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14 - "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2000 ' Department Durham Region Health is warning area residents to take pre- cautions to ensure that children are not exposed to Jimson weed seeds, as serious health conse- quences could result if these seeds are eaten. It has been reported that several Oshawa area youth have eaten the seeds and Health department warns parents to not allow children to eat the seeds have become ill as a result. Jimson weed seed is comgmonly found in Ontario. It is also known by a number of names includ- ing thornapple, stinkweed, nightshade, devil's apple, apple of Peru, locoweed, devil's weed, gypsy and Datura. these seeds are found in has bulky, jagged, bitter . The plant that tasting leaves with large white or purple trumpet- like flowers that appear from May to September. In the fall, thorny pods appear in the plant, pro- ducing approximately 50 to 100 seeds. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health indicates that these seeds are often used as a hallucinogenic. In addi- tion, each fall a number of individuals seek medical attention when the seeds or plant are eaten, smoked, snorted or inject- ed. "Many users are unaware of the toxic potential of these seeds," said Dr. Donna Reynolds, Associate Medical Officer FALL FASHION FABRIC Huge assortment of up-to-the-minute Fashion looks, including: Leather and S fabrics, Chenilles, Plaids, Panne Velour and our largest selection ued le -like Our Entire Stock of Knits ever! Evening and Holiday Wear and so much more! Now 30% off © IT *=Ye I SA T= Lo TTT $1) ITS Stock! [1\: {oy [oe FLEECE Plain & Prints « Individually priced. 30% OFF Our Regular Price Our Entire Stock BASICS ning, Interfacing 801 Dundas St Our Entire Stock! CHRISTMAS FABRIC & TRIMS & Quilted and Flats yr VX 1; Our Regular Price Our *Entire Stock DRAPERY 20% OFF Our Regular Price * Excludes Promo Items and Ends ) L OTS OF FREE PARKING 600 Grandview St. S., Oshawa (905)436-7589 , (Kendalwood Plaza) Whitby (905)721-9152 BO) 2122 Cheese Blend "'2Free Dipping Satie e Our *Entire Stock NOTION 30% OF Our Regular Price * Excludes Books, Scissors & Quilting Accesso STORE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9to 9 Sat. 91to 6 SIVA ESB (o Js! EigWWimey. PIZZA, SUBS eck -- ® SWINGS = MS 80 Wetter St, Port Perry 3 fie n'y. 8 Plece sah "Ln for Durham Region Health Department. "The seeds contain a number of agents including atropine, which if ingested, can lead to seri- ous health complications." According to Health Department officials, indi- viduals who take these seeds usually experience euphoria, restlessness and hallucinations that can progress to delirium, coma and death. Other symp- Jimson weed seeds raise health concerns in Durham Region toms include dry mouth, dilated pupils, hot flushed skin, blurred vision, diffi- culty passing urine or dis- orientation. Symptoms last a few hours or extend to days. The Health Department is urging anyone who has taken these seeds to seek immediate medical atten- tion and cautioning Durham Region residents to avoid contact. Staff raised more than S11,000 Education centre staff recognized for donations The staff association at the Durham District School Board's Education Centre went all out last year in support of local charities. In the 10 months from September 1999 to June 2000, the staff association raised well over $11,000 for a diverse group of charities, with a focus on children and those in need. "We felt we needed to look mainly at local orga- nizations which did not have the same ability to raise funds as the large provincial and national organizations," said Dawn Chaytor, co-chairperson-of the. staff group last year. "The response to their needs from the roughly 300 staff located at the Education Centre was overwhelming." "We held raffles, spe- cial events, walk-a-thons and theme weeks," said the group's other co-chair- person, Bev Gordon. "The Christmas season was especially rewarding as we were able to put gifts under the tree and food on the table for many needy families in Durham." Friday (Oct. 13), Education Centre staff were on the receiving end of local goodwill. As a way of thanking all the volun- teers on staff who orga- nized and supported the charitable drives through- out the year, the firms of I.B.M., Conpute and Buffett Taylor sponsored most of the cost of supply- ing Great Canadian Cards for staff association mem- bers. The cards are meant to recognize individuals who give their time, talent, energy and enthusiasm to make Canada great. They will entitle holders to spe- cial savings or privileges throughout Durham and surrounding areas. Bobbie Drew € Ie i150 Fe Bigfoot: with' Titer we 41 Hb Wins. and Ne *Garligbread pw ar afoot 20 Piece 21% "Aa AN