4TH ANNUAL TINO'S FARM PICNIC A HUGE SUCCESS

Photo credit John Hieder (staff photograpfer)

TINO'S FARM OPENS DOORS TO MEN FIGHTING FOR SOBRIETY

By: Diane Gale Andreassi

A ranch style home on a sprawling 37-acre farm in Lyon Township is a haven for Steve, who recently moved to the transition center – Tino’s Farm – for men fighting to stay sober.

Steve asked to remain anonymous, but he was eager to talk about how much the Lyon Township facility has become an anchor for him during his road back to sobriety.

“I was looking to get into transition housing, and the timing for me worked out great,” Steve said. “The fellowship is great. We share experiences and support each other. It’s a lot of support knowing you have gone through the same thing. We stay accountable to each other and go to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings together.”

Steve said sometimes he becomes overwhelmed with thoughts about the mistakes he’s made, especially those affecting his children. He added, however, that he’s beginning to realize while he can’t change the past, he can determine his future.

Four people, including Steve and Tino’s Farm manger Paul Frescoln, live in the house. Two more men are expected to be added within a month, and the roster then will be full. But Frescoln is always looking to get names of people who would be available when there’s an opening. He’s also eager to refer people to other programs.

“Moving on is the whole point,” Frescoln said. “But they really like the peaceful atmosphere here. There’s plenty to do, and it keeps you occupied. It makes them feel like they’re part of something.”

You must be at least 18 years old and working on maintaining sobriety to live at Tino’s Farm. Each man is expected to hold a job, pay a stipend and do chores around the house and in the garden.

Sunday fundraiser

Tino’s Farm opened a couple of months ago as a legacy to Costantino Del Signore who headed up countless fundraisers. He died in 2010 and ever since CDS Foundation members have held picnics on the farm to raise money to open a transition house.

This year the picnic is from noon to 7 p.m. this Sunday at Tino’s Farm, 55880 Eight Mile Road. The sign outside reads Sweet Acres. Picnic sponsors include Livonia Save Our Youth, Families Against Narcotics, St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Botsford Hospital and Safari Club International Chapter - Michigan Southeast Bow Hunters.

Tickets are $15 and children 5 and younger are free. Money raised will go to pay for the upkeep of the grounds and especially to mend a barn that’s nearly falling down, said Richard Asztalos, CDS Foundation president.

There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, barbeque, hay rides, live music, pony rides, a bounce house, balloon artist, a dunk tank, archery demonstrations and games for children.

CDS also supports cancer research and other causes, like the South Lyon chapter of FAN (Families Against Narcotics), St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Garden City Hospital, Botsford Hopsital in Farmington Hills, Angela Hospice in Livonia, Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Safari Club International and other organizations, as well as the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, which Del Signore founded.

dandreassi@hometownlife.com | 734-432-5974 | Twitter: @HeraldReporter

http://www.cdsfoundation.net