MUFON Massachusetts - Newsletter - 36 - 1986 11

Magazine Overview

The MUFON NEWSLETTER, Issue #36, dated November 1986, is published by MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. The newsletter covers a range of topics related to UFO research and investigation.

Announcements and Notices

The newsletter begins with an announcement regarding Philip Mantle, MUFON representative for England, who is making the "QUEST" journal available to MUFON members. Mantle is sending subscription forms for distribution, and the journal is recommended for its credible coverage of UFO research. Additionally, YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society) is planning its annual conference in Leeds, England, in March 1987, which will feature top British UFO researchers.

A personal notice from the editor informs readers of a new address: 43 Harrison Street, Reading, MA 01867, with the same hotline and phone numbers (617-944-0686 and 617-944-9570).

New Hampshire News

New Hampshire Public Television has produced a show on UFOs for "New Hampshire Crossroads." The program featured an interview with Pete Geremia, New Hampshire State Director for MUFON, and Sergeant Jack Zeller of the Keene police department. Pete Geremia's illustrations of the Keene sighting were used. The show aired on October 25th, 26th, and 28th. A video of this program is available in the Mass MUFON files. Pete Geremia will also be giving a slide presentation at the Portsmouth library on November 13th, starting at 6:30 p.m., covering the latest data and slides.

Interesting Case

Following an article in the New Bedford Standard Times, Vic Zeller, Bristol County Section Director, received numerous casework reports. One notable case involves R.T., a stewardess, who reported that airline pilots were allegedly told to keep quiet about UFO sightings. Vic also investigated a report from R.T.'s brother, who, at age 10, saw an object near a wooded area in Middleboro. The next day, his face exhibited a rash and blisters. R.T. also observed three red lights over the ocean that executed a sharp right-angle turn and disappeared.

Proposal for a National Spokesperson

In response to Bob Bletchman's suggestion for a national spokesperson for Ufology, only three comments were received. Paul Cern could not think of a suitable person. Mildred Biesele believes no single person could fill the role due to the field's diverse specializations. John Schuessler feels that no prominent individual possesses the necessary qualifications and suggests a three-to-five-person expert staff instead.

Praise for UFO Slide Presentation

Over 40 people attended a UFO slide presentation at the Rindge, NH town hall, given by Jules Valliancourt and Steve Firmani. The presentation covered basic sighting categories, the F.O.I.A. process, case forms, and credible UFO material. The event was praised as a job well done.

Latest Survey

A recent survey by PM magazine asked about belief in extraterrestrial visitation. Out of 600 respondents, 49% expressed belief in extraterrestrial visitors.

New Book Review

The newsletter reviews the book "Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence" by Thomas McDonough, published by John Wiley & Sons, priced at $19.95. The review notes that it is one of the few books on the subject of Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CETI) that treats the topic with respect.

Field Investigations

A list of recent investigations by Mass MUFON Field Investigators is provided:

• July 17, 1986, Westwood, MA: D.F. reported a flat object shaped like a guitar pick. Investigator: D. DeSimone.
• July 30, 1986, Pepperell, MA: M.H. reported a triangle-shape travelling slowly for 30 seconds, possibly an aircraft. Investigator: S. Firmani.
• July 31, 1986, Brookline, MA: L.G. reported two amber lights for 30 seconds. Investigator: D. DeSimone.
• August 12, 1986, Beach Hill Campground, NH: J.P. and J.C. reported a spiral cloud, identified as a Japanese booster rocket dumping excess fuel. Investigator: J. Melesciuc.
• September 14, 1985, Thompson Island, Boston Harbor: M. reported small spheres and a triangle formation. Investigator: J. Bruno (investigation continuing).
• September 26, 1986, Framingham, MA: L.M. reported a bright point of light, possibly a celestial body. Investigator: J. Bruno.
• October 15, 1986, Beverly, MA: D.B. reported a bluish light changing to red, with rapid side-to-side movements. Investigator: J. Bruno (investigation continuing).

Commentary: What's Ahead for Ufology?

By Marge Christensen, this commentary reflects on the state of ufology forty years after Kenneth Arnold's sighting. Christensen notes a paradoxical situation: while UFO literature has largely vanished from bookstores and mainstream media, and UFO organizations have seen dwindling membership, there is unprecedented access to UFO data and classified documents through F.O.I.A. releases and abduction case studies. She argues that the existence of UFOs is no longer in question, but the future of ufology rests on a dedicated group of researchers to preserve the accumulated knowledge. The commentary suggests a potential silent partnership between researchers and the government, given the government's secret interest in the subject. The author concludes that researchers may have to content themselves with the unique vantage point of witnessing one of history's most intriguing mysteries.

Bizarro Cartoon

A cartoon by Dan Piraro humorously questions why UFOs don't appear to city folks, implying they are not believed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena through MUFON's field research and data collection efforts. There is a clear emphasis on credible reporting and the preservation of UFO-related information. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO subject, acknowledging its complexity and the potential for government involvement, while also recognizing the waning public and media interest. The newsletter encourages participation and awareness within the UFO research community.