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 

  • 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 … Continue reading August 2026 – Newsletter →


  • 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 … Continue reading June 2026 – Newsletter →


  • 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, … Continue reading May 2026 – Newsletter →


  • ANNUAL SHAWNEE COUNTRY COMMUNITY YARD SALE

    Date:           Saturday, September 19st Time:          8 AM – 1PM Time to clean out the garage, attic and basement!! The Yard Sale will be posted on local Facebook pages such 08055 Yard Sale, … Continue reading ANNUAL SHAWNEE COUNTRY COMMUNITY YARD SALE →


  • Shawnee Country Swimming Lake Area Closed

    Shawnee Country Residents, We hope all our neighbors are doing well and staying safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. We are very thankful for our friends and neighbors who … Continue reading Shawnee Country Swimming Lake Area Closed →


  • Annual Shawnee Country Community Yard Sale

    Date:           Saturday, September 21st Time:          8 AM – 1PM Time to clean out the garage, attic and basement!! The Yard Sale will be posted on local Facebook pages such 08055 Yard Sale, … Continue reading Annual Shawnee Country Community Yard Sale →


  • Shawnee Country Open Space Association Spring Newsletter

    It is so nice that spring has arrived!!  Here are just a few announcements and reminders.   Did you know that April and May are high risk months for forest … Continue reading Shawnee Country Open Space Association Spring Newsletter →


  • 2017 Shawnee Country Fishing Derby

    at the Lake  on Saturday, October 21st   4-6pm Come join your neighbors and have some fun!  Shawnee Country children and grandchildren are welcome to participate! If you plan to participate in the … Continue reading 2017 Shawnee Country Fishing Derby →


  • Fall Newsletter – 2015

    Shawnee Country Open Space Association Announcements & Reminders: –  The additional township Brush Collection for Shawnee Country is complete for 2015.  If you have additional brush you may bring it to the … Continue reading Fall Newsletter – 2015 →


  • Spring News Letter – 2015

    Shawnee Country Open Space Association Important Reminders: – The township will be starting Zone 3 leaf collection on Monday, March 23rd. This is the second round of fall 2014 collection for … Continue reading Spring News Letter – 2015 →


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.

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

Shawnee Country Swimming Lake Area Closed

Shawnee Country Residents,

We hope all our neighbors are doing well and staying safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. We are very thankful for our friends and neighbors who are medical professionals and first responders that are on the front lines.

Similar to the Medford Township notifications, please note Shawnee Country recreational and open space areas will remain open for passive use that does not result in group gatherings. The playground equipment and picnic tables are closed as they are not being disinfected.

Stay safe & healthy,
Shawnee Country Board of Trustees

Shawnee Country Open Space Association Spring Newsletter

It is so nice that spring has arrived!!  Here are just a few announcements and reminders.

 

      • Did you know that April and May are high risk months for forest fires?  Here are a few fire safety tips from the NJ Forest Fire Service.  They recommend clearing at least 30 feet of space around home and structures, keep areas around electrical boxes free from leaves, maintain sensible fires in fire pits and practice safe grilling techniques.  For more information go to the following website:  https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/fire/wildfire-prevent-edu-protect.htm  
      • The township started Zone 3 brush collection on Monday, April 1st.  Please take advantage of this service to clean up brush.  Do not dump brush into open space.  More information regarding brush collection can be found at www.medfordtownship.com.
      • Our Annual Clean-up weekend is May 4th and 5th.  We are asking for volunteers to help clean-up the open space area around the lakes.  More information to come. 
      • Reminder to all dog owners:  Please respect our open space and your neighbors by picking up after your dog.  Per Chapter 66 of the Medford Township Administrative Code, dog owners are required to remove their pet’s waste by placing it in a suitable bag and depositing it in the trash.

      • Reminder:  SCOSA Annual Dues were due on or before March 31st.   Payments can be mailed to SCOSA, P.O. Box 404, Medford, NJ 08055.
 
Shawnee Country Board of Trustees

2017 Shawnee Country Fishing Derby

at the Lake  on Saturday, October 21st   4-6pm

Come join your neighbors and have some fun!  Shawnee Country children and grandchildren are welcome to participate!

If you plan to participate in the fishing derby arrive by 4pm (poles in by 4:15).

Remember to bring your fishing gear and bait.  Extra rods are available if needed.

Prizes will be awarded for:
  • Biggest fish
  • First fish landed
  •  Most fish
  • Smallest fish

Refreshments will be provided!  Feel free to bring an appetizer or snack to share. BYOB

We hope to see you there!!!

If you have any questions please contact shawneecountryosa@gmail.com.

Shawnee Country Board of Trustees

Fall Newsletter – 2015

Shawnee Country Open Space Association

Announcements & Reminders:

–  The additional township Brush Collection for Shawnee Country is complete for 2015.  If you have additional brush you may bring it to the DPW yard.  Refer to the township website for more information.

–  Fall Leaf Collection will begin in November by township zone.  Leaves may only be placed roadside 7 days prior to a scheduled and announced collection.  Shawnee Country is Zone 3.

–  The SCOSA Membership Directory has been updated.  If you did not receive a copy please email the board atshawneecountryosa@gmail.com.

–  Please welcome our new families:

  • The Hunter Family, 2 Silver Cloud
  • The Lyman Family, 40 Tee Pee Court
  • The Taylor Family, 11 Copper Crow Bend

–  Are you interested in getting more involved in Shawnee Country?  The Shawnee Country Open Space Association has a volunteer Board of Trustees that oversee the association.  The Board meets monthly to discuss topics such as open space maintenance, lake issues, budget updates and/or development improvements.  Board members are expected to take on specific roles, tasks and duties throughout the year.  In addition to the Board positions there is also a Lake Committee that is looking for members.  This committee helps maintain the swimming and fishing lakes.  If you are interested in becoming more involved and would like more information on the roles and responsibilities of Board members or the Lake Committee please contact the Board at shawneecountryosa@gmail.com.

–  The Annual SCOSA General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th at 7:30PM at Ott’s on Stokes Road in Medford.  All residents are encouraged to attend.  A reminder will be sent in early November.

 

Activities:

–  Despite the weather, the Annual Block Party/Fishing Derby was a lot of fun!  Thanks to all the residents who came out to enjoy time with your neighbors!

 

The SCOSA Board of Trustees — shawneecountryosa@gmail.com
Check us out on the web at:  www.shawneecountrymedfordnj.com
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawneecountryosa

 

Spring News Letter – 2015

Shawnee Country Open Space Association

Important Reminders:

– The township will be starting Zone 3 leaf collection on Monday, March 23rd. This is the second round of fall 2014 collection for Zone 3 because it was the first zone collected. Please be aware this is the last leaf collection until the fall.

– The township is planning to begin brush collection in April. More information can be found at www.medfordtownship.com.

– Please note: SCOSA Annual Dues are due on or before March 31st.

– Our next SCOSA Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th at 7:30pm. If you are interested in attending please email the Board for location. All residents are welcome to attend.

 Please welcome our new families:

  • The Morrill Family, 46 Little Fawn Circle
  • The Robinson Family, 12 Moon Way

 

Activities:

– Easter Egg Hunt is Sunday, March 29th at 2pm sharp! Please remember to bring a basket. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

– Mark the date for the Annual Shawnee Country Clean Up Day 

Saturday, April 25th 1 – 4pm. Come out and join fellow residents as we get our lake area spruced up for the season. We’ll be at the lake from 1 to 4pm. Whether you come for a little while or stay for the duration, your help will make a difference. Please bring your garden tools: metal rakes, leaf rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows etc. We will have water and cookies to keep us energized!

 

The SCOSA Board of Trustees — shawneecountryosa@gmail.com

Check us out on the web at: www.shawneecountrymedfordnj.com

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawneecountryosa