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FFR Update Page 6
Name:
Randy Aspinall
Occupation:
Store Manager, American River ACE Hardware
Birthplace:
Long Beach, California
About my family:
My wife Pam and I have been married 23 years. We have three children: Jennifer, Josh and Mandy. All three are grown up and have moved to different locales. Jennifer is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz and is currently entering the corporate life in Portland, Oregon. Josh attended San Francisco State and is now moving to LA to start film school next fall. Mandy is enrolled at American River College, teaches gymnastics and is considering going to Massage Therapy School. My wife Pam works as a social work supervisor for a private non-profit in Sacramento called Creative Living Options, for people with disabilities.
Companion animals I share my home with:
We currently have two animals in our home. One is "Rafiki," a longhaired gray male cat, who is four years old. More often we call Rafiki "kitty" because that is what our beagle prefers. The other member of our family is "Hoyt" the beagle -- and ruler of the household. Rafiki was adopted to give Hoyt a playmate after her friend and ours, "Keisha," passed away at age 17. Rafiki is very smart and knows when to give Hoyt space and when she is ready to play.
Favorite hobbies:
Spending time with my wife Pam, traveling, hiking in the mountains, and wine collecting.
Favorite foods:
A really good steak, Caesar salad, a fine zinfandel, and anything my wife makes.
Favorite movies:
The new release, "The Upside of Anger," with Kevin Costner and Joan Allen. (I went to high school with Kevin Costner, he was a jock and I was in drama... go figure). Other favorites include "Meatballs" and anything else with Bill Murray.
Favorite TV shows:
Amazing Race, Survivor, Joan of Arcadia, and the Andy Griffith Show. When the Kings are on, everything else becomes second to watching the game.
Favorite way to relax:
See favorite hobbies, food, and spending time with my wife and kids.
Books I'm currently reading:
About ten different books on various subjects I bought at Snowline Hospice Thrift Store.
My first job was:
I was a veterinary assistant for my dad (who obviously is a veterinarian).
Job (besides my own) I'd most like to try:
Become a published author.
I play the following musical instrument:
Guitar
Most-extreme sport or activity I've tried:
River rafting
Country in the world I'd most like to visit, and why:
Scotland. My ancestors came from there.
My idea of a perfect vacation:
Spending endless time in Key West, Hawaii, or any place with a really good beach and margaritas.
Most surprising fact about me:
I was a teacher in outdoor education to sixth grade students full-time for eight years. That is how I met my wife, Pam.
Secret skill or ability that few people know about me:
I'm a pretty good cook. I've owned three restaurants, opened others for friends, and have cooked at camp and events for groups as large as 700 people.
Other community groups/activities (besides FFR) I'm involved with:
Snowline Hospice Thrift Store in Folsom, where I manage the book section.
Current volunteer role with FFR:
I work adoption events at Folsom Petco every Sunday.
Why I decided to volunteer with FFR:
Growing up in a household with a veterinarian, animals have always been an important part of my life. When I was a baby, my mother had two cats, "Mr. and Mrs. Priss." She put them in the crib with me and I think the Prisses brainwashed me about cats, or at least they kept my face clean. Now if I could just find a local beagle rescue, I'd be set!
What I like best about volunteering with FFR:
Spending time with John Bennett and seeing cats get adopted.
A favorite story about my volunteer experience:
I was Santa at PetsMart this Christmas, and the only animal that I took a picture with who was afraid of me was my beagle Hoyt.
RANDY AS SANTA AT FFR'S HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER AT PETSMART
Advice I have for other people wanting to volunteer:
Just volunteer somewhere. It is one of the greatest examples you can provide for your children, your family, your fellow workers and your friends.
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