AQUATICS CENTER ~ Anyone looking for challenging skill development is invited to participate in an American Red Cross Lifeguarding class, set January 28-31 at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center. 

   Designed for ages 15 and up, the course helps participants develop lifesaving rescue skills, CPR and first aid training, valued by colleges and future employers. 

   A prerequisite swim on the first day must be passed in order to continue the course. Class hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on January 28 & 29, then 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 30 & 31. 

   Cost is $165 for Farmers Branch residents and $185 for non-residents. The class is offered through the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center as an authorized American Red Cross provider. 

   For more information, call 972.919.8752.

COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER ~ Under the mystique of a masquerade ball, daddies and daughters from across Farmers Branch will kick up their heels at the annual dance held in their honor, Saturday, February 6, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center. 

   There will be dancing, a live DJ, keepsake photos, refreshments and more. Advance tickets are $5 per person for Farmers Branch residents and $8 for non-residents. Tickets at the door are $10 per person. The event is limited to Daddies and Daughters only. For more information, call 972.247.4607.

MANKSE LIBRARY ~ Recorded Books Narrator, Johnny Heller, narrator of nearly 600 titles for adults, young adults, and children, will be at the Library on Saturday, January 30 at 3 pm. 

   Heller will read passages and describe what it's like to be a professional narrator. Not only is Heller an Audie Award winner with even more Audie nominations in his list of accomplishments, he was selected as one of the Top 50 Narrators of the 20th Century. 

   Heller is also a professional speaker, stand-up comic, playwright, actor, and commercial voice over artist. Listen to the voice that has been praised by the School Library Journal as being "so much fun it's difficult to imagine simply reading the book." Audiobooks narrated by Heller will also be given away to a few lucky winners.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ As tax season approaches, trained volunteers from AARP will be available for questions and assistance in preparing returns at both the Manske Library and Senior Center during designated hours, through mid-April.

   At the Manske Library, AARP Tax Aides will be available on Tuesdays, from 1 until 5:30 p.m., beginning January 26.

   Assistance at the Senior Center also begins January 26 and will be available by appointment on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call the Senior Center for appointments at 972.919.8740.