Brad Bailey said he promises to keep readers posted on new homes being built on the golf course in Groves.

Bailey, Groves mayor and co-owner of The Patch Golf Course, said construction has begun on the first of 16 home sites on the course. And it’s the week of The Masters, too.

“The building of these new homes and the ongoing development of the golf course is a win-win situation because it generates property tax revenue for the city of Groves and generates economic development for local businesses,” Bailey said in a press release Groves supporter Dan Bledsoe compiled.

The Patch Golf Course, 5721 Monroe Blvd. in Groves, sports a nine-hole course and clubhouse. It is open to the public.

‘Big’ fun Mercado Days Latino Fest

I’m still writing under my Cajun maiden name, but I’m legally a Castillo. Sometimes “Darragh Castillo” gets in print and people call to congratulate me on my nuptials. It’s been nearly 20 years, so I think I’m “in.”

I especially love visiting my husband’s family at the holidays, when two types of tamales fill the kitchen. If you don’t know much about traditions of Mexico or other Latin countries, this is your weekend to learn.

The Southeast Texas Hispanic Cultures and Educational Center Inc. will present Mercado Days Latino Fest from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, April 18, and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, April 19, at the Procter Street Pavilion, 500 Procter Street.

Sandy Riley, a Texas Artists Museum board member, has been working on “gigantes,’ giant papier mache puppets traditional to processions. She said she’s grateful to TAM curator Andy Ledesma for instruction in that art form.

“Our plans are to share our knowledge with the youth in the community. We hope everyone will attend the Mercado Days Latino Fest 2008 to experience the "gigantes” and become motivated to sign up for a workshop,” Riley said.

Carnival rides, a car show and live music are part of the affair. Tickets are $6 until 7 p.m. and $10 after 7 p.m.; children 12 and younger will be admitted free.

Bag it for Earth Day