MUFON NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This is the June 1985 issue, number 27, of the MUFON Newsletter, published by the Mutual UFO Network, Inc. The newsletter focuses on upcoming events, documentary sales, and volunteer opportunities within the UFO research community.

Key Articles and Features

1985 MUFON Symposium

The newsletter announces that the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis will host the 1985 MUFON Symposium. It lists the official representatives from Massachusetts who will attend: Marge Christensen, David Christensen, Joseph Santangelo, Diana Santangelo, Jim Meleciuc, Joe Nyman, and David Webb. Notably, both Dave Webb and Marge Christensen are also scheduled to be speakers at the event.

National UFO Information Week

Massachusetts is highlighted as leading the charge for the first National UFO Information Week, which will officially kick off with a MUFON Forum. The week, observed from August 18-25, 1985, will involve MUFON organizations across at least 41 states, along with the Fund for UFO Research and the Center for UFO Studies. Efforts are underway to distribute posters and press releases nationwide, with Connecticut State Director Attorney Robert Bletchman contacting major media outlets.

Mass MUFON UFO Documentary

The newsletter reports on the sales of a MUFON UFO documentary on videotape, which has been purchased by individuals in numerous US states, including Texas, Arizona, Connecticut, Utah, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Kentucky, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Arkansas, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. The tape has also been purchased by people in Germany and Japan.

"UFO Experience" Program for Sale

Ron Lakis, producer, has made his film, "The UFO Experience," available for purchase at $39.95. Checks should be sent to Starrion Productions, P.O. Box 31-555, San Francisco, CA 94131. The films are for personal use only and cannot be aired on television without a syndication agreement with Ron Lakis. Lakis aims to sell 250 copies to fund a second documentary, and the newsletter urges support for this project, noting the film is available on VHS or Beta videotape.

UFO Forum Program Changes

Significant changes have been made to the program for the UFO Forum scheduled for August 17 and 18 at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club in Beverly, MA. The panel discussion on Saturday afternoon has been replaced by an additional speaker, Dr. Willy Smith of Florida, who will present a paper on "UNICAT," a new computer file from the Center for UFO Studies. The Sunday panel discussion will be extended to compensate for the Saturday change. The Forum is attracting steady registrations, with many out-of-state inquiries from various states including North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Attendees planning to stay in motels in the Beverly area are advised to make reservations early as motels are reportedly sold out. Mass MUFON members wishing to attend the private dinner on Saturday evening must submit reservations and payment by June 8; after this date, the dinner will be open to out-of-state guests by invitation only. A media blitz is planned for early June.

Help Wanted for UFO Forum

Volunteers are needed for various tasks related to the UFO Forum. Key needs include picking up speakers and out-of-state guests at Logan Airport and transporting them to their motels, selling books and materials, assisting with coffee preparation, taking photos, tape-recording speeches, assembling and dismantling the UFO display, and staffing the registration and membership information tables. These tasks will be assigned at the June meeting.

Fowler to Offer Astronomy Course

Ray Fowler, MUFON's National Director of Investigations, will offer a basic astronomy course consisting of 6 lessons. The course will be held at North Shore Community College and at his home, utilizing the Woodside Planetarium and Observatory for some sessions. Details on fees and dates are not yet available but will be provided by Marge Christensen or Ray Fowler. The course is recommended for those who wish to serve as field investigators and lack a strong astronomy background.

UFO Slide Sets Available

An excellent set of 50 or 100 UFO slides is available for purchase from Dan Wright at 1502 Marquette, Lansing, MI 48906. A set of 50 slides costs $25, and a set of 100 slides costs $45. These slides were compiled for MUFON by Dan Wright as part of the Public Information and Public Education Committee, and they come with a narrative.

Sixth Annual Rocky Mountain UFO Conference

The Sixth Annual Rocky Mountain UFO Conference will be held on July 11, 1985, at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Registration forms and further details can be obtained by writing to Conferences and Institutes, P.O. Box 3972, University Station, Laramie, WY 82071-3972.

Meetings and Hotlines

There will be no regular meeting in July; the UFO Forum will serve as the August meeting. The next regular monthly dinner-meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 14. Members are asked to call the Hotline by September 7 to make reservations. The "UFO HOTLINE" number is 617-944-0686. The address for MASS. M.U.F.O.N. is P.O. Box 176, Stoneham, MA. 02180.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's activities and encourages community involvement. There is a strong emphasis on education and public awareness, as seen in the promotion of National UFO Information Week, the UFO documentary, and the astronomy course. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement and support for UFO research and investigation, urging members to participate in events and contribute to the cause.