This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the Week ending December 22, 2023

Nellie Gail Ranch Holiday Decorations Tour
Congratulations to our 2023 Holiday Decorating Contest Winners!
We had forty-five entries and it was a difficult but festive task for our participating sponsor, the Brad Feldman Group,  and the Events Committee to select “winners”.  In the end we are all winners for the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful displays in our community! 
Join us in celebrating the holiday season by taking a drive around the neighborhood to view the festive decorations. A big thank you to the Brad Feldman Group for creating a map of this year’s participants. We would also like to acknowledge Jeff Baize, an NGR homeowner, for identifying the winners in red. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season!
Trails Closed Due to Rain
Trails closed to service and delivery vehicles all weekend due to rain. Your cooperation is appreciated. Thank you for helping maintain trail conditions.
Click below and view the delicious offerings of our  Happy Hour and Breakfast menus at The Watering Hole.
Breakfast MenuHappy Hour Menu
Holiday Hours
The Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association Office will be closed Monday, Dec 25th and Tuesday, Dec 26thin observance of the Christmas holiday.
The Tennis & Swim Clubwill close at 2:00pm on Sunday, Dec 24th and all-day Christmas Day, Monday, Dec 25th.
The Club will be open onTuesday, Dec 26th, normal hours, from 6:00 am to 10:00pm.
The Watering Hole Restaurantwill close on Sunday, Dec 24th at 2:00pm and all day Monday, Dec 25thin observance of the Christmas holiday.
Gala Ticket PricingMembers – $125   •   Non-Members – $150

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the Week ending December 15, 2023

Holiday Home Decorating Contestants
44 Homeowners illuminated the holiday season with their dazzling displays in the home light decorating competition. From twinkling lights to festive arrangements, each participant brought a unique touch to their homes, spreading joy and cheer. The winners of the competition will be unveiled on December 18th, click the map below to view the contestants.
Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the Week ending December 8, 2023

Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. ClausSunday, December 10th from 4-6:30PMAssociation Clubhouse
Holiday Home Decorating ContestDecember 13 &14Residents may nominate their home or a neighbor’s home to be included in the contest by scanning the QR code in the flyer or by clicking the button or flyer below. Judging will take place December 13-14.
Nominate

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the Week ending December 1, 2023

This Week in Nellie Gail RanchFrom the Week ending December 1, 2023
December Pony Express Magazine
December Pony Express Magazine is Available now!

Stay informed and connected with the latest community news and events by viewing the Pony Express Magazine. Click the photo or button below to view the magazine. December Pony Express
Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. ClausSunday, December 10th from 4-6:30PMAssociation Clubhouse
Holiday Home Decorating ContestDecember 13 &14Residents may nominate their home or a neighbor’s home to be included in the contest by scanning the QR code in the flyer or by clicking the flyer below. Judging will take place December 13-14.

December 2023 Pony Express Magazine

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the Week ending November 24, 2023

Holiday Hours
Recreation Center Holiday Hours
The Tennis & Swim Clubwill be closed Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Dayand open regular hours Friday, November 24th 6:00am – 10:00pm
The Watering Hole Restaurantwill be closed Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Dayand will be open regular hours Friday, November 24th from 10:30 am – 9:00 pm.
Business OfficeNellie Gail Ranch Owners Association Business Officewill be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23rd & 24th
Coyote Caution
Nellie Gail Ranch by virtue of its open space design is a haven for wildlife, and one of our abundant wildlife guests is the ever present coyote.  We have had recent reports of coyote’s in close proximity to homes.  Coyotes play an important part in our eco-system helping to keep rodent and rabbit populations under control.  However, the City of Laguna Hills contracts with Mission Viejo Animal Services to respond to reports of nuisance animals. 
For sightings, no action is taken as sightings are common occurrences.  For aggressive interactions with pets or people, concerns may be reported to the Animal Services Center directly at (949) 470-3045.  Reports may also be submitted via e-mail to ask-shelter@cityofmissionviejo.org.  Please provide Animal Services a clear description of concerns with who-what-when-why-where information via either the phone message or e-mail.  Of significant concern to Animal Services are also interactions where people have been threatened with aggressive behavior.  Coyotes that are reported to be sick, injured or deceased will also receive a response from Animal Services.
The following is the link to Mission Viejo Animal Services website:https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/animal-services The following are some simple precautions all homeowners can take:Don’t allow small children to play unsupervised in unmaintained portions of your propertyAlways, keep pets on leash on trails and in parksKeep domestic animals sheltered and protectedDon’t leave food sources available for wild animals Our natural environment can sometimes present some discomfort, but the benefits when we weigh them out are so much greater!
Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. ClausSunday, December 10th from 4-6:30PMAssociation Clubhouse
Holiday Home Decorating ContestDecember 13 &14Residents may nominate their home or a neighbor’s home to be included in the contest by scanning the QR code in the flyer or by clicking the flyer below. Judging will take place December 13-14.

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the Week ending November 17, 2023

Thanksgiving Holiday HoursRecreation Center Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
The Tennis & Swim Clubwill be closed Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Dayand open regular hours Friday, November 24th 6:00am – 10:00pm

The Watering Hole Restaurantwill be closed Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Dayand will be open regular hours Friday, November 24th from 10:30 am – 9:00 pm.Business OfficeNellie Gail Ranch Owners Association Business Officewill be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23rd & 24thTennis Competition


NewsCongratulations to Nellie Gail Ranch Pickleball Club members, Sue Morgan, Mary & Maggie Brascia!
The ladies competed in the USA Pickleball Biofreeze National Championships in Dallas, Texas last week. Sue Morgan and her partner Annabel Rogan won the Gold Medal in the 4.5 Women’s Doubles 70’s division. Each match was tight with the ladies knocking off all challengers including the two top seeded teams.  The sister duo of Mary and Maggie Brascia won silver medals in the Women’s Pro Doubles division. On their way to the title match, Mary and Maggie beat world #2 Anna Bright and her partner, Jade Kawamoto in a thrilling five game match that had the entire crowd of 5,000 on their feet! USA Pickleball’s largest-ever tournament ran from November 5-12 at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, an inner-ring suburb of Dallas. Nearly 3,500 players competed and over 10,000 attendees took part in the pickleball action on Championship Sunday and enjoyed the festivities. Congratulations ladies for a job well done and to all Nellie Gail Ranch club members who competed at many levels in this National event.  

Sue Morgan and partner Annabel RoganMary & Maggie Brasci


Trails Closed Due To RainDue to muddy trail conditions and an anticipated Saturday rain, vehicle access to the trails is temporarily suspended until further notice. As a precaution, sandbags have been placed along the trails, and it is crucial not to run over them. Please be mindful of these measures to ensure both trail preservation and the safety of all users.

Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming EventsChristmas Party with Santa and Mrs. ClausSunday, December 10th from 4-6:30PMAssociation Clubhouse


Holiday Home Decorating ContestDecember 13 &14Residents may nominate their home or a neighbor’s home to be included in the contest by scanning the QR code in the flyer or by clicking the flyer below. Judging will take place December 13-14.Moulton MuseumEmbark on a journey of discovery as you visit the exhibits at the Moulton Museum, where history and art converge in a harmonious narrative. Click the newsletter below to view the November exhibit information. Newsletter

This Week in Nellie Gail Ranch

From the Week ending November 10, 2023

Happy Veterans Day
Wishing you a Happy Veterans Day filled with gratitude and reflection as we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. Today, let’s join together to express our deepest appreciation for their sacrifices and commitment. Thank you to all veterans for your service and dedication.
Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. ClausSunday, December 10th from 4-6:30PMAssociation Clubhouse
Holiday Home Decorating ContestDecember 13 &14Residents can nominate their home or a neighbor’s home to be included in the contest.  Judging will take place December 13-14. 
Next Board Meeting
Below is a link to the agenda for the Tuesday, November 14th meeting at 7:30pm located at the Association Clubhouse. Click the button to view the agenda. Contact admin@nelliegailranch.org with any questions.
Agenda

November Pony Express

The Watering Hole

Special Celebration and Meet-and-Greet Wednesday November 1st  –  5 pm to 7 pm
Come meet your neighbors and our new Watering Hole Culinary Management Team.  Alejandro, Luis and Edgar are looking forward to meeting everyone.  They will have some Happy Hour specials ready for attending guests from 5 pm to 7 pm.  If you want to beat the rush and dine-in we will be open 10:30 am to 9 pm.
Chef Luis Mena Owner IL SOLE CUCINA
Raised in Mexico City Chef Luis had a dream of coming to America to live the American dream.  But first he had the opportunity to travel through Italy where he enjoyed the food and wine, but most important, he experienced the culinary art from the north of Italy all of the way down to the amazing cities of the southern Sicily.   Luis Mena and his wonderful wife Claudia followed their dreams to Rancho Santa Margarita where they and their partner Edgar Estrada opened “IL SOLE CUCINA”.  Their restaurant has received recognition from 2022/2023 ECCELLENZE ITALIANE as one of the best Italian cucina’s in America.
Il Sole Cucina |  Rancho Santa Margarita
Chef Alejandro CuellarOwner of Balvina’s Mexican Kitchen
Chef Alejandro grew up in Puebla, Mexico in an atmosphere of flavors, colors, and history.  Fascinated with the use of local ingredients by his mother and her expert ability to make complex mixtures of herbs and spices, he was inspired to open Balvina’s Mexican Kitchen in Laguna Hills.
Balvinas | Laguna Hills
Edgar EstradaPresident of Sol Agave
Edgar is one of the founders of Sol Agave.  The dream began inside a 17-foot food truck with a burning desire to serve quality food with healthy ingredients and complex, modern, enjoyable flavors.  Sol Agave has been in business for over 8 years with 6 current locations.  Sol Agave has been nominated the best restaurant in San Juan Capistrano for the past 3 years.
Sol Agave | San Juan Capistrano San Clemente
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday10:30 am to 9:00 pm  
Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday  9:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Watering Hole Menu
Drink Menu
Club Happy Hour Menu