MUFON Michigan Annual Report - 2009

Magazine Overview

This document is the Annual Report of the Michigan Mutual UFO Network, Inc. (Michigan MUFON) for the period June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009. It details the organization's activities, membership, finances, and future goals.

Membership and Officers

During this period, there were 88 International Mutual UFO Network, Inc. members in Michigan listed by the central office, and Michigan MUFON, Inc. had a membership of 135. The current officers for Michigan MUFON were listed as:

• State Director: William Konkolesky
• Assistant State Directors: Patty Donahue (Administration), Wendy Smith (Financial)
• Chief Investigator: Gary Golem
• Regional State Section Directors: John Castle (SW Region), Gary Golem (SE Region), Sunny Young (N Region)
• State Section Directors of Selected Counties: Dave Bleicher (Genessee, Lapeer), Judy Kulka (Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Antrim), Harold Marquardt (Macomb), Zach Smith (Eaton, Jackson, Ingham, Shiawassee)
• Electronic Data Manager: Jean Waskiewicz
• Director of Public Relations and Newsletter Editor: David Twichell
• Librarians: David and Darlene Bleicher
• Consultants: Linda and William Murphy
• Webmaster: William Konkolesky

Investigations and Activities

The Investigation section reported that 193 UFO sightings were received and 193 investigations into these sightings were completed. Michigan MUFON actively participated in the MUFON Star Impact Project, headed by Gary Golem. A new Regional State Section Director position was introduced to divide the state into three sections for better investigation management, which proved successful.

Presentations on MUFON and UFOs were given by State Director Bill Konkolesky at public libraries. Michigan MUFON also assisted the History Channel's 'UFO Hunters' for their 'UFO Emergency' episode by providing information on the 1994 Holland area flap.

The organization possesses a range of technology hardware, including computers, projectors, and audio-visual equipment, to support guest presenters and members.

Treasury and Income

The Treasury reported a bank balance and cash on hand of $3357.63, excluding the value of library items, merchandise, and office equipment. Income sources included membership dues ($25.00 annually per mailing address), sale of merchandise (clothing, books, video tapes, newsletters), and fees from speaker presentations and luncheons.

Disbursements covered membership meeting expenses, speaker fees, newsletter printing, postage, state director expenses, equipment rentals, office supplies, and deposits for meeting venues.

Membership Benefits and Meetings

Membership dues of $25.00 per mailing address entitled members to receive the newsletter six times a year (paper or PDF format), borrow from the state MUFON library, attend training sessions, and receive discounts on guest speakers. State membership meetings were held in September, November 2008, and January, March, May 2009, often including Field Investigator training and guest speakers. The cost for general meetings was $14 for MUFON/MIMUFON members and $16 for non-members, with a $5 rate for first-time attendees.

Accomplishments

Michigan MUFON Inc. maintained its 501(c)(3) status, largely due to Wendy Smith's efforts, which allowed for tax-deductible donations. New personnel joined the organization, including Patty Donahue as Assistant State Director (Administration) and Linda and Bill Murphy as Consultants. Gary Golem took over as Chief Investigator. Field Investigator training remained popular, open to all MUFON members. The organization's investigators completed all reported sightings. The introduction of Regional State Section Directors was successful in managing investigations. Presentations by Bill Konkolesky were well-received. The assistance provided to the History Channel's 'UFO Hunters' was a notable outreach activity.

The Michigan MUFON website (mimufon.org) was kept updated by Bill Konkolesky, providing current information and allowing online payment of dues. The members' lending library, with over 1000 items, remained popular, maintained by David and Darlene Bleicher. The MIMUFON store, run by Patty Donahue, sold merchandise like t-shirts and books. Membership cards were issued for verification and credibility. Meetings were held in Flint due to geographic concentration and budget, with an average attendance of 40 people.

Goals

The stated goals for the organization included:

• Leveraging 501(c)(3) status for growth, including tax-free meals and soliciting donations.
• Increasing membership in both MUFON International and Michigan MUFON Inc.
• Attracting members in underrepresented areas of Michigan.
• Improving and completing a greater number of sighting and abduction investigations.
• Promoting professional investigation through communication with law enforcement and media.
• Informing the public about UFOlogy and promoting MUFON through public relations, interviews, and speaking engagements. David Twichell continued his local UFO radio program, "We Are Not Alone."
• Supporting smaller local MUFON gatherings.
• Developing fundraising tactics.
• Updating the MIMUFON store with new items.
• Maintaining a positive administrative attitude and open communication with MUFON International, the International Board of Directors, and all MUFON members.

Conclusion

The report concludes with a statement from State Director William J. Konkolesky, indicating that Michigan MUFON is in strong shape, optimistic about growth, financially healthy, and blessed with an active team. The organization looks forward to another good year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are the active investigation of UFO sightings, the importance of membership engagement and growth, the operational and financial health of the organization, and a commitment to public education and outreach regarding UFOlogy. The editorial stance is one of positive reporting, highlighting accomplishments and setting clear goals for future development and continued activity within the field of UFO research and advocacy.