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Higher Education
Reflecting on Hose Four history
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Vol. 28 No. 15
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OBITUARY
Dancing on air
He was beloved by generations
Alexandra Francois submitted a dance choreography piece and was named a winner in the New York state PTA Reflections annual competition. Baldwin students Adam Magwood and Milan George also placed. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Longtime Baldwin teacher, coach Clark Crespi dies at 77 By NIColE AlCINDoR nalcindor@liherald.com
Courtesy Baldwin School District
Baldwinites react to New York state marijuana legalization By NIColE AlCINDoR and PEtER BElFIoRE nalcindor@liherald.com
On March 31, New York state legalized recreational marijuana use — an effort years in the making — while setting regulations for a new industry and its taxation. Spanning 128 pages, the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act addresses everything from enforcement and criminal jus-
18/21 itc FG Demi Condensed
tice reform to how taxes will be levied against marijuana producers and retailers and how those dollars can be spent. The bill’s passage received mixed reactions from Baldwin residents, with some supporting it and sharing their excitement, while others expressed disappointment in its passage. “I’m in favor of legalization for home consumption,” Baldwin resident Manny Massa said, “not in the open, where it can
affect others, including children. No driving on drugs.” Baldwinite Mary Johnston agreed. “I guess if you want to partake of it in the privacy of your own home, that’s fine,” she said. “Unfortunately, I think people will abuse this and smoke outside the home, infringing on other people’s rights. I also think that our wonderful politicians haven’t thought everything out Continued on page 3
Clark Crespi, a longtime Baldwin teacher and wrestling coach who was loved and respected by many, died March 18 of complications of Parkinson’s disease and neuropathy. He was 77. Crespi, of West Babylon, was born Feb. 1, 1944, in New York City to Bette and Chris Crespi. He attended Seaford High School, but graduated from Rondout Valley High School. He went on Clark to earn a bachelor’s in math education from SUNY Brockport in 1965, followed by a master’s from Queens College. Soon after, he began his 35-year career as a math teacher and assistant varsity wrestling coach, as well as the middle school track and field and football coach in the Baldwin School District. “He was an award-winning middle school math teacher who
was beloved by many generations of students, and he was known for his sense of humor and sometimes crazy antics in the classroom, but most of all, as one of the best teachers they ever had,” said his son, Clark Crespi Jr., of West Babylon. “He was well respected in the athletic community on Long Island, a n d h e re c e ive d many awards over the years.” Crespi led Baldwin wrestlers to individual and team league, county and state championships, including 30 Nassau Crespi County championships and four New York state championships. In January 2020 he was honored by the Baldwin Athletic Department with a Lifetime Achievement Award. “He was honored for the tremendous commitment, support, guidance and heart he gave to his athletes, who acknowledged the indelible impact he made on their lives, and mentoring these Continued on page 3