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 If asked to describe Andy and Diane Ashmus in just one word, that word would be: Dependable. The couple is always there when we need them. Diane is always the first one to start the coffee at any of our holiday breakfasts, and she and Andy recently volunteered to help at the Pluck-a-Duck fundraiser during the Caribbean Block Party in July.
Thirty-year residents of Tinley Park, Andy and Diane have raised three children, Phillip, Steven and Susan who all live nearby, and are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren ages one year to eighteen years. Diane was a stay at home mother while Andy worked as a chemical operator. They have been married for thirty-nine years and are now spending more time together because of Andy’s recent retirement. Diane has been a volunteer with Together We Cope for about ten years, but Andy did not really begin to spend as much time volunteering until he retired a few months ago. Now he does daily bread pick-ups and says that he really enjoys working with Ulysses; another valued Together We Cope volunteer. Diane volunteers in the resale shop about two days a week. In addition to the time they volunteer at Together We Cope, they are also involved with DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) as members of their auxiliary staff. They participate in the DARE Fest, any garage sales, and Andy helps repair the bicycles for the program. Additionally, Andy helps at the Tinley Center by bringing items and helping any way he can. Diane volunteers at PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) every Monday evening helping to care for the various animals. She now works as a Shift Leader and assists families in their selection of pets. Their love of animals is apparent and so it is no wonder that they have two cats and two dogs as members of their family. Often times they even “baby-sit” for their children’s dogs. Diane jokingly calls them her grand-dogs. In his down time, Andy enjoys riding and working on Cushman Motor Scooters. Together they go to motor scooter meets where they mingle with other enthusiasts. They are looking forward to their next meeting in Minnesota to be held next year. “The real reason she wants to go is because,” Andy trails off and points to Diane, “because I want to visit the Mall of America,” she finishes. Diane likes gardening and cooking at home. She said they have numerous gift cards to various restaurants that they have yet to use. Andy also enjoys cooking, especially the French cuisine he learned from his grandmother. In fact, Andy also speaks fluent French. When asked why she donates her time at Together We Cope, Diane replied, “I enjoy the social aspect and I enjoy helping others.” Then she added, “You try to help people and do the best you can. It is important to always treat others the way you want to be treated.” I guess for both Andy and Diane this motto extends to both people and animals. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
