The fever struck Farmingdale this past Sunday. The outbreak occurred at Woodward Parkway School. It infected over 600 players and their parents. The Farmingdale Unit of the Nassau County Police Athletic League is being held responsible for the spread of Flag Fever. The program, now in its third season, provides the youth (ages 6 through 13) of Farmingdale and opportunity to participate in a fun-filled, no pressure, one hour of flag football. The program has grown from 250 boys and girls to more than 600. That's almost epidemic proportions. I had the pleasure of participating in their opening "kick-off" ceremony. It was absolutely amazing to see the sheer number of children playing on the fields (all six of them). This went on the whole day and will continue through the fall. Why does a program grow so fast in such a short period of time? The answer is easy - you provide a top notch program that children and parents need and want. The no pressure, once-a-week games with equal playing time for all, makes it a very desirable activity for the children. Why does a program grow so fast in such a short period of time? Because of dedicated people like Ray Webb, Dennis Donovan, the PAL Board and their Police Officer Director Maureen Roach. Why does a program grow so fast in such a short period of time? Because of parents who are willing to take the time to coach and teach the children. Because of a Youth Council that helps supports our youth sports programs and because of a school district that actively participates with the community sports organizations. I urge everyone to take the time to visit Woodward Parkway on any given Sunday during the next few months and see what everybody is talking about. But please be careful because you just might catch the fever.