April "2007 World Geography Month" inaugurates geographic naming for America500 Birthday

For Immediate Release

Richard Steltzner, the America500 Birthday Organizing Committee co-chair and a Napa Valley vintner, announced the dedication of April "2007 World Geography Month" to recognize the commemorations worldwide for the geographical naming of America. Communities in California, France, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Germany, Peru, Mexico are honoring this once-in-history momentous occasion.

The Waldseemuller map of the globe was not only the first depiction of two new continents, but also of a new ocean, now called the Pacific.

Co-chair Steltzner, "Waldseemuller map presents us a key as a classical, learning tool to unlock human knowledge based on astronomy, geography, climate-botany and transportation routes for cultural settlement. For us, here in California, its also the birthday of Pacific America."

Town by town, cities and institutions along the California Coast are acting to not just to recognize "Who Named America" for the America500 Birthday geographical naming, but
to champion understanding of their distinct place in world history. The cultural geography definition "Pacific America" explains the maritime transportation route impacts on botanical-natural resources and patterns of human settlement in history.

For the 2007 World Geography month, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Petaluma, St. Helena, Greve in Chianti-Italy, Benicia have all adopted the Resolution of Recognition in support of the growing, global cultural initiative. Napa Valley, Benicia and Santa Cruz helped kick-off the America500 Birthday at New Year's with the Holiday "Wear White For Peace" salute to Brazil, first named America in 1507.

Now, the America500.tv website is now in construction. For April, students in classrooms will be able to download the draft text wording, and then urge local elected officials to pass the resolution in their town to recognize geography education as essential in worldwide learning for future peace.

Have your students draft the Resolution of Recognition to "Bring Home The Spirit of History and Community."

Questions: 831.915.7837 Mark West Publicity