P.I.P.E. Line

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. Line
Issue: # 8
Date: April, 1985
Publisher: MUFON
Country: USA
Document Type: Newsletter

This issue of the MUFON P.I.P.E. Line newsletter focuses on coordinating state-level participation in MUFON initiatives and public outreach efforts, particularly in anticipation of the National UFO Information Week.

Recently Received: State Participation

The newsletter begins by listing states that have recently responded regarding their willingness to undertake various projects. These projects include conducting public opinion polls, distributing press releases, and airing MUFON's TV documentary on local cable television. States like Illinois, Vermont, and Washington have indicated their willingness to participate in these activities. Arizona's representative, Bill Spaulding, expressed reservations about participating if MUFON endorses the "Federal Hypothesis," a concern that has led to a recommendation for a new State Director for Arizona. Several states, including Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Indiana, W. Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Minnesota, and Kansas, are noted as "Still Not Yet Heard From."

How We Can Help: State Outreach

A section titled "How We Can Help" outlines a strategy to contact the "silent states" to encourage their participation. The goal is to get these states to agree to submit press releases to their local newspapers and to air the MUFON TV documentary on their cable stations. There is also a hope that these states might be willing to release information about balloons mentioned in the newsletter. Specific individuals are assigned to contact certain states: Paul Cerny is tasked with contacting Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada; Doug Labat will contact Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi; Dan Wright will contact Indiana, Kansas, and Minnesota; and Marge will contact W. Virginia. Members are urged to make these calls by the end of the first weekend after receiving the newsletter, and Marge is to be informed of the results.

News Briefs

Slide Sets Available

Dan Wright reports that two slide sets are now available for use in public information dissemination and for training field investigators. These sets come in two versions, with 50 slides costing $25.00 and 100 slides costing $45.00, including printed commentary and a slide box. The newsletter expresses deep appreciation for Dan Wright's efforts and the contributions of other Michigan MUFON members.

Rumors of National TV Programs

There are rumors circulating about potential national television programs related to UFOs. Two production companies are reportedly bidding on a 2-hour docu-drama about the Bentwaters story. Additionally, Walt Andrus mentions a documentary on the UFO subject being made for HBO. Lee Spiegel is also rumored to be working on a 5-part program on UFOs for NBC. The hope is that some of these programs might air in time for the National UFO Information Week, but MUFON plans to have its own documentary ready regardless.

UFO Documentary for Cable Television Progressing Well

A 60-minute UFO documentary is in production and progressing well. Dr. David M. Jacobs is scheduled to narrate the documentary, which will be filmed in Boston. Several individuals have confirmed their participation, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Walt Andrus, John Schuessler, Budd Hopkins, Barry Greenwood, Dan Wright, Ray Fowler, Paul Cerny (or Tom Gates), and Dr. David M. Jacobs. The finished videotapes, available in VHS or Beta, are expected by early May and will include titles and background music. The program is titled "UFOs: A SCIENTIFIC ENIGMA."

Massachusetts MUFON UFO Forum

The Massachusetts MUFON UFO Forum is scheduled for August 17-18, 1985, at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club in Beverly, Massachusetts. Dr. David M. Jacobs will serve as the moderator. Speakers will include Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dan Wright, John Schuessler, Barry Greenwood, Budd Hopkins, and potentially Larry Fawcett. The event is anticipated to be a near sell-out, with ten State Directors already indicating their attendance. Inquiries have come from as far as Wisconsin. Pre-registration is available until July 1 for $15.00 for both days; registration at the door will be $20.00. The forum will serve as the kick-off event for Massachusetts MUFON's projects for National UFO Information Week.

Say It With Balloons!

A proposal is presented for a coordinated effort during National UFO Information Week (August 18-25). The idea is for all 50 State organizations to simultaneously release 5,000 (or potentially 10,000) red, white, and blue balloons printed with "National UFO Information Week (Aug. 18-25)" on August 18th. The goal is to attract media coverage and create a newsworthy item by emphasizing that this event is happening simultaneously across the United States. This display is described as a colorful, dignified way to notify the public about the week. The effort is expected to require minimal work from State Directors, primarily involving balloon inflation with helium and coordinating release efforts. State Directors are asked to provide their comments on this proposal.

Notices to P.I.P.E. Committee Members

Several members of the P.I.P.E. Committee are given specific tasks:

• Tom Deuley: Asked to submit a poster design and to check with the Fund Board of Directors about potential funding (e.g., $200-$300) for the balloon project.
• Dennis Stacy and Walt Webb: Tasked with writing press releases for the National UFO Information Week. They are encouraged to collaborate and avoid duplication. Dennis is also asked to continue publicity in "The Journal."
• Walt Andrus: Inquired about the draft of the MUFON information page intended for State Directors and its distribution timeline.
• Paul Cerny: Requested to contact Ron Lakis at KPIX in San Francisco to explore the possibility of another UFO program like "UFO Experience" and to see if it could be re-run during the week of August 18-25.
• Bob Bletchman: Asked to write persuasive letters to networks, national news magazines, and newspapers to publicize the first National UFO Information Week and its planned projects.

Suggestions Welcome

A call for ideas and suggestions for the National UFO Information Week is made, emphasizing that it is a collective effort and that more input is desired for the week-long series of public information projects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are public outreach, media engagement, and coordinated national events for UFO awareness. The editorial stance is proactive and organizational, focused on mobilizing state chapters, leveraging media opportunities, and producing educational content (documentaries, slide sets) to inform the public about UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on collaboration and the importance of broad participation from MUFON members across the country.