sightings. Larry Fawcett spoke on "Govt. Coverup," and Phil Imbrogno and Chris Clark presented on the second part of the investigation. Dr. J. Allen Hynek discussed "The UFO Experience," and Peter Gersten concluded with "Estimate of the Situation." A segment called "Close Encounters" featured witness testimonies, and the event concluded with a panel discussion. The conference ran from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. More details will be shared at the September meeting by those who attended.

Notice to Members

Refreshments Chairperson Mass. MUFON is seeking a member to serve as Refreshments Chairperson. This individual would coordinate with 4-5 members to bring refreshments for the 6 regular meetings throughout the year (excluding workshops). Responsibilities include setting up and cleaning up refreshments. If no volunteer comes forward, this task will be assigned on a rotating basis.

Latch-hook Rug Project An experienced member is needed to create a latch-hook rug featuring the MUFON ensignia. The rug would be royal blue with white letters and a gold border. Mass. MUFON will provide materials and the design on the mesh, while the volunteer provides expertise and time. A similar rug was displayed at the UFO Forum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of public education and information dissemination regarding UFO phenomena. It highlights MUFON's organizational efforts, including the development of training materials, the coordination of public relations, and the hosting of major events like the UFO Forum and Symposium. There is a clear focus on encouraging member participation and volunteerism to support MUFON's mission. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the UFO subject, promoting research, investigation, and public awareness, while also managing organizational logistics and fundraising.