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SJM_MenOfTheYear_1121FINAL_REG2 . qxp_SJM Feature 11 / 19 / 21 2 : 51 PM Page 1 2021 MEN OF THE YEAR These 10 LOCAL RESIDENTS are making a difference in South Jersey through their selfless acts and spirit of giving . BY MATT COSENTINO ere in South Jersey , we are fortunate to have a seemingly endless supply of good - hearted Hpeople who always seem to put others before themselves , and it is our honor every November to highlight just a few of them with our annual Men of the Year story . Some have made a career out of lifting their neighbors up and improving our communities , while others find time to volunteer to causes of particular importance to them . Either way , there is no question these men are special and deserve our gratitude . SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 18 issue 8 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 38 |
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SJM_MenOfTheYear_1121FINAL_REG2 . qxp_SJM Feature 11 / 19 / 21 2 : 51 PM Page 2 OF THE YEAR MAN ARTHUR ASTON eaching the age of 40 is a significant milestone for anyone , but when Aston celebrated the big 4 - 0 on RThanksgiving this year , it was even more meaning - ful . A Collingswood resident , Aston was born with spina bifida and was not expected to live past 15 . “ It’s really something special and it gives me chills every time I say that to people , ” he says . “ I’m beating the odds . ” For that reason alone Aston could be considered an inspiration , but he goes above and beyond in numerous ways to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities . As the executive director of Build Jake’s Place , he helped get “ Jake’s Law ” passed , requiring every county in New Jersey to have at least one inclusive playground . The or - ganization is currently collaborating with townships throughout the state to build playgrounds for children of all abilities . Also under the Build Jake’s Place umbrella , Aston is the general manager of the Camden County Miracle League , a baseball organization for children and adults with special needs that just resumed play this fall fol - lowing a lengthy break due to the pandemic . Finally , Aston is the founder of OurView , a company he started in 2010 “ to raise awareness , educate and change the tone of conversation about disabilities . ” He speaks to students of all ages and shares his personal story , promotes acceptance and shows students that those with disabilities are normal people with similar likes to their own . When the pandemic put a halt to those presentations , he started a podcast to keep the conversation going , and releases a new episode every Monday in which he interviews authors , filmmakers and special guests like disability rights activist Judy Human or Ali Stroker , the first wheelchair user to win a Tony Award . He is looking forward to continuing the podcast while also returning to schools , which he calls his true love . “ If the kids see another student using a wheelchair or crutches , they can remember me and not be afraid of that person . ” Aston is clearly a difference - maker in South Jersey but he is quick to share the credit . “ My name is Arthur so I always say that I have my A team of family and friends behind me . I don’t do any of this by myself . I have a great support system that I’m extremely grate - ful for . Getting the opportunity to work with the peo - ple at Jake’s Place and having them believe enough in me to be the executive director has been such a great blessing . ” SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 18 issue 8 SouthJerseyMagazine.com | 39