Agendas & Minutes

October Meeting Agenda

When: Wednesday, October 17 at 7:30 pm

Where: Virtual – https://meet.google.com/fkd-ssar-pwx

 *You must join between 7:30 and 7:45pm or link will expire

Dues/Finances – Discuss increasing yearly dues

*Board will collect bids from all vendors for next year so that we can assess budget requirements. 

Delinquency List: Treasurer update on payments received, payment plans and liens. 

Schedule Mr. Bob pick-up: November 15th 

Upcoming Projects – Status of : Shed, Sign Restoration

Status of Nominations: 

Reminder: 

November Annual Meeting – Wed, November 17 at 7:30 pm @ Ott’s

*Send out Meeting Reminder to Residents

Newsletters

October 2026 Newsletter

Hi Neighbors,

We hope you are all enjoying the change of the seasons here in Shawnee Country! Please enjoy some seasonal news and updates from the SCOSA Board.

Leaf Pick-up

Shawnee Country is Zone 3 for Medford Township Leaf Pick-up. Pickup is scheduled for the weeks of November 17th and December 15th.

As you build your leaf pile, please leave space for guests to park on the street for Thanksgiving. Leaf collection can sometimes be delayed by a few weeks. Feel free to team up with neighbors to create one large pile. 

If you choose to blow your leaves into the open space, please consider the health of the forest and trees around you. Leaves make great homes for bugs, provide insulation for small plants, and encourage new seedling growth in the spring. On the contrary, a leaf depth of more than 6 inches can prevent air and nutrients from reaching the soil, which can prevent future growth and cause root rot.

Fire Safety during Campfire Season

‘Tis the season for roasting marshmallows around a campfire—what a great way to bond with neighbors! Please be sure to restrict fires to a structured fire pit at least 15 feet from any structure, and always check the fire risk level prior to lighting those logs:

https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3d95a723235d4a5383ab9838a8884282#

Fall is also a great time to review fire safety tips for your home. Follow the link for a comprehensive guide from FireWise: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire

Lake Areas

While the swimming season is over, please continue to enjoy time at the lake picnicking with family and friends. We will keep the porta-potty available until the first week of November for your convenience.

Atlantic City Electric

Following a recent power outage and road closure, utility workers needed to dig up the side of Shawnee Pass closest to the fishing lake. Please continue to use caution in this area. We are working with Atlantic City Electric to have this issue resolved as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued patience.

Accepting Nominations for SCOSA Board

We are accepting nominations for all board positions through November 1st. We would love to see involvement from each street in Shawnee Country so that we can make decisions from a collective viewpoint.

The SCOSA board consists of seven volunteer members who typically serve two-year terms. We meet once a month in person or virtually, usually in the evening from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.

Outside of meetings, we are all typically working behind the scenes on a solo task. These tasks can range from requesting bids to researching to painting picnic benches. To help incoming members, we recently developed a blueprint that outlines monthly tasks and responsibilities.

Board Positions:

President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, General Council (3) 

If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email shawneecountryosa@gmail.com. We are happy to answer any questions. 

Not Enough Time?

Only have a little time but still want to contribute? Consider joining a subcommittee to help out with short-term and/or one-time projects. Some tasks are research-oriented while others are hands-on.

Sub-Committees:

• Election/membership and social

• Maintenance

• Restrictions and zoning

• Improvements and Projects

Next SCOSA Meeting

Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Virtual Link: https://meet.google.com/fkd-ssar-pwx

*The virtual link will remain open to join until 7:45 pm. 

Annual SCOSA Board Presentation

Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 pm

Ott’s on Stokes Rd

Meet with us at Ott’s on Stokes Rd in Medford for an overview of all 2026 projects and financials. We will also vote on members of the 2027-2029 SCOSA board. 

Light appetizers and refreshments provided. Meals and alcohol available for purchase. Residents only.

As always, thank you for being a part of our Shawnee Country family. Please reach out to ShawneeCountryOSA@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. 

SCOSA Board

Agendas & Minutes

September 2026 Meeting Minutes

Shawnee Country Open Space Association

Monthly Board Meeting

When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – 7:30pm

Where: Virtual – https://meet.google.com/qot-jvcs-buw

Attendance: Al Spesaison, Steve Anderson, Christina Pihos, Amy Attanasio

Dues/Finances – Discuss increasing yearly dues

  • Treasurer reports that all spending is currently on track. We will be able to afford all planned expenses as well as remaining repairs/projects.
  • If an unexpected expense comes up, Steve recommends using an assessment at that time.
  • The board discussed items in the planned reserve fund and any additional items that need to be considered for long-term planning. 
  • Planned repairs/projects remaining in 2026
    • Shed Repairs
      • New Roof
        • Having trouble getting volunteers, at this point, need to hire a handyman (Al has a handyman that may offer a bid)
  • Need to follow-up on lake lighting
    • Still has not lowered the temperature of the light. The issue is that we need a cherry picker to reach light. The electrician that was hired has not returned. 
  • Sign Repairs
    • Amy is currently seeking bids

Delinquency List – Most recent letter sent August/ Next Steps  

August late letters were effective in collecting several past due payments. Two residents reached out for payment plans.  Christina will reach out to an attorney for advice on liens. 

Banking

Steve and Christina will arrange a time to visit the bank together to discuss adding additional payment options with a merchant services representative.  

Lake Season Closing – Assign Final Tasks 

Mr. Bob – $115 per month – Steve will schedule pick-up for mid-November

Established Nomination committee: 

Board reviewed by-laws for general membership and election meetings.

President needs to elect at least three board members to the nomination committee. 

Al Spesaison elected  Steve Anderson, Christina Pihos and Amy Attanasio to the election nomination committee.  

Promotion of the next election: Election will be promoted through email and our website.

Upcoming November Annual Meeting

Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 pm (Otts or PJ’s)

*Al will call to reserve room

An additional General Membership Meeting will be held on the third Wednesday in February to discuss and finalize the budget for 2027.

Additional Items discussed:

*Form 1120-H needs to be filed with IRS

  • Christina will look into how often to file/last filing from previous board

Tree Limbing – Tree Limbing over Shawnee Pass was completed by Medford Twp on 9/15/26

Website – Board members gained access to previously unused website based in wordpress. Christina and Amy will work on adding new tabs and updating information. We would like to make meeting links, agendas and minutes available here.  

October Meeting 

  • Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30pm 
Agendas & Minutes

September 2026 Agenda

Shawnee Country Open Space Association

Monthly Board Meeting

When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Where: Virtual – https://meet.google.com/qot-jvcs-buw

Dues/Finances – Discuss increasing yearly dues

Delinquency List – Most recent letter sent August/ Next Steps   

Lake Season Closing – Assign Final Tasks 

Upcoming Projects – Assign Research/Budget

Promotion of the next election

Upcoming November Annual Meeting

Newsletters

August 2026 – Newsletter


Lovely Lake Days

We have been so fortunate to have beautiful lake days this summer. New bubblers are humming along and keeping the lake clean and clear, while fresh safety rings stand ready for action. We’d like to send a very special thank you to Adrian White for all of his efforts this year as the point person for all lake-related needs. We are so happy to see families enjoying this wonderful amenity.

Evening Lake Gathering – Thursday, August 13 

Thursday, August 13 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy a simple night out with neighbors at the lake. Bring your chair, your favorite beverage and a snack to share. Mingle with neighbors while you enjoy the view. Rain date: Thursday, August 20.

Vehicles

Please do not park in the open space or cul de sacs. These areas need to be maintained as a natural habitat. 

Special thank you to the following community volunteers:

  • Miller Family for Tree Clean-up at the lake and along the nature trail 
  • The White, Pihos, Miller and Doyle Families for Beach Clean up 
  • Williams Family for donating wood to refinish the benches at the fishing lake
  • Pihos and Attanasio Families for refinishing picnic benches
  • Attanasio and Conti Families for Litter Pick-up along Shawnee Pass
  • And for all of the walkers who are our silent litter and branch patrol. Thank you! 

How can you help?

Many neighbors have reached out asking how they can help. Here are things you can do at your leisure – any day of the week.

Four Simple Ways to Contribute

  • Remove low hanging branches from walkways.
  • Gather sticks for brush pick-up
  • Rake the beach sand
  • Pick up litter

Brush Pickup 

Weeks of August 24 & August 31

Open Space MeetingWeather pending, the next Shawnee Country Open Space Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:30 pm at the lake. 

Meeting Topic Highlights: 

  • Adding volunteers to committees: Election/Membership and Social Committee, Maintenance, Restrictions and Zoning, Improvements and Projects.
  • *Discuss future projects: Fishing Lake, Tree Limbing, Front entrance spruce-up & sign refurbishment
  • Lake closing procedures/forecasting 

  • October Meeting Agenda

    When: Wednesday, October 17 at 7:30 pm Where: Virtual – https://meet.google.com/fkd-ssar-pwx  *You must join between 7:30 and 7:45pm or link will expire Dues/Finances – Discuss increasing yearly dues *Board will collect bids from all vendors for next year so that we can assess budget requirements.  Delinquency List: Treasurer update on payments received, payment plans and…

  • October 2026 Newsletter

    Hi Neighbors, We hope you are all enjoying the change of the seasons here in Shawnee Country! Please enjoy some seasonal news and updates from the SCOSA Board. Leaf Pick-up Shawnee Country is Zone 3 for Medford Township Leaf Pick-up. Pickup is scheduled for the weeks of November 17th and December 15th. As you build…

  • September 2026 Meeting Minutes

    Shawnee Country Open Space Association Monthly Board Meeting When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – 7:30pm Where: Virtual – https://meet.google.com/qot-jvcs-buw Attendance: Al Spesaison, Steve Anderson, Christina Pihos, Amy Attanasio Dues/Finances – Discuss increasing yearly dues Delinquency List – Most recent letter sent August/ Next Steps   August late letters were effective in collecting several past due payments. Two…

  • September 2026 Agenda

    Shawnee Country Open Space Association Monthly Board Meeting When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Where: Virtual – https://meet.google.com/qot-jvcs-buw Dues/Finances – Discuss increasing yearly dues Delinquency List – Most recent letter sent August/ Next Steps    Lake Season Closing – Assign Final Tasks  Upcoming Projects – Assign Research/Budget Promotion of the next election Upcoming November Annual Meeting

  • August 2026 – Newsletter

    Lovely Lake Days We have been so fortunate to have beautiful lake days this summer. New bubblers are humming along and keeping the lake clean and clear, while fresh safety rings stand ready for action. We’d like to send a very special thank you to Adrian White for all of his efforts this year as the point person…

  • June 2026 – Newsletter

    We hope you had a relaxing weekend even with the heavy rain. We have several updates regarding Shawnee Country as we head into the summer months. The Lake is OpenWe are pleased to announce that the lake has been approved through the Board of Health to open for the 2026 swimming season. For your peace of mind, water testing results will…

  • May 2026 – Newsletter

    Exciting updates are happening in Shawnee Country! Community Improvements We have recently installed new LED lighting and outlets at the lake and the front entrance. Preparation for the swimming season is underway, and thanks to our volunteers, the old swing set has been removed; a new one is scheduled for installation by the first week of May.…

Newsletters

June 2026 – Newsletter

We hope you had a relaxing weekend even with the heavy rain. We have several updates regarding Shawnee Country as we head into the summer months.

The Lake is Open
We are pleased to announce that the lake has been approved through the Board of Health to open for the 2026 swimming season. For your peace of mind, water testing results will be posted weekly in the pocket of the shed door. 

Please note that emergency supplies are located inside the shed and an emergency phone is located in a red box near the Shawnee Pass entrance. We ask that you keep a clear path to the emergency supplies when putting away beach toys. For your own safety, please do not swim alone.

Volunteers Needed
As the weather heats up, we have several small maintenance tasks to complete around the community. Handling these repairs with the help of volunteers is essential for keeping our dues low and fosters community pride and friendships. Please keep an eye out for a virtual sign-up sheet.

New Board Members
While there was significant turnover this year, several neighbors have stepped forward to keep our community moving forward. 

We would like to introduce your 2026 Board: 

We are always happy to see new faces and invite you to join our next monthly meeting on June 2 at 7:30 p.m at the lake (weather permitting).

President: Al Spesaison

Vice President: Christina Pihos

Treasurer: Steve Anderson

Secretary: Amy Attanasio

Lake Manager: Adrian White 

Emily Doyle

Tom Koslowski

Bryan Coccia

We look forward to seeing you at the lake.

Newsletters

May 2026 – Newsletter

Exciting updates are happening in Shawnee Country!

Community Improvements

We have recently installed new LED lighting and outlets at the lake and the front entrance. Preparation for the swimming season is underway, and thanks to our volunteers, the old swing set has been removed; a new one is scheduled for installation by the first week of May. Additionally, fresh sand and the Mr. Bob service will arrive shortly before Memorial Day, and a new roof for the shed will be completed soon. As a reminder, please do not fish at the swimming lake to ensure the safety of our swimmers.

Community Clean-up

The community clean-up originally scheduled for this Saturday was rained out. We will share a new date as soon as it is rescheduled. According to Medford Township, brush pick-up is scheduled for the week of April 27, and our first landscaping visit is set for the first week of May.

Dues Reminder

April 30 is the final day to submit your dues without incurring a late fee. If you have not already done so, please submit your $239 payment payable to SCOSA.

Payments can be mailed to:

PO Box 404

Medford, NJ 08055

Our next SCOSA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 7:30 PM. Stay tuned for further details regarding the location or meeting link.

Best regards,

Shawnee Country Open Space Association