Aloha!

Jon Bartholomew was enjoying a Thanksgiving holiday with his wife Traci when she suddenly and rapidly lost sight in one of her eyes. After a visit to an ophthalmologist and a referral to a neurologist they learned that she had Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms are unpredictable. There are some treatments for MS, but no cure.

Traci and Jon could resign themselves to this but instead they work to raise funds for the important work done by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Jon and Traci participate in many tiki culture events and Jon is a founding member of the Queequeg Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Moai. The Fellow Moai in his chapter have taken up the gauntlet and focused their efforts on the Maine Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In April the newly formed Team Queequeg participated in MS Walk 2008 and was the third ranked team in the state of Maine, raising over $5,000 with the help of Ohana all over the country. The growing chapter is determined to do even better next year but why wait?

This fall the chapter is raising funds for the Society with a custom tiki mug designed by popular sculptor Squid and manufactured by Tiki Farm. Only 200 of this unique, limited edition mug will be produced and sold and all proceeds from the sale will be donated to the cause.

The mug is a Moai with Maori-style tattoos inspired by those worn by the Moby Dick character, Queequeg. To honor the MS Society the included tattoos symbolize health and life (the sun) and renewal (koru swirls). Another little detail is that the mug has feet. We all know Moai don't have feet, but the Moai in New England have walked together in the MS Walk, so they figured: Hey, we're the walking Moai! Give the mug some feet!

Each mug will come with a hand-signed, hand-numbered Certificate of Authenticity and the recipe for the amazing Queequeg's Harpoon cocktail which has been a closely held secret until now. According to Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, author of Sippin' Safari, Grog Log, Intoxica! and Taboo Table, the Queequeg's Harpoon "is like a Nantucket sleigh-ride on the high seas with Ahab at the helm. It's not just a drink, it's an adventure!"

All sales are online, please go to www.northeasttikitour.com/msmug for more information.

For more information, please contact strathkinnessjb at yahoo dot com.

Keep the torches burning,

— Tagata Maori Rogorogo

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The Queequeg Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Moai formed in 2007 and encompasses all of the New England states. The chapter takes its name and symbols from the fictional character in Moby-Dick. The Queequegs host the annual NorthEast Tiki Tour and raise funds to support charities including The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.