MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 30 - 1986 01

Magazine Overview

This is the January 1986 issue, number 30, of the MUFON Newsletter, published by the Mutual UFO Network, Inc. The cover highlights "SPECIAL EVENTS" and includes a personal message of thanks. The newsletter covers upcoming events, ongoing investigations, award nominations, and organizational news relevant to MUFON members.

Special Events

Seminar on Field Investigation

Mass. MUFON State Director, Jim Melesciuc, has announced a half-day seminar on field investigation and public information for Mass. MUFON members and interested persons. The seminar is scheduled for March and will cover topics such as The Interview, Code of Ethics, and Equipment; Case Forms; IFOs, hoaxes, celestial objects; Public Information (dealing with media and the public); Physical Traces; and Photographs. Each segment will be 30 minutes long, with a one-hour question and answer session and a coffee break. The exact date and location are yet to be announced but will be available at the January meeting. Several individuals have agreed to conduct segments, including Barry Greenwood, Joe Nyman, Marge Christensen, and Robert Melesciuc. The seminar's feasibility depends on good attendance, and it might be held in lieu of the March meeting.

My Personal Thanks

Marge Christensen expresses her sincere gratitude for a surprise party and beautiful gifts received in November. She mentions that the silver bowl is displayed prominently and that she has enjoyed listening to and sharing tapes from the event. Christensen emphasizes the importance of Mass. MUFON to her and considers her work with the organization a labor of love.

1986 MUFON UFO Symposium

The final speaker for the 1986 MUFON UFO Symposium at Michigan State University will be Dr. Richard Haines, a research scientist at NASA's Ames Research Lab. Dr. Haines has authored a book on the disappearance of Australian pilot Valentich, titled "Delta Sierra Juliet-Melbourne." The complete list of speakers includes Marge Christensen (keynote), John Schuessler, Dr. Richard Haines, Dr. David Jacobs, Dr. Michael Swords, Allan Holt, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Dr. Harley Rutledge, Robert Bletchman, and Joe Nyman (Field Investigative Techniques Workshop). The symposium is scheduled for June 27-29 and is anticipated to be the finest program ever offered by MUFON.

Information

Linda Seal has resigned as Essex County Section Director, and Mass. MUFON is seeking a new director for that section. Dues for 1986 are now due, payable to Mass. MUFON, Inc. ($10 for individuals, $15 for couples), and can be paid at the January meeting to Marge Christensen.

Computer Program

Joe Nyman has initiated a computer project to create a file of Mass. MUFON cases. He will provide more information at the January meeting on the file and the type of data needed. This project is considered long overdue, and members are urged to assist by furnishing necessary information on any cases they investigate.

UFO forum

Mass. MUFON is finalizing the roster of speakers for the Mass. MUFON UFO Forum on August 9-10 at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club. Dr. Richard Haines has accepted an invitation to speak at the Forum, but his priority is the Symposium. Marge Christensen suggested inviting him, and he was instructed to prioritize the Symposium if he could only attend one event. The roster includes Dr. David M. Jacobs (Moderator), Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Budd Hopkins, Dan Wright, and Marge Christensen. The Forum plans to include longer breaks to allow attendees more time for interaction and purchasing materials. Dr. Robert Sarbacher may also be invited.

National News

Distinguished Award

An award, to be presented annually at MUFON Symposia, will be named the J. ALLEN HYNEK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE UFO FIELD. The nominees for the 1986 award are Budd Hopkins, Bruce Maccabee, Marge Christensen, Dan Wright, and Barry Greenwood. A ballot will be included in an upcoming MUFON Journal for members to vote, with the results tallied by Walt Andrus in Texas. The award will be presented at the 1986 Symposium in Michigan.

P.I.P.E. Committee to Combat Negative Media Publicity

In response to recent newspaper articles with unfavorable comments about the UFO subject, sometimes involving MUFON members, the Public Information and Public Education Committee is developing measures to counter such media coverage. A policy statement on media contact will be compiled and instituted upon Board of Directors approval. A letter is also being sent to the Journal editor, Dennis Stacy, regarding a perceived decline in the quality of the MUFON Journal's content.

New Cases Under Investigation

Joe Nyman and Steve Firmani are investigating a complex case involving an alleged abduction, with a report planned for the January meeting. Investigations into sightings in the Boxborough area are ongoing, involving multiple witnesses, and an update may be provided. Vic Zeller, Bristol County Section Director and a professor of astronomy and physics, is also investigating interesting cases, including a possible abduction.

Don't forget...

The February Mass. MUFON meeting will be held on Saturday, February 8th. Members are asked to call the Hotline by February 1st to indicate their plans to attend the dinner meeting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's activities, including seminars, symposia, and investigative efforts. There is a clear emphasis on member participation and communication, as seen in the calls for volunteers, dues payments, and attendance at meetings. The publication also addresses the need to manage public perception and combat negative media coverage, indicating a proactive stance on public relations. The J. Allen Hynek Award highlights the organization's recognition of significant contributions to the UFO field. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement, information dissemination, and professional development within the UFO research community.