New Jersey environmental officials issued water quality alerts at 16 ocean and bay beaches on Tuesday, Aug. 8, where high levels of a bacterial found in feces were detected. On Wednesday, 15 of those beaches were considered safe for swimming once again.

The beaches showed high levels of enterococci, a microbe commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. High levels of the bacteria can indicate the presence of other, illness-causing pathogens, viruses and protozoa, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Feces' bacteria typically ends up in creeks and rivers through storm runoff, which flushes pet, livestock or wildlife droppings into waterways. Leaky septic and sewer systems are other common causes of high bacteria levels in water.

Young children, elderly adults and people with compromised immune systems are the most at risk of severe illness from swimming in contaminated water, according to the EPA. Swimming in water tainted with sewage or animal waste can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, headache and fever, as well as ear, nose and throat infections, according to the agency.

Atlantic County

Atlantic City: Ocean beaches at Michigan Avenue, Arkansas Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, Kentucky Avenue, South Carolina Avenue, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. and New York Avenue.

Monmouth County

Deal: Ocean beach at Roosevelt Avenue.

Highlands: Miller Beach and the bay beach at the Highland Recreation Center.

Long Branch: Ocean beaches at the Elberon Bathing Club and the Ocean Beach Club.

Neptune: Ocean beach at Broadway.

Sea Girt: Ocean beach at New York Boulevard.

Ocean County

Point Pleasant: River beach at River Avenue.

Seaside Heights: Bay beach at Hancock Avenue.

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

@byMikeDavis

Commuters, open your wallets.

NJ Transit's new train fare schedules go into effect on Thursday, resulting in an average 9 percent increase across all of the agency's stations and rail lines.

For customers on the North Jersey Coast Line, the only line that serves Monmouth and Ocean counties, an unlimited monthly pass to New York Penn Station is increasing between $35 and $40.

"It takes a big chunk out of your pocket, out of your savings. For someone who's raising a family and trying to live in Monmouth County, it's tough," Marlboro resident Mizi Mehaj said in July, minutes before her daily commute from Matawan to New York. "But there's actually no other way. You could drive yourself, which I wouldn't do because of traffic."

See how NJ Transit slammed by cash woes

The fare increase was approved as part of NJ Transit's $2.1 billion budget, unanimously passed in July. It's the agency's fifth fare hike since 2000, the first since a 22 percent increase in 2010.

As of Thursday, a New York-bound commuter from the Aberdeen-Matawan station will be paying exactly $100 more for a monthly pass than they were five years ago.

New Jersey commuters pay the highest fares in the nation, which outpace inflation by 25 percent, said Janna Chernetz, a senior New Jersey policy analyst with the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

"The transportation funding structure in New Jersey is broken," Chernetz said. "We're nearly halfway to the unveiling of our next state budget and we're not any closer to solving our transportation crisis so riders aren't facing a worse crunch next year."

For many commuters, the fare hike adds insult to injury: With the Hudson River rail tunnels between New Jersey and New York falling apart, trains are regularly delayed for repairs.

On Wednesday morning, trains were delayed more than 30 minutes due to a "smoke condition" in one of the tunnels.

The tunnels will likely need to be closed, one at a time, for repairs within the next 5 to 20 years, Amtrak officials have said. The tunnels' short shelf life have placed a renewed focus on building new rail tunnels, a $20 billion project without a solid funding plan behind it.

Earlier this month, Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged to fund half the project – which would be overseen by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – if the federal government issued a grant for the other half.

Christie, Cuomo want 50/50 tunnel split with feds

NEW NJ TRANSIT FARES

All prices reflect an unlimited monthly pass to New York Penn Station. For station-to-station and one-way fares, visit NJTransit.com.

@byMikeDavis

NJ Transit is temporarily restoring late-night train service to Shore destinations south of Long Branch, a summertime-only reverse of an unpopular decision to cancel the service last year.

According to updated North Jersey Coast Line schedules, the last train out of New York Penn Station -- which departs at 1 a.m. -- will include "Bay Head shuttle" service to Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head.

FLASHBACK: NJ Transit cuts Shore service from last train out of New York

But it will only be in operation from June 27 to Sept. 9, the height of the summer tourism season. After that? It's back to normal, stranding Shore residents if they miss an 11:18 p.m. train, more than 90 minutes earlier that leaves barely enough time for concerts and sporting event crowds to make a mad dash to the platform.

If riders miss that train, they have to wait until a 5:32 a.m. train or make other arrangements.

"Our customers are very familiar with schedules changing and, in this context, we have to be very careful about providing service where there's demand," former NJ Transit Executive Director Veronique Hakim said at the time, shortly before leaving NJ Transit for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. "Obviously, the schedules for those trains did not have demand for that service."

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE: NJ Transit hikes fares by 9 percent

The sudden move upset many Shore riders, especially because it came without any public notice: Federal law only requires public hearings for a "major service change" that cuts 25 percent of a line's stops or discontinues it on specific days.

“They didn’t let us know ahead of time. I know they have to cut some trains, because the overall number of travelers at night is probably no comparison to the daytime, but why in heaven’s name would you cut the last train,” Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce trustee Kenneth Roth said in October. “How do you expect people to ride the train if they can get to New York but they can’t get back?”

MORE: Shore riders sound off on NJ Transit late-night train cuts

"Guess we won't be going to concerts or plays in New York anymore if we can't get home within a reasonable hour," one Asbury Park Press reader wrote on Facebook.

The unannounced schedule changes -- which also included late-night service on the Morris & Essex Line -- prompted action by state Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, D-Mercer, who sponsored bills that would require NJ Transit to hold public hearings and provide notice prior to any curtailment of bus or rail services.

The Assembly bill was passed in April by a 70 to 2 vote. The Senate bill cleared the Senate Transportation Committee May 2.

READ: New NJ Transit strike threat? Two railroad unions reject contract

Mike Davis: 732-643-4223; mdavis@gannettnj.com. Click here to sign up for Mike's weekly "Road Sage" newsletter.

Taka, Asbury Park, NJ

Wednesday, October 22, 2:22 p.m.

I sat with my back to a lounge-y area with short, built-in benches, stools, and small cocktail tables. It was the perfect, cozy spot to settle in for cocktails on date night.

Jason, who at first seemed a bit too busy to care, then unleashed a recommendation that’s no longer available on the menu and my opinion of him went straight to a 10!

“I have to say, I love the Yamaguchi roll, which is awesome, but the Jun-San is the most popular roll on the menu, by far.”

I love the decor as it’s simple and combines mediums with great touches of color. The space has great light by day or night. The bulbous glass lighting fixtures against the geometric dominance of the dining tables in the area and the grid-like wall that holds large barrels containing Japanese lettering bring a nice energy. The graphic and vibrant Japanese art on the back wall add to the glory of the space. The bar has an electrifying energy, while the dining room is a bit more serene. I really appreciate the range of seating options within the bar area and just love the place settings popping with bright orange linen napkins. It just sparks joy!

Spicy Rosarita, $14 Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh blood orange, and muddled jalapeño A well-blended cocktail that wasn’t totally original was a bit of magic when the muddled jalapeño blended together with the sweet-tart of the blood orange notes. The drink certainly passed for delicious, so I ordered a second.

Tuna Tataki, $12 Thin-sliced, seared, peppered tuna served with a ponzu sauce

Crazy fresh. So simple. The tuna was velvety in texture and the flavor the perfect depth. I liked the peppercorn crust which added a perfect crunch of flavor. The ponzu mystifies me a bit. Perhaps my palate isn’t that sophisticated after all. I found the ponzu a little flat even though generously garnished with scallions. Truth be told, the tuna needed nothing–it was delicious naked!

Sashimi & Roll, $29 Eight pieces of sliced raw fish (today it included salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and snapper) plus one specialty roll (I had the Yamaguchi, which is no longer on the menu so you have to special-request it!) Salmon, tuna, shiso leaf topped with yellow tail habanero masago and honey wasabi mayo

My eyes try to take in the sheer beauty of the sashimi platter. Bursting with intense color, each unique fish its own texture and tint. The specialty roll adding its own circus of visual pleasure. I marvel as I look over each texture; the suppleness of the fish; the precision of the identical slices; the bright green mound of wasabi; the clever use of cucumber as a stand for the sashimi. Its as if the plate was a great artist’s creation infusing shape, color and texture to present the perfect masterpiece.

How do you describe the freshest pieces of fish you’ve ever eaten? EVER. Here’s my best attempt at describing the flavors of each.

After doing a little research, it turns out the reason salmon tastes a little different from other fish is that its cold water environment creates the fatty richness we associate with salmon of any kind. This raw, fresh-catch version was a delight. So tasty, melt-in-your-mouth kind of good!

The tuna, again ultra fresh. Seemingly a different cut from the tataki as it was robust yet not at all fish; ever-so-subtly tasting of the sea but almost nutty; it was divine. The sweetness of yellowtail never bores me and today the yellowtail was exceptional. The last, a snapper was sweeter than the rest and cut much thinner, allowing the fish texture to come through; it was a little more toothy than the others, which were more “steaky” in the way they felt in the mouth.

The roll was spectacular. The bright red masago always entertains with its pop of fishy flavor and wonderful texture while you enjoy the amalgam of other fish in this tasty, crunchy, flavorful roll. The lightly minty flavor of the shiso leaf provided a nice touch against the rest and the tiny bit of heat still felt even with everything else that was going on. Sometimes it’s hard to take it all in and this roll was no exception.

However, if you really do pay attention the flavors, all of them come through.

Jun-Sun, $14 Tuna, avocado, salmon, yellowtail, scallion and tempura crunch with spicy mayo and caramelized soy sauce

Another delightful choice of roll; it’s no wonder it’s the fan-fave on the menu. The chunks of fish with avocado inside and the layers outside are always a welcome roll approach. The crunch was a nice juxtaposition against the smooth avocado inside. I really appreciated the mix of spicy mayo and caramelized soy. More, please!

What’s on Tap

Approximately five beers on tap; taps down at the time of my visit. Limited offerings. Please call as selections change.

Champagne and Sparkling Zonin Prosecco, Italy $10 Laurent Perrier Champagne, France $17

Rosé Underwood, Oregon, $11 Whispering Angel, France, $16

Pinot Grigio Cavaliere D’Oro, Italy, $9 Esperto, Italy, $10 Barone Fini, Italy $11

Sauvignon Blanc Makara, New Zealand, $10 Nobilo, New Zealand, $11 Domaine de la Perriére Sancerre, France, $15

Other Whites 50 Degree Riesling, Germany, $11 Day Wines, California, $13

Pinot Noir Parker Station, California, $11 J. Lohr, California, $11 Josh Cellars, California, $12 Francois Labet, France, $14 Paolo Saracco, Italy, $14

Cabernet Sauvignon Bieler “Born to Run,” California, $10 BV Coastal Estates, California, $11 Feudi Principi di Butera, Italy, $12 Daou, California, $14

Other Reds Ferrari Carano Merlot, California, $13 Af by Achavel-Ferrer Malbec, Argentina, $12 Viña Zorzal, Spain, $14

Taka is in its 19th year. Behind the concept and business: Takahiro Hirai, whose passionate vision was born from his years as a sushi chef working for Kessler’s Catering in Elberon. In fact, the owners helped Hirai make the move to his own spot and helped fund his first Taka location. The restaurant is open for lunch, featuring daily specials from 12 to 3 p.m., and dinner. They’re also available for large groups, private affairs, and parties.

Monday through Thursday, and Sundays: 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays: 12:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Check the website for the latest intel.

Taka 660 Cookman Avenue Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732-775-1020

A Lady Walks into a Bar™ is owned and trademarked by Gabrielle Garofalo.

When Congregation Brothers of Israel (CBI) in Long Branch, New Jersey, decided to expand to meet their congregational needs, they didn’t follow the usual route of adding a new wing or floor to their current building. They added a satellite synagogue about a mile-and-a-half away, at a location closer to the ocean.

This isn’t the first move for CBI. Founded in the late 19th century, the building had two locations in the downtown area of Long Branch before moving to the Park Avenue location in the Elberon section in the 1970s. “Many shuls move as their population moves; we did the same,” said Gerald Ostrov, synagogue president. The Park Avenue location was in the suburban area where the congregational families were moving to at the time. As those families became empty-nesters or snowbirds spending time in Florida, they moved closer to the shore and found the walk to Park Avenue difficult. Considering the many families from North Jersey who came for the summer months, the shul’s leaders decided to create a satellite location on Ocean Avenue.

The satellite location grew from one apartment to two, and finally three. Yet even with three apartments, the space was too tight to fit everyone. The congregation’s rabbi, Nasanayl Braun, said that they “felt like sardines.” There were around 150 members who prayed weekly in their Ocean Avenue apartments and almost 300 members on high holidays. The growing community with its need for a bigger space inspired the idea of a new building that will serve members of the congregational community who live far from Park Avenue.

The newly constructed, beautiful building has more space, designated rooms for children, and a larger kiddush space than the former satellite location. The interior design and furniture—from the tables and chairs to the Aron Kodesh—came from Kibbutz Lavi in Israel.

The new location at 38 Sternberger Avenue will have a “soft” opening before Pesach, with a gala grand opening on Memorial Day weekend with a VIP guest speaker, an a capella singing group, gala kiddush for Friday night dinner, and Shabbat lunch. They are also planning a family carnival on Sunday of the grand opening weekend.

As with any major construction project, surprises are always part of the process. There were some COVID delays, such as the window frames being stuck in a port for two months. Despite the delay, the building is on track for the scheduled grand opening date.

Rabbi Braun notes: “Parshiot Terumah and Tetzaveh highlight the importance and spiritual benefit of davening in a beautiful structure. It is my sincerest hope that our new building will allow the community to continue to grow both in numbers of mispallelim and the quality of our tefillot. It is an exciting time at the shore; the community has been overwhelming in its support and generosity; and I feel honored and privileged to be a part of this wonderful synagogue community.”

The satellite shul will benefit from their “summer rabbi” who spends summers with his family in Long Branch while residing in Bergenfield the rest of the year. Rabbi David Sher has served in this role since 2008. “Our newest building is a testament to the vitality of our community and how much the shul means to our members. We’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in recent years, with people coming from all over North Jersey and New York to have a place by the shore. The enthusiasm and passion that our members have shown to this project demonstrates that they do not view their time in Long Branch simply as a ‘temporary place where they vacation,’ but rather as a central piece of their Jewish and communal affiliation.”

Ostrov remarked that the members of the multifaceted congregational community want to be engaged and share the levels of togetherness with both locations. Weekly prayer services are only held at the Park Avenue location.

Program Director Roz Ben David notes the cohesion of the community. “There is a great deal of communication in chat groups. Committees, such as chesed and Israel action and awareness committee, have active participants from both locations. We’ve been running both locations for the last 20 years and we hope to continue doing that into the future.”

Ostrov added: “Few synagogues have 120-plus years of history like we do. I and the board have a daunting responsibility to continue this proud legacy for the next 120 years. The response of the community has been awe-inspiring. We will now have a beautiful new building serving the growing Ocean Avenue segment of our congregation supplementing the Park Avenue facility.

We are in a real growth mode, and it is wonderful.”

Congregation Brothers of Israel is proud to be a Modern Orthodox Zionist shul located on the Jersey Shore. It has a small-town vibe with big-city Jewish amenities. Multiple kosher restaurants plus the beach makes CBI an ideal place to raise a family, retire to, or spend the summer. Find more information at: https://cbilb.shulcloud.com/

By Deborah Melman

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