MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1985 05

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: #9
Date: May 1985

This issue of the MUFON P.I.P.E. LINE newsletter focuses on organizational updates, upcoming events, and acknowledgments of contributions within the UFO research community.

New Member Appointment

The newsletter announces the appointment of Jim Melesciuc as a new member of the P.I.P.E. Committee, serving as the State Section Director for Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Melesciuc is noted for his active involvement in public information efforts and his role in producing a television documentary on the UFO subject. His contact information is provided, and he is expected to attend the St. Louis Symposium and a P.I.P.E. Committee meeting.

National UFO Information Week (August 18-25, 1985)

Plans for the upcoming National UFO Information Week are detailed. Fred Whiting from Washington, D.C. is mentioned in relation to the Fund's plans, which include issuing press releases nationwide and offering guest lecturers. A call is made to State Directors to ensure participation, even if limited to distributing press releases or showing the TV documentary to local cable stations. The newsletter highlights a lack of response from several State Directors (Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Nevada, Mississippi, Minnesota, Oregon, N. Dakota, and West Virginia) and seeks ideas on how to encourage their engagement.

P.I.P.E. Committee Meeting (June 28th)

A meeting of the P.I.P.E. Committee is scheduled for Friday evening, June 28th, in St. Louis, MO, following the opening reception of the MUFON Symposium. The agenda is brief, but members are asked to come prepared with suggestions for next year's P.I.P.E. Committee projects and endeavors. Key discussion points include capitalizing on the Symposium's location at an institution of higher learning for public education, potentially coinciding the National UFO Info. Week with the Symposium, and identifying lessons learned from the current year's projects to improve future endeavors. Members will also be asked about their willingness to continue on the committee and to recommend new members, with a preference for keeping the committee size manageable (currently 13 members).

Ken Mc Lean to Address Committee

Walt Andrus has informed the committee that Ken Mc Lean, Wyoming State Director, will address the committee and State Directors/PR Directors during the St. Louis meeting. Attendees are encouraged to submit topics for discussion or questions they would like to raise with the State Directors.

Television Documentary Underway

The issue reports on the progress of a television documentary being produced by Mass. MUFON, Inc. for the Mutual UFO Network. Taped segments have been received from various individuals, including Walt Andrus, Allen Hynek, Dan Wright, Ray Fowler, Barry Greenwood, John Schuessler, Budd Hopkins, and David Jacobs. The program outline has been compiled, and visuals and background music are being arranged. State Directors across the country have expressed willingness to help air the documentary in their respective states, aiming for national coverage or, failing that, gradual state-by-state coverage.

Hats Off to Cerny and Gates!

Paul Cerny and Tom Gates are commended for their recent lecture on UFOs to the Astronomical Society in Stockton, CA. Their UFO display, featuring a saucer model, is also being sent to the State Fair exposition in Stockton and will be part of the Space-Science expose at the San Francisco Mosconi Center.

New Booklet: "New England's Visitors From Outer Space"

A new 50-page booklet titled "New England's Visitors From Outer Space" by Bob Cahill is mentioned. It features New England MUFON State Directors, including Marge Christensen (Massachusetts), and also mentions Barry Greenwood and Jim Melesciuc. The booklet covers UFO sightings in New England dating back to 1639, up to current boomerang sightings. It is available for $3.95 and may be obtained from Bob Girard at Arcturus Book Service.

Personal Thanks

The editor expresses personal thanks to numerous individuals for their successful efforts in advancing the committee's work. Special acknowledgments are given to:

• Dennis Stacy: For promoting National UFO Information Week in The Journal.
• Walt Webb: For his willingness to meet and plan press releases for the National UFO Information Week.
• Dan Wright: For compiling two slide sets and narratives, contributing to the standardization of public information presentations, and for arranging the 1986 MUFON Symposium.
• Paul Cerny: For contacting Ron Lakis at KPIX and making inquiries for the TV documentary.
• Bob Bletchman: For writing to networks and national newspapers regarding National UFO Information Week.
• Barry Greenwood, John Schuessler, Dan Wright, Walt Andrus, Allen Hynek, Budd Hopkins, and David Jacobs: For their videotaping efforts, which are crucial for the UFO documentary.
• Tom Deuley: For working on the design of the poster for the National UFO Information Week.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects a strong emphasis on public education and information dissemination regarding the UFO phenomenon. The MUFON organization, through its P.I.P.E. Committee, is actively engaged in producing media (documentaries, slide shows) and organizing events (National UFO Information Week, Symposiums) to raise public awareness. There is a clear commitment to collaboration and acknowledging the contributions of volunteers. The editorial stance is proactive, seeking engagement from State Directors and members to improve outreach efforts and expand the reach of UFO information.