MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 24 - 1985 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the February 1985 issue of the MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. (MUFON) Newsletter, issue #24. It covers updates on upcoming MUFON events, investigations into UFO phenomena, and news from various MUFON chapters.

MUFON UFO SYMPOSIUM UPDATE

The newsletter announces an update to the speaker list for the 1985 MUFON UFO Symposium, scheduled to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 28-30. Budd Hopkins has been added as a speaker, replacing Joe Brill. The confirmed list of speakers includes Stanton Friedman, David Webb, Ted Phillips, Bill Moore, George Fawcett, Peter Gersten, John Schuessler, Budd Hopkins, and Leonard Stringfield.

Marge Christensen will open the symposium with a message outlining plans for the first National UFO Information Week. Additionally, Ken McLean, Wyoming State Director, will give a presentation on "Educating for Critical Consciousness" regarding public education of the UFO subject.

A new feature for this year is a "BREAKFAST WITH THE SPEAKERS" on Sunday morning, offering a full-course breakfast and an opportunity to interact with the speakers. This event costs $10.00 and requires pre-registration by June 24.

Symposium ticket prices are detailed: $25.00 for advanced reservations (open until June 21), $28.00 at the door for all sessions, and $7.50 per session (for a total of four sessions).

Advance reservations should be sent to Mrs. Helen Hanke at 4024 90th Ave, Florissant, MO 03034. Checks should be made payable to the UFO STUDY GROUP OF GREATER ST. LOUIS.

CNN PROGRAM

Following the airing of a CNN report on Bentwaters, the authors of "Clear Intent," along with the MUFON P.I.P.E. Committee (Public Information and Public Education), have initiated efforts to encourage further investigation into the case by other major networks. Attorney Bob Bletchman, Connecticut State Director and a member of the P.I.P.E. Committee, has successfully obtained the entire GEPAN files from the French government. These files reportedly conclude that the UFO phenomenon involves flying machines with technology far advanced beyond current human capabilities. Bletchman has shared these findings and commented on the CNN report, urging media organizations and government officials to investigate the case and the UFO subject more broadly.

The newsletter also reports on a dispute between Phil Klass and Larry Warren regarding a polygraph test. Klass demanded that Warren submit to a polygraph test. Warren agreed, but only if Phil Klass would also agree to undergo the test if Warren passed. Klass reportedly stated he would only accept the results if Warren failed.

HALT TAPE RECORDING AVAILABLE

The "Halt tape" recording, captured in the field during the investigation of physical traces from the Bentwaters UFO landing, is now available to Massachusetts MUFON members for $2.00. The national newsletter advertises this tape for $5.00.

WHAT'S NEW?

John Timmerman has offered to bring the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) display to a Massachusetts shopping mall, provided a mall is willing to pay for the exhibit. The CUFOS display consists of eighteen panels covering topics such as IFOs, UFO categories, research, government involvement, and the history of UFOs.

Ted Phillips reports that he was recently interviewed by National Geographic, with the interview expected to be published soon. He is looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues at the 1985 Symposium.

Massachusetts MUFON has received responses from letters to the editor sent to newspapers throughout the state. Several calls have been received on the Hotline from various towns, and letters have arrived from other areas. These letters aim to introduce Mass. MUFON and the UFO subject to the public, inviting residents to report sightings or seek information.

Dan Wright, Michigan State Director, is compiling slide presentations for public lectures and investigator training, which will be available for purchase. He is also developing a videotape on conducting witness interviews.

Mass. MUFON members Joe Santangelo and Bob Gildea are working on adapting the HUMCAT (Humanoid Catalog) database to a home computer for Dave Webb. HUMCAT is a computer listing of reported cases involving entities observed by witnesses.

UFO forum

Flyers for the 1985 Mass. MUFON Forum will be distributed in early spring. The event will be open for pre-registration, with a deadline of July 1 for a reduced price and guaranteed seat. Those paying at the door may face higher fees and no guarantee of a seat.

Bob Girard of Arcturus Book Service will be attending the forum and plans to sell UFO books. He will also advertise the forum in the monthly Arcturus catalog.

Paul Cerny from California may attend, possibly bringing his saucer model. Dr. David M. Jacobs of Temple University, author of "The UFO Controversy in America," will serve as moderator.

Confirmed speakers for the forum include Budd Hopkins, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Barry Greenwood, Larry Fawcett, Dan Wright, and John Schuessler (tentative).

More details will be provided at the March meeting and in the March Newsletter. The forum is scheduled for the weekend of August 17 & 18.

Don't forget...

Mass. MUFON members are reminded to call the hotline at least one week in advance to make dinner reservations for monthly meetings. The newsletter emphasizes that the new system requires member cooperation.

Members who have not paid their 1985 dues will be removed from the computer membership listing. Members wishing to remain on the roster are urged to pay their dues to Treasurer Bob Taylor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's activities, including symposia, forums, and public outreach efforts. There is a strong emphasis on investigation and information dissemination, as seen in the coverage of the Bentwaters case and the availability of investigative materials like the Halt tape. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging public participation and providing resources for both enthusiasts and investigators. The newsletter also highlights the importance of membership and timely payment of dues for continued participation and access to information.