Not very long ago, my brother, John A. Vilardo, commonly referred to as "Johnny" turned 46 years old. When he was a youngster first starting school, he was placed in special education classes. He spent the next 12 years in the educational system struggling to be just like everyone else. He succeeded quite well. (Even though I am biased.) Many in school knew him as the friendliest and most helpful guy around. After graduation Johnny went on to work at several businesses in the Milford area. A job he had coveted for a long while finally opened up and Johnny was hired as a bagger at the Milford Kroger's. He has been employed there for a decade. Johnny understands the concept of giving back to others. He has involved himself in numerous community "helping" programs, was a member of the Jaycees, a volunteer firefighter and can be seen assisting or organizing social events for the older citizens of Milford.

When Johnny was 44 he made a very important phone call to The Literacy Council. He told Joy that he wanted to learn how to read. "I learned how to read some when I was a little boy and broke my leg. I had to lay in a hospital bed in my parent's living room because I had on a body cast. I was home schooled by a nice lady, Mrs. Hemminger. She helped me to begin to read." After the home schooling ended, so did much more progress with Johnny's reading skills. Time passed and Johnny learned to do what many limited or non-readers do; he got by the best that he could.

Johnny's initial phone call allowed The Literacy Council to hook him up with the "gift of a lifetime," volunteer tutor Frank Eberle. Frank began teaching Johnny about the wonders of reading, writing and spelling. Through Frank's perseverance, patience and kind guidance, Johnny learned to master the art of reading. Now, when he goes to a restaurant, he can read the menu before making his selection. Johnny can thumb through a newspaper and pull out the sports page. He likes to track how his teams fared.

I am Johnny's sister and I am ever so grateful for the daily magic that flows through the Literacy Council. A salute: to Frank, the tutor who spends countless hours helping my brother's reading reach new heights; to my brother for going the distance and proving the skeptics incorrect - thank you and feel my pride.

NOTE: Several months ago Johnny received a prestigious award. Kroger's honored him with the 2007 Community Service Award for the countless hours he volunteers and "gives back" to the community. A full announcement and picture appeared in the June 11, 2008 issue of the Milford Advertiser. If you happen to be shopping at the Milford Kroger's on Lila Avenue you will find several copies of Johnny's picture on display.