MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 29 - 1985 01

Magazine Overview

The MUFON Newsletter, Issue #29, dated November 1985, published by the Mutual UFO Network, Inc., focuses on upcoming events, organizational updates, and recent UFO activity. The publication originates from Massachusetts, USA, and is in English.

UFO Forum Plans

The 1986 Massachusetts MUFON UFO Forum is already generating significant interest, with inquiries about dates being received. Several prominent figures in the UFO field are confirmed as speakers, including Dr. David Jacobs (tentative), Mr. Budd Hopkins, Mr. Dan Wright, and Mrs. Marge Christensen. Other notable individuals have been invited but have not yet confirmed, such as Mr. Ted Phillips, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, and Mr. Ray Fowler. Mr. Larry Fawcett is slated to speak at the Saturday evening dinner. There is also a possibility that Dr. Robert Sarbacher will speak, potentially replacing Mrs. Christensen's slot if he accepts.

The Forum is scheduled to take place on the weekend of August 9 and 10, returning to the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club.

Program and Investigator Training

State Director Jim Melesciuc is considering organizing a 4-6 hour seminar for field investigators. This initiative stems from a recent increase in reported sightings and a shortage of trained investigators within the organization. Melesciuc is exploring the possibility of holding this seminar in a public library on a weekend and is seeking information on available meeting rooms in centrally-located public libraries. No specific date has been set for this seminar.

Next MUFON Meeting

Due to the busy holiday season, the December MUFON meeting has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 11, the second Saturday evening of the month. Members are asked to call the hotline by January 4 to indicate their intention to attend or not.

Information Section

New Treasurer Appointed

Mass. MUFON Treasurer Bob Taylor has resigned. Jim Melesciuc has appointed Joan Nestor of Salem, MA, as the new treasurer. Joan Nestor will be available to accept checks for 1986 Mass. MUFON dues at the meeting.

Dues Information

Annual dues for Mass. MUFON in 1986 are $10 for individuals and $15 for couples. Checks should be made payable to Mass. MUFON, Inc.

Indexing the MUFON Journal

An ongoing project, proposed by Barry Greenwood at the October meeting, involves indexing the MUFON Journal. Interested members are urged to notify either Barry Greenwood or Jim Melesciuc. A few individuals have already expressed interest, and work on the project is expected to begin soon.

Computer Project

With the recent increase in sighting reports, there is a proposal to start a computer file of case reports. Members with home computers and line printers are encouraged to contact Jim Melesciuc if they are interested in contributing to this project. This initiative is seen as an important addition to the organization's files, especially after a period of fewer sightings over the past three years. It is suggested as a worthwhile project for members not otherwise actively involved.

Dr. Hynek Recuperating

Dr. J. Allen Hynek is now at home in Scottsdale, Arizona, recovering from a lengthy hospital stay. A get-well card signed by Mass. MUFON members was sent to him.

National News

Sixty Flying Machines Sighted Over AZ

On October 7, the Arizona Daily Star reported that 60 flying machines were sighted over Tucson. An editorial in the newspaper expressed frustration at the inability to obtain explanations from the AF, FAA, or NORAD, emphatically stating, "Somebody knows." The MUFON organization has been in contact with the newspaper and offered avenues for further investigation.

New Award to be Initiated

The national committee on Public Information and Public Education will introduce a new award to recognize outstanding contributions to ufology each year. The award can be for research, field investigation, or public education. The P.I.P.E. Committee will nominate up to ten individuals, whose names will be sent to Walt Andrus for a ballot in the MUFON Journal. Members will vote, and the award will be presented at the annual MUFON UFO Symposium. The award aims to acknowledge and honor those who make significant contributions, without monetary incentives.

Symposium

There appears to be little interest in renting a bus to transport members to the 1986 MUFON UFO Symposium at Michigan State University. Therefore, attendees are advised to plan to travel by plane. Michigan State Director Dan Wright has initiated a new funding approach for the symposium, which could be revolutionary. The symposium is scheduled for June 27-29, 1986.

Book Publicity

"Clear Intent" Receives New Publicity

The book "Clear Intent," co-authored by Barry Greenwood, is being given new publicity by the new owners of Prentice-Hall, Inc., Simon & Schuster. The companies are discussing the possibility of a new cover and re-issuing the book. Additionally, the authors have been lined up for a series of radio talk show appearances across the country to promote the book, which was first published in the summer of 1984.

Objects Viewed

Massachusetts Sightings

An orange globe-type object has been sighted over Massachusetts, with reports from Boxborough to Winthrop. The sightings were highlighted on Channel 7's eleven o'clock news, and approximately 15 witnesses have been identified. Jim Melesciuc has led investigation teams to the Boxborough-Harvard area. On November 5, similar shaped objects were reported over Winthrop, near Logan Airport. Linda Seal, Essex County Section Director, was planning to visit the area to question witnesses, some of whom are police officers.

Other Sightings

In addition to the above, reports include a dull, grayish boomerang-shaped object sighted in the Boston area and a diamond-shaped object over Logan Airport.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's activities, including upcoming forums, meetings, and projects like the computerization of reports and the indexing of the MUFON Journal. There is a strong emphasis on investigator training and the importance of collecting and analyzing UFO sighting data. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with UFO phenomena, encouraging member participation, and seeking official explanations while also acknowledging the possibility of government knowledge. The publication also highlights the efforts of researchers and authors in bringing UFO information to the public.