Copyright 1995 The Tribune Co. Publishes The Tampa Tribune
The Tampa Tribune
May 20, 1995, Saturday, FINAL EDITION

SECTION: FLORIDA/METRO, Pg. 6
HEADLINE: Believe it, say UFO enthusiasts meeting in Tampa
BYLINE: JENNIFER PLUNKETT; Tribune Staff Writer
DATELINE: TAMPA
BODY:


Imagine driving down a dark highway when a voice on the car radio says there's been several UFO sightings in the area.

As you daydream about UFOs and aliens, something in the night sky catches your eye. The object's lights fade behind the trees. You stop the car and, as you walk toward the trees, you see the object.

The aliens inside invite you in. Your daydream seems so real.

When you finally snap out of it, you look at your watch. An hour has slipped by since you spotted the UFO, and you realize that your experience was no daydream.

Sound crazy? Believe it, Bruce Cornet says, because it happened to him.

Cornet, who researches moon structures and UFO sightings, will tell his story today at Project Awareness's second annual Tampa UFO and Metaphysical Convention, an annual gathering of UFO enthusiasts.

Cornet knows many people are reluctant to believe in "nonhuman life forms," the trade's preferred euphemism for aliens.

"Many say, "How can they manipulate us, our genes, without our permission?' " Cornet said. "The only way we will have any influence over what happens to us is if we are consciously aware of it, not by laughing at it."

Organizers expect more than 500 people to attend lectures and classes throughout the weekend on topics such as "Angels, Guides and Guardians," "Channeling: Dream Correlation," "Exploring the New Science" and "Lunar Structures." Jewelry, books and psychic services will be on sale.

Pat and Buddy Crumbley and Vicki Lyons started Project Awareness in 1989 after they said they observed several UFOs. They wanted to provide credible information on UFO sightings and offer the public the chance to share experiences in an atmosphere where they wouldn't be judged.

Like many who attend UFO conventions, Art and Mary Hufford's interest started they live. The experience left them puzzled - and reluctant to tell their friends. But they were surprised by the positive responses.

"I really had very little of the negative, except from the media," said Art Hufford.

Attending Project Awareness conferences in Gulf Breeze and Tampa helped the couple find answers to their questions. "Once I started learning more, I knew I couldn't turn my back on this stuff," Hufford said.

The Huffords started a local chapter of an international UFO organization, following up on reported sightings, organizing sky watches and forming support groups for those who have been abducted by aliens.

(CHART) UFO awareness The convention is open to the public and will run through Sunday at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza/Sabal Park. Lectures are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. today and from 8:45 to 5:15 p.m. Sunday. For information on costs, call 623-6363.