PORT JERVIS, NY — This July, the Port Jervis Free Library in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County will hold two free sessions in its continuing summer Backyard Series.

“Introduction to Food Preservation, “presented by Master Food Preserver James Thomas, will meet on Thursday, July 10 from 6:30 to -8 p.m. The class will cover food safety, equipment, canning basics, high-acid and low-acid canning, preserving jams and jellies, pickling, freezing foods, as well as drying foods and herbs.

“Hardy Cacti and Succulents,” taught by Master Gardener Barbara Wexler-Hall, will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn how to broaden your garden design choices by including winter-hardy cacti and succulents that can be grown outdoors in our region.

Seating is limited, so reserve early by calling 845/772-7586, by emailing thehub@portjervislibrary.org, or by visiting The Hub at the library at 138 Pike St.

On Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. Michael J. Worden will present a talk titled “The Murder of Richard Jennings: The True Story of New York’s First Murder for Hire.” The Jennings case—he was murdered in December 1818 in a dispute over a parcel of land—eventually ended with two men in prison and two men facing the hangman before a crowd of 20,000 people. Future President Martin Van Buren assisted in prosecuting the case. This program will be held in the library’s reference room.