Don't Miss This Year's Adventure!

From: RSD - Sep 10, 2005

Contact: Karen E. Black
(585) 338-7772

FAMOUS WILDLIFE EXPERT BRINGS ANIMALS & STRONG MESSAGE TO ROCHESTER

Event is fundraiser for Rochester School for the Deaf

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 10--An acclaimed wildlife expert known for his powerfully captivating presentations is the guest for Rochester School for the Deaf's annual Adventures in Education program at 5 p.m., October 20, at the school located at 1545 St. Paul Street, near Irondequoit.

Rusty Jones, author and renowned environmental educator whose presentations have been touted by Princeton University, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, and American Museum of Natural History, has appeared on David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, The Today Show and Regis and Kathy Lee.

Animals in hand, Johnson teaches his audience how to observe and model the habits of animals to enhance their self-esteem, health, and quality of life. Johnson explains what attributes the successful animal has and then he shows how those attributes can be applied to improve one's life.

"Rusty's messages of self-esteem, perseverance, teamwork, and excellence are exactly what RSD's Adventures in Education program embodies for our students," said Dr. Harold Mowl, RSD superintendent. "Rusty has a keen ability to inspire and motivate people of all ages."

Jones discusses his interesting experiences and information gathered during his travels to Africa, the West Indies, and the Amazon. He explains why people should accept cultural differences, different way of life, and appreciate the many things we take for granted.

Princeton University's Dr. James L. Gould has said that Johnson's lectures were "rated the best of Princeton's Natural History Lecture series;" and Wild Kingdom's Jim Fowler said Johnson is "a powerful spokesperson that can effect the attitudes of the public in a positive way."

Federally licensed for falconry, raising protected and endangered species including alligators, falcons, eagles, condors, vipers and cobras, he has assisted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in capturing Bald Eagles for vital research.

Johnson is also the author of The Twilight of the Wild, a non-fiction collection of essays, photos and artwork about his experiences raising wild and endangered species, his worldwide travels and experiences like monitoring an actively volcanic island or documenting the dwindling elephant herds in southern Africa. He is also the founder of Aylazon, a charity benefiting the children in the Amazon.

Hors d'oeuvres and dessert reception begins at 5 p.m.;
presentation begins at 7 p.m. The annual presentation of the Founders' Awards will occur, and a book signing immediately following the program. Tickets cost $45; patron tickets are $80; underwriter tickets are $250+. Proceeds from the event fund special educational programming. Call 585-336-5855 to purchase tickets or for more information.

Founded in 1876, Rochester School for the Deaf has been
providing quality education to deaf students throughout central and western New York. This is the 13th Adventures in Education program.

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