Bluedenim INK's Linkwell

Bio

Frances Fasano Alt

Born in Flushing, New York in 1940, Fran Alt has led a Peter Pan lifestyle. Today, she is still deciding who she wants to be when she grows up. In the back of her mind she holds on to the idea of getting a Ph.D.

"It's not a driving ambition," Alt says, "just something I want to accomplish before I fade away. I don't want to be ninety-years-old and wondering what I did with my life."

If that sounds laid-back or placid, it isn't. Alt does not attempt any undertaking half-heartedly. She thrives on challenge. An avid golfer, Alt has a scrapbook full of newspaper clippings and a room full of trophies.

"I try to be in championship flight in the game of golf and in the game of life," she says. " Actually if I can't do something well I don't waste my time with it."

Just playing the game isn't enough for Alt, who enjoys the glory that goes with being a winner. She says, "There has to be a pot of gold a the end of the rainbow. I've played golf for top scores, school for top grades and life for top billing."

Alt feels her life has been exciting, and having five children in as many years did not slow her down. When her children were small she was affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy, and is a past president of the Levittown, Long Island Auxiliary of that organization. She was also active with the Association for the Help of Retarded Children.

Later, she was manager and bartender at a North Shore night spot. As a divorcee, she found the job ideal. Her 8:00 p.m. to 3 a.m. work hours allowed her to sleep while her children were in school, and her afternoons were free to spend with them.

During this period Alt met her husband Fred, a New York City fireman, with three children. Together the couple raised all eight children.

editing American Dairy Farmer magazine, various agricultural journals or writing feature stories for other farming magazines,Alt can be found " hanging out" with her grandchildren.

"We've got 17 grandchildren now, " Alt says. She smiles and her blue eyes sparkle. "It's funny how fast life goes by, everything seems like it happened only yesterday. I guess that saying about time going fast when you are having fun is really true!"