Cassadaga’s new Deputy Clerk Annette McChesney, right, was introduced at last month’s meeting of the Cassadaga Village Board. Photo by Anthony Dolce

CASSADAGA — Trustee Cynthia Flaherty reported more success at the Village Beach this summer, starting with the ongoing swim program, which Flaherty said has received a lot of praise.

Flaherty has two step-grandchildren participating in the program, and she said from her first-hand experience that the program is being handled wonderfully. “They have been so good with them,” Flaherty said. “My Downs Syndrome step-grandson is learning to swim, and it’s really nice to see.”

Flaherty also had praise for the surveillance system at the beach, saying they haven’t had any issues with vandalism requiring them to lock the gates. Flaherty said she doesn’t have to go to the gate at the beach every night to lock it for the first time in about seven years.

In total, Flaherty said there have been 2,328 people who have signed in to the beach so far this year, which has over doubled since the last Village Board meeting two weeks ago, when the total was 1,163.

On August 13, the Cassadaga Kids Race will be held by Wilson Endurance Sports, and currently there are over 60 kids from all over Chautauqua County and even out of state signed up for the event. Organizer Mark Wilson expects the turnout to be around 100 children.

The Village Board also officially introduced its new deputy clerk, Annette McChesney, who was approved on an interim basis. McChesney is replacing Bonita Mazzone, who submitted her two weeks’ notice in June.