MUFON Michigan Newsletter - 2009 09

Magazine Overview

Title: MICHIGAN MUFON NEWSLETTER
Issue Date: September 2009
Publisher: Michigan Mutual UFO Network
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter provides a comprehensive update on the organization's activities, events, and reports from the period of September 2009. It features news from the State Director, details on upcoming meetings and training sessions, an annual report, statistical data on UFO sightings, and obituaries of significant figures in the UFO research community.

Words From the State Director

State Director Bill Konkolesky reports on the success of the 2009 MUFON Symposium in Denver, August 6-9, where Patty Donahue represented Michigan. MIMUFON has obtained a charitable gaming license in Michigan and is preparing for its first fundraiser, a poker night on November 14-15 in Romulus. Funds raised will support higher profile speakers, Michigan conferences, public outreach, technology upgrades, and venue costs. The next Michigan MUFON meeting is scheduled for September 20th at Walli's East in Flint, featuring Field Investigator Training led by Chief Investigator Gary Golem.

Inside This Issue

• The newsletter outlines several key articles and reports:
• Michigan Family Spots Triangle UFO: A detailed account of a sighting on April 5, 2009, by a Michigan family.
• Richard H. Hall Dies: An obituary for the prominent UFOlogist.
• Lou Gentile Dies: An obituary for the paranormal investigator and radio show host.
• ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MICHIGAN MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. TO THE INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. PERIOD JUNE 1, 2008 THROUGH MAY 31, 2009: A detailed report on the organization's activities, membership, investigations, treasury, income, and disbursements.
• Mysteries 6 Update and Dick Hall: Bill Murphy's Column: Information on the "Mysteries" Seminar and a tribute to Richard H. Hall.
• MiMUFON's Patty Donahue Investigates SIP Case: A report on an investigation by Patty Donahue.
• Recent Michigan Sightings: A section dedicated to recent UFO sightings in Michigan.
• Dr. W. C. Levengood to Present at the Sept. 20th. Meeting: Announcement of a presentation by Dr. Levengood.
• From The Editor's Desk: A concluding section from the editor.

Michigan Family Spots Triangle UFO

This article by Roger Marsh details a low-flying triangle UFO sighting by a Michigan family on April 5, 2009. The family was traveling south on U.S. 127 after leaving Soaring Eagle Casino when they observed a red light that grew brighter and then flashed to a brilliant white light. They then saw three distinct white lights forming a triangle shape on a craft that moved overhead and hovered over a field. The witness statement includes details about the ages of the family members and the estimated altitude of the craft.

Richard H. Hall: December 25, 1930 - July 17, 2009

This obituary honors Richard H. Hall, a leading UFOlogist and proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Hall was born in Philadelphia and had a significant career with NICAP, where he served as executive secretary and assistant director. He was instrumental in lobbying Congress for public hearings on UFOs. In 1964, he researched, edited, and wrote "The UFO Evidence," a seminal work in the field. He later wrote a sequel and served as editor of the MUFON Journal and the Journal of UFO History. Hall was also known for his work on the role of women in the American Civil War.

Lou Gentile Dies

This section announces the passing of Lou Gentile, a paranormal investigator and syndicated radio show host, who died on June 28, 2009, after a battle with cancer. Gentile, who was about 40, had experienced poltergeist activity for over 20 years and was featured on various television programs. He was fined $10,000 by the FCC in 2007 for allegedly operating an unlicensed radio station, a charge he denied. The editor notes having been a guest on Gentile's show and found him to be a sincere individual.

District of Columbia Sighting

An anecdote from the editor describes a photograph taken in Washington D.C. on May 30, 2009, which revealed an unidentified object resembling a classic UFO shape above the statue of Andrew Jackson.

Annual Report of the Michigan Mutual UFO Network, Inc.

The annual report for the period June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009, provides a summary of Michigan MUFON's activities. Membership stood at 135 for Michigan MUFON and 88 for International MUFON members in Michigan. Current officers are listed, including State Director William Konkolesky, Assistant State Directors Patty Donahue and Wendy Smith, and Chief Investigator Gary Golem. The organization received 193 UFO sightings and completed 193 investigations. The treasury reported a balance of $3357.63. Income sources included dues, merchandise sales, and speaker fees, while disbursements covered meeting expenses, printing, and operational costs. The report also details the benefits of membership, including access to the newsletter, library, and training sessions. Accomplishments include maintaining 501(c)(3) status, welcoming new officers, conducting investigator training, participating in the Star Impact Project, and assisting the History Channel's "UFO Hunters."

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report for July and August 2009

This report provides global and US-based UFO sighting statistics. In July 2009, there were 671 sightings reported worldwide, with 580 in the United States (35 in Michigan). There were 25 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 41 Entities observed worldwide. In August 2009, there were 560 sightings worldwide, with 452 in the United States (19 in Michigan). There were 30 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 33 Entities observed worldwide. Readers are directed to www.mufon.com for more detailed data.

Mysteries 6 Update and Dick Hall

Bill Murphy's column provides details about the "Mysteries 6" Seminar on October 24th in Hanover, Maryland, featuring an expanded speaker roster including Budd Hopkins, Colonel Charles Halt, and Dr. Peter Resta. The column also includes a tribute to the late Richard H. Hall, calling him the "godfather of ufology" and highlighting his significant contributions to the field, including "The UFO Evidence."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the activities and mission of the Michigan MUFON organization, emphasizing scientific investigation, public outreach, and member training. There is a strong focus on reporting local sightings and investigations, honoring key figures in the UFO community, and providing statistical data. The editorial stance supports the extraterrestrial hypothesis and encourages rigorous, evidence-based research. The organization actively seeks volunteers and promotes its various services, including its website, library, and merchandise. The newsletter also highlights the importance of communication and cooperation within the MUFON network, both at the state and international levels.

Title: MICHIGAN MUFON NEWSLETTER
Issue: SEPT. 2009
Publisher: Michigan MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

Editorial and Tributes

This issue begins with a tribute to the late Richard Hall, a significant figure in ufology, whose dedication to scientific rigor and accountability is highlighted. Michael Swords is quoted describing Hall's strident criticisms as necessary for the field's credibility. Hall's career outside of ufology, including his work on U.S. history and female soldiers, is also mentioned. His letter to Gerald Ford regarding Project Blue Book is noted, and the article connects Hall's efforts to the ongoing struggle for ufology's scientific respectability.

Recent Michigan Sightings

The newsletter features several recent UFO sighting reports from Michigan:

• Patty Donahue SIP Case: Investigated by MIMUFON Field Investigator Patty Donahue, this case involved two witnesses near Flint, Michigan, on July 7, 2009. They reported seeing two large, bright white lights that resolved into a circular object hovering at approximately 500 feet. The object displayed multiple colored lights and moved at a high rate of speed.
• Colonel Gordon Cooper Sighting: Astronaut Gordon Cooper recounts witnessing a saucer land at Edwards Air Force Base, take off at high speed, and states his belief that it was of extraterrestrial origin. He suggests that authorities concealed such information to prevent public panic.
• Don Phillips' Experience: Don Phillips, a former Air Force, Lockheed Skunkworks, and CIA contractor, shares his experiences, including witnessing large, fast-moving objects near Las Vegas in 1966-67, estimated to be traveling at 3,000-4,000 mph. He discusses his belief in advanced extraterrestrial technology and its influence on human technological development.
• North Branch, MI Sighting (2005): A report from a then-eleven-year-old boy describes a disk-shaped object, about the size of a school bus, hovering near his home. A being descended from the craft, interacted briefly, and then returned.
• Livonia, MI Sighting (August 2, 2009): A couple reported seeing a bright circular object passing overhead at high speed, described as much larger than stars, with no tail and no sound.

Dr. W. C. Levengood Presentation

The newsletter announces an upcoming presentation by Dr. W. C. Levengood on "Energy, Consciousness, and UFOs" on September 20, 2009, in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Levengood's research explores the interaction between consciousness and the environment, and its effects at the molecular level. His work on crop formations and animal excisions is highlighted, noting his suspicion that these phenomena may be intelligently directed.

Critique of ABC's 'Primetime: Outsiders'

An article by David Twichell, MIMUFON Newsletter Editor, criticizes the ABC Network's TV special "Primetime: Outsiders" for its focus on the abduction phenomenon and its alleged attempt to explain away UFO experiences through conventional means like sleep paralysis. The article highlights the testimony of Ann Huff, an alien abduction experiencer, and quotes Michigan MUFON State Director Bill Konkolesky's critique of the program's interviewer, Juju Chang, for her perceived bias and aggressive demeanor.

MUFON Information and Contact

The newsletter includes details about an upcoming Michigan MUFON meeting, including a schedule of events, guest speakers, and reservation information. It also provides a comprehensive contact list for Michigan MUFON State Section Directors and Regional Directors, along with a suggestion box and a subscription form for the newsletter. The contact information emphasizes email as the preferred method of communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of recent UFO sightings, particularly within Michigan. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining scientific credibility within the field of ufology, as exemplified by the tribute to Richard Hall and the critique of media portrayals that dismiss UFO phenomena. The newsletter also touches upon the potential for advanced extraterrestrial technology and its influence, as discussed by Don Phillips. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous investigation, critical analysis of media coverage, and the scientific study of UFO phenomena.