MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 22 - 1984 02

Magazine Overview

The MUFON Mutual UFO Network, Inc. Newsletter, Issue #22, dated December 1984, serves as a communication channel for the Massachusetts chapter. The primary focus of this issue is to inform members about upcoming changes in meeting formats and locations, as well as to outline the program for the year 1985, including the annual UFO Forum.

Meeting Location and Format Change

Starting in January 1985, the monthly meetings will be relocated to a function room at John Martin's Manor Restaurant, located on US Route 1 (Southbound) in Saugus, Massachusetts. This decision was made following a recent enjoyable and convenient dinner meeting at the venue. The new meeting format will include monthly dinner meetings, with members having the option to attend either from 7:00 p.m. for dinner and the meeting, or from 8:00 p.m. for the meeting only. The refreshment break has been replaced by a brief coffee break.

To ensure the function room is available at no extra charge, a minimum of 15 persons must have dinner at the restaurant. If fewer than 15 people dine, a $15 fee will be charged for the room. The accommodations at John Martin's Manor are described as more pleasant than the previous location. Entrée prices range from $8.95 to $13.95, with a salad bar included. Members planning to attend dinner are requested to call the MUFON Hotline (944-0686), Marge (922-6406), or Jim Melesciuc (944-9570) at least one week in advance. They are also advised to bring $1 bills for easier payment.

The first meeting at the new location is scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 1985, at 8:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 p.m. This date, the third Saturday of the month, was chosen to allow members ample time to adjust. The chapter hopes for a strong turnout to gauge member satisfaction with the new venue and format.

1985 Program Schedule

The newsletter outlines the program for the 1985 meetings, which will include discussions on various topics from the Field Investigator's Manual every other month. The schedule is as follows:

• January: Introduction and overview of the modern UFO phenomenon and US Government involvement, presented by Barry Greenwood and Joe Santangelo.
• February: A guest speaker, possibly a police detective, to discuss investigative procedures.
• March: Topics include FFOS (Foul Play/Foul Object/Foul Spirit), Field Investigation Kit, and available resources, with presentations by Joe Santangelo, Joe Nyman, and Jules Vaillancourt.
• April: To be announced.
• May: Investigating Cases, The Investigation Process, and Interviewing Techniques, with Marge Christensen, Joe Nyman, Jules Vaillancourt, and Dave Webb.
• June: To be announced.
• July: No meeting, but a small working session of the UFO Forum Committee is planned.
• August: No meeting, but the UFO Forum is scheduled for August 17-18.
• September: Special cases (CE2 and CE3) will be discussed by Dave Webb, Joe Nyman, Joe Santangelo, and Jules Vaillancourt.
• October: To be announced.
• November: UFOs - Best documented cases, presented by Barry Greenwood and Joanne Bruno.

1985 MUFON UFO Forum

The 1985 Massachusetts MUFON UFO Forum is scheduled to take place at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club ballroom. The Forum will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 1985, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 1985. The Golf Club will provide sandwiches and cold drinks for lunch on Sunday. A private dinner, by invitation only, will be held on Saturday evening due to limited dining room capacity.

Confirmed speakers for the Forum include Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Budd Hopkins, Barry Greenwood, Dan Wright (Michigan), John Schuessler (tentative), and Dr. David M. Jacobs (Moderator). There will also be a display and videotape presentations. Books and materials approved by Mass. MUFON will be on sale. Paul Cerny of California may also attend as a speaker and bring his famous saucer model.

The Forum will mark the beginning of the first National UFO Information Week, scheduled for August 18-25. Flyers and more detailed information will be available in the spring. Members are encouraged to plan their vacations around these dates to support the event, with Mass. MUFON members receiving priority for tickets over out-of-state attendees.

Membership Dues and Notices

The newsletter includes a notice to members regarding 1985 dues, which are due and payable at the January meeting or by mail to treasurer Bob Taylor. Membership cards will be issued. Members who have not paid by January 31, 1985, will be removed from the membership list. Dues are $10 for singles and $15 for couples. Checks should be made payable to Mass. MUFON, Inc.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are extended to Jim Melesciuc for arranging the meeting location at John Martin's Manor and for the December dinner meeting arrangements. Joanne Bruno is thanked for compiling the new meeting schedule based on the Field Investigator's Manual. Joe Santangelo is acknowledged for donating the cost of the MUFON telephone Hotline, maintaining it, and providing updated membership lists and address labels.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects an active and organized local chapter of MUFON, focused on providing regular meetings, educational programs, and a significant annual event (the UFO Forum). The editorial stance emphasizes member participation, information sharing, and adherence to organizational procedures, such as dues payment and advance notice for meetings. The content suggests a commitment to serious investigation and discussion of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed program and the inclusion of respected figures in the field.