MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1985 07

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: #10
Date: July - June, 1985
Publisher: MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of MUFON's P.I.P.E. LINE newsletter focuses heavily on the upcoming National UFO Information Week, its expansion, and the logistical and financial challenges associated with it. It also touches upon the production of a UFO documentary, public engagement through presentations and library outreach, and the emergence of youth involvement in UFO research.

Spotlight: National UFO Information Week, 1985

The "Spotlight" section details the growing plans for the first National UFO Information Week. The initiative is expanding beyond the U.S. borders, with Cynthia Hind in Zimbabwe organizing a similar event and a one-day Forum. The British UFO Research Organization has also been contacted to participate, potentially making the event international. Domestically, MUFON State organizations are showing enthusiasm, but there's a significant challenge in securing funding for projects. Marge, writing from the P.I.P.E. Committee, expresses concern about the overwhelming number of requests for free materials such as videotapes, audio cassettes, books, and bumper stickers. She emphasizes that these items are personally funded by individuals within the organization and not by MUFON as a whole, highlighting a potential misunderstanding among those requesting them. Marge seeks input on how to address this issue, suggesting it be mentioned in Walt's Director's Message or in the Newsletter.

On the Screen

This section announces the completion of a UFO documentary for television. While acknowledging that the film quality might not meet national network standards, the content is praised for covering many aspects of the UFO subject without sensationalism or focusing on debunking. Dr. David M. Jacobs is commended for his hosting, introduction, and conclusion, and for effectively linking the program's segments. The experience of producing the film is described as educational, and the potential of video-camera technology for future projects is noted. Suggestions for next year's programs are solicited for a meeting on June 28.

Poster to Appear on Journal Cover

Dennis Stacy has informed the committee that Tom Deuley's poster design for National UFO Information Week will likely be featured on the cover of either the June or July issue of the Journal. This is seen as a good way to remind everyone about the event and its dates.

Bletchman Addresses Gifted Youngsters

Bob Bletchman recently spoke to a class of academically gifted and talented youngsters about the UFO phenomenon. He described the experience as exhilarating, and the article encourages others who have not had this experience to volunteer, noting how receptive these students are to the subject.

Christensen Addresses MENSA on UFOs

Marge Christensen recently addressed the Massachusetts chapter of MENSA, an organization for highly intelligent individuals. Barry Greenwood and Jim Melesciuc also attended. The presentation included a slide show and a Q&A session. Contrary to expectations of skepticism, the audience showed little skepticism. One MENSA member, an astronomer-physicist, even applied to join MUFON. Several members shared personal or family UFO sighting experiences. Marge noted the similarity in acronyms (MENSA and MUFON) and meeting schedules of the two organizations. She shared poll results: a 1976 U.S. MENSA poll found 64% believed UFOs are spaceships from other planets, 51% thought they carried studying beings, 16% had experienced sightings, and 67% would board a UFO if occupants were not hostile. A 1975 French MENSA poll showed 93% believed UFOs exist.

Library Cards Evoke Response

Following the distribution of a sample card on MUFON to libraries in Massachusetts, the response has been positive. Libraries have contacted MUFON requesting folders of information on UFOs for their vertical files, indicating the cards were a worthwhile venture. Several State Directors have indicated they will also send out similar cards in their respective states.

To Report a UFO Sighting - Call Your Library?

Due to recent instances where individuals seeking UFO research organizations have contacted local libraries, Barry Greenwood suggests encouraging the public to report UFO sightings to public libraries instead of law enforcement agencies. The rationale is that librarians are less likely to ridicule witnesses and can be better equipped with MUFON information cards. Eventually, there are plans to offer a computer catalog of UFO resources for sale to libraries, further enhancing their ability to provide information on the UFO subject.

Teens and UFO Organizations

This section announces the formation of two or three statewide UFO organizations for teenagers in the U.S. Walt Andrus has appointed George Gregg, Jr. (age 15) as a liaison for these groups. MUFON Headquarters in Seguin, TX, is developing a detailed plan for this new committee, covering operations, titles, privileges, and ID cards, which will be presented at the Annual Corporate Meeting in St. Louis. Marge Christensen has already sent information and activities to the newly formed New Jersey group, "Future UFO Investigators."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around public education and awareness regarding the UFO phenomenon, exemplified by the National UFO Information Week and the completed documentary. There's a strong emphasis on the organizational efforts of MUFON, including outreach to different demographics (gifted youngsters, MENSA members, teens) and institutions (libraries). The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, non-sensationalized research and information dissemination, while also grappling with the practical challenges of funding and resource management within the organization. The newsletter encourages proactive engagement from its members and the public, suggesting innovative approaches like utilizing libraries for UFO reporting and fostering youth involvement.