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2004 - 2009 / 5 Years in Arizona
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What's New with the Hart Family
Greetings to All:
Arizona has passed a budget... sort of. The conservative
Republicans who hold the majority in the State Legislature got most of what they wanted but did not get their five percent
reduction in education or child services. Governor Brewer vetoed both.
So both houses will be back trying to work out a compromise that works for all sides, notably the people of Arizona.
If an education budget is not set by July 15th, the start of the new school year could be affected.
John is ready to go back to work but still has no idea what to expect. School is
scheduled to start on August 3rd.
After a warmer than usual May, we've enjoyed a cooler June with temperatures (only) in the 90's for 18 days.
The result was an average high of 99, the lowest average in 90 years and fourth coolest since the weather service
started keeping records. July has been a scorcher so far and the first monsoon storms
of the season have brought much-needed rain.
Liam has joined the Gilbert Model Railroad Club with John as a sponsor. They go
to meetings every Tuesday evening. John works on scenery while Liam runs his trains.
We are taking a short family vacation. This year we will visit Tombstone,
Bisbee, Fort Huachuca (pronounced WAH-CHEW-KUH), the Chiricahua (CHEERY-KAH-WAH) Mountains, Lordsburg, New
Mexico, and part of the White Mountains.
Laury and Liam will be flying back to Northern California later this month to visit relatives in the Bay Area
and hopefully getting up to Sacramento as well.
Laury has been working long hours, including weekends, at SteinMart. Business is up and
recent Saturday sales drives have proven very successful. She enjoys working at SteinMart
and especially likes meeting the people. Laury was very outspoken about the whole San
Tan Valley issue. She is also supporting the recall of our HOA board which was never elected
legally in the first place and continues to push "in-your-face" politics in our neighborhood.
Laury remains very active toward improving education not only in our district and John's district, but statewide.
Laury continues to push recognition and understanding of Asperger's Syndrome.
The D-Backs continue to lose games in all sorts of unimaginative ways. Only the
Washington Nationals have a worse record. The bullpen, those firemen who are supposed to put
out the fires, have become an arson squad. The fielders have become butchers.
Opposing pitchers have looked like Hall-of-Famers because everybody, save for Justin Upton, can't seem to hit the ball.
We may have the best pitcher in the game, Dan Haren, but he can't go nine and pitch a no-hitter every time out.
Yes, it has been a long hot summer for the local nine. Even Liam has stopped asking about when we
are going to a game.
Summer is also a good time to fix things around the house, or even kickback, watch videos, maybe even read a
good book. John has been more active in the garden and apparently all that advice from Dave
the Garden Guy is getting through that thick head of his. Liam spends most of his time on the
computer talking to friends. On occasion, he gets together with his friend Austin to go swimming. All
of us highly recommend the video "Mamma Mia," which features the music of ABBA. Liam
is "into" ABBA right now. Meryl Streep is John's favorite actress.
Laury likes Pierce Brosnan. This is a very "cute" love story.
Check it out!
July 21 is the official five year anniversary of John's move to Arizona but the official family anniversary is
August 1st. We are planning some sort of celebration but haven't decided exactly what
that will be. John was thinking of celebrating the July 21 anniversary with a 44-ounce
Coke and a D-Back dog from Circle K. That was his diet when he first arrived down here.
It's now official, we are San Tan Valley, Arizona 85142. This avoids confusion
with Queen Creek in Maricopa County which is incorporated and didn't recognize the Pinal County portion as part of their community.
Until next time...
Love
John, Laury, and Liam plus Alf, Rancher, and Daisy
CLICK HERE for the latest news from our part of the world Presented by KTVK - 3TV - Arizona's Family
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| Daddy, Mommy, and Liam at Four Months - 1996 |
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| Liam and Mommy at Refugio Beach, California - 2004 |
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| The Original Kitties: Alf (right) and Ralph in 2003 |
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| l-r: Liam, Laury, Bruce, Linda, Luz, Pamma - not pictured: John & Xiomara - 2008 |
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| Dr. Hart explains Your Objective |
Our Favorite Links
Arizona At Your Service
Arizona Office of Tourism
No shoes, no shirt, no problem - The Kenny Chesney Website
Liam and John's Asperger's Disorder Homepage - Asperger's Disorder is a mild form of autism
Grand Canyon National Park
Major League Baseball (including the Arizona Diamondbacks)
The Legendary KISN in Portland - John wanted to be a "91derful Good Guy" in Portland, Oregon - This is his first contribution
to Wikipedia
Everything you
ever wanted to know about
Arizona
Capital: Phoenix
Governor: Jan Brewer (R)
Senators:
John McCain (R) and John Kyl (R)
Congressman: Jeff Flake
(R)
State Senator: Rebecca Rios
(D)
State Representative: Barbara
McGuire (D)
Organized as a Territory:
February 24, 1863
Admitted as a State: February
14, 1912 (48th)
Present Constitution Developed: 1911
State Motto: Ditat Deus (God
Enriches)
State Flower: Saguaro
Cactus Flower
State Bird: Cactus Wren
State Colors: Red, Old
Gold, Blue, and Copper
Song: "Arizona"
State Tree: Palo Verde
State Neckware: Bola Tie
State Fossil: Petrified
Wood
State Gemstone: Turquoise
State Reptile: Arizona Ridgenose
Rattlesnake
State Fish: Arizona Trout
State Amphibian: Arizona
Treefrog
State Butterfly: Two-tailed
Swallowtail
State Nickname: The Grand
Canyon State
Origin of Name: From the
Tohono O'odham Indian word meaning "little spring"
Largest city: Phoenix -
population 1,461,575 - 5th largest city in the United States
Other major cities: Chandler,
Gilbert, Glendale, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Mesa, Peoria, Prescott, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson, Yuma
State Population: 5,939,292
State Land Area: 113,635 square
miles (6th largest)
Number of counties: 15
State Universities: University
of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University
Major Highways: Interstate
8, Interstate 10, Interstate 17, Interstate 19, Interstate 40, US 60, US 89, US 191, State Routes 64, 79, 85, 87
Some famous Arizonans:
Edward Abbey (author and environmentalist), Rex Allen (Last of the singing cowboys and longtime spokesman for Purina Chows),
Steve Allen (singer, actor, TV celebrity), Joe Arpaio (Maricopa County Sheriff), Charles Barkley (basketball star), Bruce
Babbitt (former Governor and Secretary of the Interior), Dirks Bentley (country singer), Erma Bombeck (columnist), Dr. Richard
Carmona (Surgeon General of the United States), Lynda Carter (actress), Cesar Chavez (activist), Cochise (Apache chief), Alice Cooper aka Vince Furnier (rock n' roll singer), Kent Dana (TV newscaster),
Dennis DeConcini (politician), Andy Devine (actor), Dr. Ted Dietrich (heart surgeon), Ted DeGrazia (artist), Hugh Downs (television
personality), Wyatt Earp (Lawman), Joe Garigiola (sportscaster), Geronimo (Apache chief), Barry
Goldwater (politician), Luis Gonzalez (baseball player), Zane Grey (novelist), Paul Harvey (radio personality), Carl Hayden
(politician), Ira Hayes (war hero), Doc Holliday (gambler and gunfighter), George W.P. Hunt (first Governor of Arizona elected
seven times), Randy "The Big Unit" Johnson (baseball star), Joseph, Nick, and Kevin - The Jonas Brothers (singers/actors),
Bill Keane (cartoonist), Jimmy Kimmel (TV host), Eusebio Kino (missionary), Meadowlark Lemon (basketball star), Percival Lowell
(astronomer), Frank Luke Jr. (World War I flying ace), Dan "Thunder" Majerle (basketball player), John
McCain (war hero/politician), Al McCoy ("Voice" of the Phoenix Suns), Pat McMahon (radio/television personality), Phil
Mickelson (golfer), Charles Mingus (Jazz musician),
Tom Mix (cowboy actor), Sam Moore (of
Sam and Dave... singer), Wayne Newton (singer), Stevie Nicks (singer), Leslie Nielsen (actor), Nick Nolte (actor),
Sandra Day O'Connor (former US Supreme Court Justice), William "Buckey"
O'Neill (lawman), Valerie Perrine (model/actress), Lori Piestewa (war hero), Dave Pratt (radio personality),
Dan Quayle (former Vice President of the United States), John Rhodes (politician), Dennis DiConcini (politician),
Marty Robbins (singer), Ryne Sandberg (Chicago Cubs Hall-of-Famer), Paulo Solari (architect), David Spade (actor/comedian),
Kerry Strug (Olympic Gymnast), Pat Tillman (football star/war hero), Morris Udall (politician), Stewart Udall (former Secretary
of the Interior), Brandon Webb (baseball all-star), Frank Lloyd Wright (architect)
The Arizona Image
Most people see Arizona as just desert. But Arizona has more
mountains than Switzerland, owns more boats than any other state, and contains the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine found anywhere
in the world. Of course we have the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, the Indian Reservations,
Sedona, and 300-plus days of sunshine. We also have the most beautiful sunsets.
The Saguaro cactus is native here. Arizona is a unique place and we are proud to call it our home.
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John Ross Hart
Date of Birth: March 29, 1950
Place of Birth: Woodland, California
Father: John R. Hart Jr. (1921 - 1996)
Mother: Frances Birmingham Hart (1925 - 1993)
Brother: William Everett Hart (September 14, 1946)
Brother: Richard Paul "Rich" Hart (1953 -
)
Married: Laury Hart, October 16, 1993
Children: Liam Hart, born November 20, 1995
Education: Winters Elementary School, Olive Pleasants
Valley School, Waggoner Junior High School, Winters High School, American River College (A.A. in English), Chico
State University (B.A. in Mass Communications/English), St. Mary's College (Secondary Teaching Credential, Second in Class),
continuing education through Northern Arizona University and Arizona Department of Education
Current Occupation: Currently teaches English
as a Second Language and Sheltered English Instruction at San Tan Foothills High School in Queen Creek, Arizona.
Sponsor of National Honor Society and Class of 2011. NEA and AEA Representative.
Background: Originally wanted to be the "Voice" of the Seattle
Pilots baseball team (team lasted one year), second choice was to be a "KISN Good Guy" at the legendary Portland, Oregon Top
40 station (FCC took the station off-the-air in the mid-1970's). Instead spent 20 years in hotel management
and sales, began teaching in 2000, but not fulltime until he moved to Arizona in 2004. Now a tenured
teacher. A published writer in magazines and newspapers.
Interests: God, family, my students, my kitties, travel, trains, writing, photography, music, and baseball
Notable Characteristics: John is a published writer
in magazines, newspapers, and on the internet. Sometimes he even gets paid.
Active in the community. Member of Gilbert Model Railroad Club where he handles the scenery.
"Mr. Baseball" knows more about the game than anybody. Now follows the Arizona Diamondbacks
as his favorite team but still follows the Oakland A's. Says if he wasn't teaching he would
be playing the bass and singing back-up in a classic rock group.
What you will find hard to believe: John is actually
very shy and withdrawn, especially around strangers.
John's America Website
Laury Ann "Elphie" Ellisen Hart
Date of Birth: June 17, 1956
Place of Birth: Petaluma, California
Father: Raleigh Ellisen
Mother: Judith Ellisen
Brother: Bruce Ellisen
Brother: Jason Ellisen
Married to John
Education: Parkmead Elementary School and Del Valle High
School in Walnut Creek, California, Berkeley High School, College of Alameda
Occupation: Retail sales
Background: Currently sells shoes at SteinMart in Queen
Creek Marketplace. Varied background includes administrative and office background in education and private
industry plus inside and outside retail sales. Has ten years experience with her own in-home clothing
business. Once painted houses for a living and taught courses at the YMCA. Active
with EPIC Christian Church. Outspoken about local taxes. Very active
in promoting quality education and Asperger's awareness. Still a "Berkeley Girl" at heart.
Interests: God and church, family and friendships,
PTO and kids, cooking and being creative, reading Tony Hillerman books, watching "Law And Order" and "CSI."
Notable Characteristics: Loves
to talk. Very friendly and outgoing, makes friends easily, on a personal campaign regarding inequality
of Queen Creek sales taxes, improved credibility of education in Arizona, and overall awareness of Asperger's Syndrome
(which is a mild form of autism). Was very popular as a school administrative assistant.
What you will find hard to believe:
Laury used to be part of a "fun group" called the "Berkeley Bozos" and was a big fan of Frank Zappa.
Laury's Website for SteinMart
John Liam Hart
Born: November 20, 1995
Place of Birth: Berkeley, California
Son of John and Laury
Grandparents: John R. Hart Jr. (1921 - 1996)
Frances
Birmingham Hart (1925 - 1993)
Raleigh Ellisen
Judith Ellisen
Nana: Jean Ellisen
Uncles: Rich Hart
Bruce
Ellisen
Jason
Ellisen
Aunts: Luz Ellisen
Shirley
Little
Immediate Cousins: Nikki Hart MacConnell
Xiamara
Ellisen
Dimitrius Ellisen
Linda Ellisen
Education: Hanna Ranch Elementary School in Hercules, California,
Simonton and Harmon Elementary Schools in Queen Creek, Arizona, Mountain Vista Elementary School in Queen Creek, J.O. Combs
Middle School in Queen Creek
Interests: TRAINS, TRAINS, TRAINS plus basketball, NASCAR,
the Dukes of Hazzard, and reading
Future Goal: To be a railroad engineer
Notable Characteristics: Advanced reading and
comprehension skills. Knows more about trains than most adults. Has
a large collection of model trains and rail-related computer games. Online friends are train-buffs.
Recently joined Gilbert Model Railroad Club. Typical teenager but prefers Elvis, the Beatles, the
Beach Boys, and ABBA to heavy metal and modern rock. Hates hip-hop.
Likes fast cars and fast sports, or more to the point, NASCAR and the Phoenix Suns. Computer "expert" who
(over)indulges in every game ever created. Favorite all-time TV show is "The Dukes of Hazzard" of
which Bo Duke is his idol (because Liam drives his game cars the same way)!
What you will find hard to believe: Liam once hiked eight
miles when he was six years old. Didn't come close to that figure again until Spring '09 hike up Tucson's
Sabino Canyon (8 1/2 miles)
Liam's Website for Trains
Alf
Born: June 11, 1993
Mother: Unknown
Brother: Ralph Hart (1993-2006)
Animal Type: Cat
Breed: Black Domestic Shorthair
Sex: Male
Interests: Laying next to Mommy or Daddy when they
read or sleep
Notable Characteristics: "Top Cat," leader, and feline
patriarch. Sleek, athletic, and a great hunter as a younger cat. Eats,
sleeps, and moves slower now. Still playful on occasion. Guardian angel and
very dependent on Mommy and Daddy. Very protective of Daisy. The wise
old pussycat.
What you will find hard to believe: Alf used to be able
to jump across the kitchen from one set of cabinets to the other.
Alf's Animal Rescue Website
Rancher
Born: January 2, 2005
Mother: Shadow
Animal Type: Cat
Breed: Black Domestic Shorthair and Burmese Mix
Sex: Male
Interests: Bringing in lizards, spiders, birds, and other
prey
Notable Characteristics: Very independent.
Fast, playful, and sometimes too reckless. Can be a "bully" but also has more "marks" on him
than the average hockey player. Very athletic and deliverer of many "gifts." Lovable
on his terms. Loves being petted and scratched around his head but does not like tummy rubs. Soft,
high-pitched "meow" belies tough reputation.
What you will find hard to believe: Rancher "freaks"
out when somebody sneezes or someone rings the doorbell.
Daisy
Born: July 26, 2007
Mother: Princess
Animal Type: Cat
Breed: Calico
Sex: Female
Interests: Being curious (loves to see what's behind the
door), playful, and lovable
Notable Characteristics: Daisy is the youngest member
of the Hart family. She came to us as a 10-week-old kitten. Unlike
Alf and Rancher, she is a calico-type, the colors around her eyes make her look like an owl, and oh yes, she is a girl.
Her nickname is "Miss Daisy." Very attached to Alf and looks up to him. Very
playful with Rancher. More than just a little curious and loves to explore.
We got her from a colleague at Mountain Vista whose momma cat had delivered a litter.
What you will find hard to believe: Daisy likes
getting her "sun" on Ralph's gravesite.
After checking out our website, how about signing our guestbook.
 
The History of the Hart Family
The Hart name goes back several centuries to the northern coast of today's Ireland.
The first Hart came from the land of Meath, now County Sligo, a branch of the southern Ui Neill. Family
leaders, or chiefs, were known as the Lords of Teffia. The original Gaelic name was written
as O hAirt or O'Hairte but pronounced like "art." The name represents brave and faithful,
the original clan being noble warriors.
Invasions by the Danes, the Normans, and the establishment of English language
and culture would bring removal from their ancestoral lands, removal of pride and dignity, and the
so-called anglicizing of the original name. Whether voluntarily for the sake of their lives
or by edict of the royal government, the original name became O'Hart, Harte, MacArt, McCart, McArt, and Hart. Many
Hart's would leave Ireland, again by their own choice or the choice of others. The name would
spread to England, Scotland, South Africa, India, Australia, Canada, and other parts of the British Empire.
John and Mary Hart were the first to arrive in America, settling in Virginia is 1835.
Other Harts would follow including Henry (1637), Daniel (1640), James (1653) and Elizabeth (1654).
We are not sure if any of these Harts are direct relatives.
There is a George Hart who lived during the time of the Revolutionary War and supposedly
there is an Isaac Hart of Washington County, Pennsylvania. The John Hart who signed the Declaration
of Independence is not related.
We do know the Hart family moved west and settled in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
Jacob Hart was a farmer, lawyer, politician, and soldier. He was married to Xaviera Ross, a
supposed decendant of Betsy Ross. John Ross Hart followed in his father's footsteps as
a farmer and lawyer. He married Jessie Keith, from another notable area family.
All of their children were raised in Mt. Pleasant. His brother William, became a notable
professor of agriculture at Amherst where he developed the college curriculum used in schools today.
And
I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know
I'm free.
And I won't forget the
men who died,
who gave that right to
me.
And I stand up next to
you,
and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no
doubt I love this land.
God Bless The USA
Lee Greenwood
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