Speaker Series: How to Write Your Story & Get it Published
2022-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | NJ
Stories are built chapter by chapter and have a beginning, middle, and end. Whether it’s a simple 30-second commercial or a 5-year mini-series on Netflix, an author has to engage their audience and make them wonder what will happen next.
During our first Speaker Series event of 2022, Lavallette resident and local author Woody Keller will discuss his writing techniques using examples from his novels. He will explain how a story is built and what it takes to get it published during this free, high-interest online presentation.
The February meeting of Friends of Ortley Beach will be held immediately after this presentation. We will discuss our summer events. All are welcome to participate.
This free event will be held via Zoom. See link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82798338476?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 827 9833 8476
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or join by phone:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 827 9833 8476
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Generously supported by OceanFirst Foundation.

Ocean County Library Speaker Series & Meeting
2022-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | NJ
Join us for this free Zoom presentation.
Date: Wednesday, April 20
Time: 7 p.m.
Steven Copp, the children/teen Librarian at the Upper Shores branch of the Ocean County Library system, will explain how one library card can open a world of possibilities!
The Ocean County Library system has 21 locations to serve residents in 32 municipalities. Each year, the library circulates more than 4.6 million books, and provides more than 16,200 programs and activities for people of all ages. Learn more about everything the library has to offer.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89890829334?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 898 9082 9334
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or join by phone by calling (929) 205-6099.
Generously supported by OceanFirst Bank
After the presentation, Friends of Ortley Beach will hold its April Membership Meeting. All are welcome to participate, but only paid members may vote.

May Kite Night - CANCELED
2022-05-19 17:30 - 20:00 | NJ
UPDATE: Unfortunately, due to lack of beach, the Kite Night scheduled for Thursday, May 19 has been canceled.

We hope to see you at our June Kite Night, scheduled for Thursday, June 16.

Read more information about the beach situation.

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Grab a beach chair or blanket and an ice cream cone from Mr. Softee to watch beautiful large-scale kites on the beach! The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. on 3rd Avenue Beach.

Ortley Beach Townwide Garage Sale
2022-05-21 08:00 - 12:00 | NJ
Friends of Ortley Beach is once again sponsoring a townwide garage sale.
Date: Saturday, May 21
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 noon
A donation of $10 will get your address on the map that will be available to shoppers online and for pick up at local businesses. We will also place street signs in key locations around town and use social media to get the word out.
Register online or print a registration form to mail in. Don’t forget to check out the valuable tips we have compiled on our website.
***SHOPPERS: Check back a few days before the sale to download the official Ortley Beach Townwide Garage Sale Map!***
Rain date is Sunday, May 22.

September Kite Night
2022-09-01 17:30 - 20:00 | NJ
Grab a beach chair or blanket and an ice cream cone from Mr. Softee to watch beautiful large-scale kites on the beach! The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. on 3rd Avenue Beach.

Kite Nights are funded through a generous donation from Dakan Homes

Board of Trustees Meeting - March 2024
2024-03-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom Call
The Board of Trustees of The Friends of Ortley Beach will meet on a zoom call March 6, 2024 by invitation only. Look for an email with instructions on how to join the zoom meeting. Meeting Agenda here.

Lot-a-Fun Fest
2024-07-20 18:00 - 20:30 | Third Avenue Parking Lot, 1 Third Avenue,, Ortley Beach, NJ, 08751, United States
Mark Your Calendar:
Lot-a-Fun Fest Coming to Ortley Beach
The Friends of Ortley Beach is excited to announce an evening of family fun, music, food, and games coming to Ortley Beach this summer. Join us for our beachside Lot-a-Fun Fest on Saturday, July 20, 2024. This family-friendly event – with free admission – will be held from 6:00 – 8:30 pm in the Third Avenue parking lot.
Enjoy a feast of food
We are delighted to have our neighbor, Vito’s Sandwiches and Specialties, serving up juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausage and peppers sandwiches, complete with all the fixins’. If you are looking for something sweet or a quick pick-me-up be sure to visit the Monster Ice Cream truck, Italian ice cart and Zoffas Coffee.
Make sure you get your pick of meals from Vito’s Sandwiches by ordering ahead.
Get ready for a Lot-A-Fun
Plan to enjoy the live music by favorite Rich Meyer and dive into the fun with our organized games and contests. Kids are sure to like the bounce house and face painting activities. And don’t miss the chance to admire our shiny new local fire truck!
Feeling lucky?
Be sure to take part in our raffles featuring incredible baskets filled with gift certificates and goodies generously donated by our community’s local businesses. And don’t miss the chance to strike it big in our 50/50 raffle. If you want to be a sure winner, purchase an exclusive tee shirt and show your support for our community.
Plan ahead
Invite your neighbors and be sure to bring some chairs. Should Mother Nature not cooperate, a rain date is in place for Saturday, July 27, 2024. If you are available to volunteer or would like to be a sponsor, please contact Lori at presidentfob@gmail.com

Lot-a-Fun Food Order
Pre-order your meal choices for the Lot-a-Fun Fest so you don’t miss out on your picks!
Food Tickets will be provided to you on the day of the event.

Order Food

FOB Annual Craft Fair
2024-08-17 10:00 - 15:00 | St. Elisabeth’s Chapel, 5 Third Avenue,, Ortley Beach, NJ, 08751, United States
Mark Your Calendar:-
FOB Annual Craft Fair
Our annual craft fair will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 am — 3 pm with a rain date of Saturday, August 24.
Once again, we will be outside on St. Elisabeth’s Chapel grounds, 5 Third Avenue, Ortley Beach.
We are excited to have over twenty talented crafters and artisans attending. Many of your favorites will be back along with a few new surprises.
Friends of Ortley Beach merchandise will also be for sale.

USMC Toys For Tots
2024-12-01 - 2024-12-14 | NJ
Brighten a Child’s Holiday – No Matter Where You Are!
Friends of Ortley Beach is hosting a local Toys for Tots drive supporting American Legion Post 351. If you want to brighten the season for families in need, here’s how you can help-
Deliver a Toy:
Dakan Homes, 415 Hiering Ave., Seaside Heights, NJ 08751.
Ship a Toy:
Purchase a toy from your favorite retailer or via Amazon and ship directly to:
Dakan Homes, 415 Hiering Ave., Seaside Heights, NJ 08751.
Please make sure your toy arrives by 12.15.
Thanks for making the holiday brighter for those in need. Your generosity means so much. Happy Holidays!
This event has passed. Click here to view USMC Toys For Tots Highlights for more information about the event.

Kite Nite - June 12th
2025-06-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Third Avenue Beach
Mark Your Calendar!
It’s all happening on June 12 and August 14 on the Third Avenue Beach from 5 pm to 8 pm. Grab a kite, bring a chair, and prepare to be wowed as the beach becomes a playground in a sky filled withe color, movement, magic and imagination.

Beach Bash '25
2025-07-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Third Avenue Beach
Mark Your Calendar!
It’s Friends of Ortley Beach’s signature event, and it’s bringing the fun in a big way! Get ready for an unforgettable evening packed with live music, games, food, and all-around good vibes.
• Food trucks serving up your favorites – Grab something for dinner from the Ohana Grill and Shore Good Eats food trucks, and cool off with a frozen treat from Hoffman’s Ice Cream!
• Live music to keep the good vibes going – Mike, a regular at Crabs Claw, will rock the mic and keep the energy level high as our musician and MC.
• Games & activities for all ages – Whether you’re conquering the giant inflatable bounce house, dominating the hula hoop contest, or pulling strong in tug-of-war, there’s something for everyone.
• A special visit from the Ocean Beach Firehouse – Stop by to check out the firetruck and meet our local heroes! Food is available for purchase… all other fun is completely free!
Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and besties, and let’s make Beach Bash ‘25 an evening to remember.

FOB Annual Craft Fair
2025-08-02 10:00 - 15:00 | St. Elisabeth’s Chapel, 5 Third Avenue,, Ortley Beach, NJ, 08751, United States
Mark Your Calendar:-
FOB Annual Craft Fair
Our annual craft fair will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, from 10 am — 3 pm with a rain date of Saturday, August 9th.
Once again, we will be outside on St. Elisabeth’s Chapel grounds, 5 Third Avenue, Ortley Beach.
Make plans now for our incredible craft fair and marvel at the handmade wonders!

August 21 Kite Nite Cancelled
2025-08-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Third Avenue Beach
Update Your Calendar!
Note: The 8/14/25 Kite Nite that was rescheduled for Thursday August 21, 2025 but has now been cancelled due to a high wind alert.
Mother Nature is keeping us on our toes! Last week, the air was too still for our big kites to soar. This week, the wind is too wild for them to fly safely.
Unfortunately, okite company has no availability next week, so Kite Nite at Ortley Beach has officially been grounded for the season.
Our neighbors in Seaside Heights are hosting Kites in the Heights on Tuesday, August 26, from 4 – 8 pm at the Carteret Avenue Beach.
It’s free and one last chance to see some spectacular kites in the sky!

Landscaping for Winter
2025-10-15 19:00 | St. Elisabeth’s Chapel, 5 Third Avenue,, Ortley Beach, NJ, 08751, United States
Join us for, “Landscaping for Winter Interest,” our first presentation of the Friends of Ortley Beach 2025 Speaker Program led by a Rutgers Master Gardener.
This free presentation will provide information regarding flowers and shrubs that have winter appeal. Plants that have changing leaf color, changing stem color, long bloom periods, attraction to birds that can brighten up your garden will be discussed. Winter gardens do not have to be boring and dreary!
A Q&A session will follow the presentation—so bring your questions and get expert advice!

Ciba-Geigy Court Case
2025-11-11 19:00 | St. Elisabeth’s Chapel, 5 Third Avenue,, Ortley Beach, NJ, 08751, United States
Friends of Ortley Beach will continue its Beyond the Beach Speaker Series with a presentation by Save Barnegat Bay, the nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving Barnegat Bay and its watershed. The presentation will include a Greenpeace video from the 1980s that shows how Ciba-Geigy’s toxins affected Ortley Beach.
For more than five decades, Save Barnegat Bay has been a leading voice for the bay’s health—promoting education, community engagement, and legislative action. The group is now challenging what it calls the biggest threat the bay and nearby communities have ever faced: the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s settlement with BASF regarding the Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site in Toms River.
Over the last three years, SBB has worked to highlight this deal’s inadequacies, dangerous precedents, and the injustice it has inflicted on the communities of Ocean County,” said Brittany McLaughlin, Executive Assistant and Community Engagement Coordinator at Save Barnegat Bay.
The program is free and open to the public, but those interested in attending are kindly asked to RSVP to SecretaryFOB2@gmail.com.
