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Wednesday, December 1, 2010 Orono Weekly Times - 9 FIREWOOD Continued from pg 7 this past trip, the most they had brought at one time so far. This money was used to buy food and building supplies once they were in the Dominican Republic, she said. "This trip was the first time that two other couples ORONO WEEKLY TIMES TS LOCAL NEWS LOCAL EVEN Keeping you in touch with everything local since 1937! LOCAL SPORTS 905-983-5301 came with us. We all paid our own way. The Lord seems to be opening more doors, and getting more people involved," said Sylvia, as she began to explain the latest donation coming from John and Margie Sikma. Although Sylvia retired from Foodland and Ed retired from General Motors two years ago, they have continued working on their farm, and have also worked part-time for Sikma Orchards in Newcastle. The Sikmas, like the Rypstras, belong to the Maranatha Church and are familiar with the work done through "Operation Dominican Republic". John and Margie Sikma decided to retire from the apple busi- ness, making this their last season for apples (they plan to keep selling their strawberries), according to Sylvia. "The apples were done just before Thanksgiving, and the next week they started bulldozing the trees," she stated. "The whole orchard is done already. John and Ed are working there right now, chopping the trees into firewood," she said Monday afternoon. According to Sylvia, John told Ed that if he helped him chop up the apple trees for sale as firewood, then the Sikmas would donate the money from those sales to the orphanage. The apple orchard was 10-acres in size and there was a couple of thousand trees, according to John Sikma. "Initially, I was just going to leave them there. It's an awful lot of work, and I'm not looking for more work. But then I saw an avenue to make some money for the orphans and that's how it came about," said Sikma on Tuesday afternoon. He said they are selling about three-quarters of a face-cord for $80, which includes local delivery. The price is lower for multiple orders. Sikma Orchards will be closing its doors on January 14th. In the meantime, the Sikmas hope to sell quite a bit of firewood in order to make a sizable donation, with which the Rypstras can buy more food and building supplies for the orphanage. Apple wood is a hardwood, and therefore has above-average heating properties. It is noted for the pleasant smell it gives when burned, and is often favoured when barbequing, as it gives a nice flavour to smoked meats. Are you in an abusive relationship? Call Bethesda House 905-623-6050 or 1-