MUFON Michigan Annual Report - 2010

Magazine Overview

This document is the Annual Report of the Michigan Mutual UFO Network, Inc. (MUFON) for the period June 1, 2009, through May 31, 2010. It details the organization's activities, accomplishments, finances, and future goals.

Membership and Officers

The report indicates that the International Mutual UFO Network, Inc. had 84 members in Michigan per the central office list, while Michigan MUFON, Inc. had a membership of 81. The current officers are listed, with William Konkolesky serving as State Director. Other key positions include Assistant State Directors Patty Donahue (Administration) and Wendy Smith (Financial), Chief Investigator Gary Golem, and various Regional and County State Section Directors. Jean Waskiewicz is the Electronic Data Manager, David Twichell is the Director of Public Relations and Newsletter Editor, and David and Darlene Bleicher serve as Librarians. Linda and William Murphy are listed as Consultants, and William Konkolesky also serves as Webmaster.

Investigations and Treasury

During the reporting period, 236 UFO sightings were reported, and 236 investigations into these sightings were completed. The treasury reported a bank balance and cash on hand of $4336.80, excluding the value of library items, merchandise, and office equipment. Income sources included membership dues, fundraising (charitable gaming), merchandise sales, and fees from speaker presentations and luncheons. Disbursements covered meeting expenses, speaker fees, newsletter printing, postage, state director expenses, equipment rentals, and office supplies.

Membership Benefits and Meetings

Membership dues of $25.00 per mailing address annually entitle members to receive the newsletter six times per year (in paper or PDF format), borrow from the state MUFON library, attend training sessions, and receive discounted rates for speakers at meetings. State membership meetings were held monthly from September 2009 to May 2010, often including Field Investigator training and quality speakers. The cost for general meetings was $14 for MUFON/MIMUFON members and $16 for non-members, with a reduced rate for first-time attendees. State Officer/Section Director meetings were held concurrently for planning and business.

Accomplishments

Michigan MUFON proudly maintained its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, largely due to Wendy Smith's efforts. A charitable gaming fundraiser in Romulus, Michigan, generated $500 in profit. Field Investigator training remained popular, open to all MUFON members. The organization's investigators completed 236 sighting reports out of 236 received. Michigan continued its participation in MUFON's Star Impact Project, led by Gary Golem. The state was divided into three regions with a Regional State Section Director in each to improve investigation management. State Director Bill Konkolesky gave presentations on MUFON and UFOs at public libraries. Michigan MUFON possesses a range of technology hardware to support meetings and presentations, and its website, mimufon.org, is regularly updated by Konkolesky.

The Michigan MUFON members' lending library contains over 1000 items, including books, tapes, and DVDs, maintained by librarians David and Darlene Bleicher. The MIMUFON store, run by Patty Donahue, sells merchandise like t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and books. Membership cards are issued and laminated for durability. Meetings are held in Flint due to geographic concentration and budgetary reasons, with an average attendance of about 40 people. A management team of state officers was involved in decision-making processes.

Goals

Future goals include hosting a public event at Henry Ford Community College featuring Peter Robbins discussing the Rendlesham UFO Event on September 18, 2010. The organization aims to leverage its 501(c)(3) status for growth, increase membership in both MUFON International and Michigan MUFON Inc., attract members in underrepresented areas, and promote professional UFO investigation through open communication with law enforcement and media. Public relations efforts, including interviews and speaking engagements, will continue. David Twichell's local UFO radio program, "We Are Not Alone," is highlighted. The organization also plans to support smaller local gatherings, develop fundraising tactics, update the MIMUFON store, maintain a positive administrative attitude, and ensure open communication with international and national MUFON leadership and members.

Conclusion

The report concludes with a statement from State Director William J. Konkolesky, expressing that Michigan MUFON is in strong shape, optimistically geared toward 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 and reporting of UFO sightings, the importance of membership engagement and benefits, the financial management and fundraising efforts of the organization, and the commitment to public education and professional investigation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of positive progress, organizational health, and forward-looking optimism, emphasizing teamwork and continued growth within the MUFON framework.