INTERVIEWS
“I have always been a DIY type of man,”
says Chris Carpenter, who is actually the impassioned and encyclopedic director of programming at Spoutwood Farm Observatory in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. “The advantages of such a system include the satisfaction of knowing I accomplished something myself, and eventually developing the reputation as a man who can cut through the deadwood and get things done.” The steward and principal champion of the independent observatory adds wryly, “The drawbacks are myriad.”
GOLF PRO SE
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Born upstate in Wilkes-Barre, and a resident of nearby Shrewsbury since age seven, Carpenter studied Astrophysics at Penn State. Between stops, he nurtured a passion for golf that would lead to an unlikely career. After mastering a mathematics few can understand, Chris turned his focus toward developing as a professional athlete and instructor in the sport. It was during these post-collegiate years that Chris first came in contact with Spoutwood Farm. Located just outside of Shrewsbury, the farm; which boasts horse pastures, vineyards, and a CSA, is best known for its annual Faerie Festival around May Day. Throughout the 90’s, Chris’ sister would attend the event as a vendor, and on one such visit, Chris traveled along with her. Of this place which has become by degrees a bigger part of his life, he says: “One constant I can always rely on is Spoutwood - it will always remain a sanctuary where things move a little slower.” Coincident to Carpenter’s nearing orbit was the vision of Fred Ruof, who was busy during these years planning and sponsoring an observatory to be built on the high field above Spoutwood’s main campus. A minister, Ruof added to that sense of sanctuary one feels at the farm by adding both the observatory and an otherworldly strawbale structure which sits beside it. The latter functions today as a library, educational center, and place of refuge for guests.
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by Jeff Brunell Photos by Shelley Burke
Carpenter had joined Spoutwood in 2008 as a versatile contributor who happened to excel in astronomy. After years of construction and thousands of dollars, the structures were completed, and shortly thereafter, Ruof relocated to Texas in 2010. At this point, Carpenter officially took the lead role at the observatory. This ascendance marked a major comeback in Carpenter’s life. “Spoutwood offered me a fresh start certainly. After banging away most of my 30’s in bars, I was worn out, my self-esteem shattered, my finances a mess, and I had no car or driver’s license. I used to go to work on a moped, even in winter. The confidence and sense of self-worth that so clearly define who I am today were simply not there in 2008 - I had to find them again. Spoutwood was a place I could slow down, take my time re-integrating myself with society, and re-learn what it means to love and be loved for who I am. The Observatory was like icing on the cake.” Since that time, the success of the center has mirrored the trajectory of its steward. Spoutwood has hosted scouting and educational groups, and engages in an ongoing and collaborative research capacity with the York County Astronomical Society. Carpenter has simultaneously advanced his career as a competitive golfer and professional instructor in the game while nurturing the observatory and its programs. “Astronomy has always been a passion of mine, but remained on the back burner as long as I felt young enough and strong enough to remain a competitive golfer. Now I have the good fortune of having both - a great career as a golf pro, and an excellent side-bar as an astronomer.” Asked what’s next for the astronomical center at Spoutwood, Carpenter says: “The Observatory, I envision expanding into a full-fledged Academy, oriented around astronomy yet also offering a diverse curriculum of other Earth-science based courses. As my career as a golf professional advances, I see myself more in a director’s role at the Observatory and not so closely connected to the day-to-day stuff.” On a Friday night just after the spring equinox, Carpenter opened up the center to dozens of visitors. The wide eliptic view from the hillside- showcasing all but 20 degrees of the night sky- was nearly cloudless, affording revelers essentially unobstructed sight through the centers’ high-powered telescopes. Candles, torches and a bonfire cast a magical air over the proceedings, where visitors moved from one station to another, variously looking through telescopes, exploring the observatory, and learning a bit of foundational astrophysics. Drifting through crowds of awestruck kids alongside their fascinated grandparents; young lovers in reverent quiet; neighbors of many years speaking in excited and hushed tones, our writer got the sense that this place is facilitating something really sacred. “It has given me a chance to justify why I bothered getting my degree in the first place, and given me something to do with it. One never knows how the dice will fall - as things shake out for me I am just thankful to have the chance to touch so many lives. Golf and astronomy allow me to do just that - to widely different audiences.”