MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 35 - 1986 10

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON NEWSLETTER
Issue: #35
Date: October, 1986
Publisher: MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the MUFON Newsletter focuses on investigative methods, media engagement, and community building within the organization. It highlights upcoming projects, member contributions, and important organizational matters.

"Getting Started" - A New MUFON Video

A new Mass. MUFON video is in production, designed to detail investigative methods used by experienced researchers. The video will cover various types of cases, including physical trace evidence (e.g., instrument readings, soil samples), animal reaction reports, nocturnal lights (aircraft, satellites, stars), common hoaxes, and CEIII (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) situations. This training tool is intended for MUFON state directors, investigators, and researchers. Copies will be available for sale shortly after completion. The filming locations for the video include route 150 Exeter, NH, and Ashburnham, MA, towns known for significant UFO casework in 1965 and 1967, respectively.

Available Resources and Programs

Barry Greenwood has amassed a collection of cassette tapes on Bigfoot phenomena and Bigfoot-type entities, which are available for review by interested individuals. The newsletter also announces the "MASS. MUFON EXCHANGE PROGRAM," encouraging members to bring unused journals, magazines, clippings, and books to meetings to share with colleagues. This initiative aims to foster a collaborative environment among researchers with diverse interests, including government cover-ups, abduction cases, and historical aspects of UFO phenomena.

Organizational Matters

Members are reminded that MUFON yearly dues are payable by November 1, 1986. The cost is $10.00 for single members and $15.00 per couple. The newsletter also features a "NEW DEVELOPMENT" section detailing a phone call from Swan Productions, National Public Radio, regarding a program titled "Other Realities." A segment will focus on an abduction report investigation headed by Marge Christensen, involving a North Shore woman named Sonya. The broadcast, scheduled for October 31st, will air the Mass. MUFON hotline number, with the hope of encouraging other abductees, particularly those involved in the South Dakota case, to come forward.

"Think About It" - A Message from Public Information

Marge Christensen, Director of Public Information, urges members to actively support ufology beyond just holding titles. She emphasizes the importance of attendance at meetings and symposia, asking questions, sharing ideas, and responding to the media. The message highlights that ufology needs active support to survive and gain legitimacy as a serious area of research, rather than remaining a "fringe science."

Media Coverage and Public Awareness

The newsletter reports on extensive newspaper coverage received from the Middlesex News and the Sunday Standard Times in New Bedford. Interviews with Joe Nyman, Vic Zeller, Ray Fowler, and Jules Vaillancourt have led to increased casework and requests for MUFON membership. Bumper stickers with the slogan "UFOS ARE REAL - ASK THE GOVERNMENT" are also available for purchase.

"One Mystery Leads to Another..." - Editorial

This editorial section explores the implications of UFO-related stories being filed under unexpected headings, such as "transportation," by government agencies. It questions whether this is a deliberate obfuscation or a genuine categorization of extraterrestrial transportation documents. The author notes the nebulous nature of the term "UFO" and how it can hinder scientific study. The piece also touches upon the common conflation of UFOs with "alien spacecraft," which can deter some individuals from engaging with the subject. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding FOIA requests and the persistent nature of UFO phenomena, regardless of how they are classified.

Radio and TV Log

Betty Hill was featured on WRKO Radio on September 19th, discussing the 25th anniversary of the Hill abduction case. Additionally, WBAI radio in New York broadcast a segment on Bill Meirs on September 18th.

Book Announcement

A new book by Whitley Strieber, titled "Communion," is due for release in April. The book deals with a UFO abduction case and Strieber had previously attended the 1986 Mass. MUFON Forum.

Miscellaneous Facts and Trivia

Two trivia items are included: one about migratory birds being believed to spend winters on the moon about 300 years ago, and another about the vast number of paper clips used annually, enough to form a chain from the Earth to the moon.

Symposium Announcement

A "SYMPOSIUM '87" is announced with the tagline "THERE'S MORE TO D.C. THAN POLITICS."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practical aspects of UFO investigation, the importance of organized efforts within MUFON, and the challenges of public perception and media engagement. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, encouraging member participation, thorough research, and a persistent approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on professionalism and the need for ufology to be taken seriously as a field of study.