Jeffrey Hanks, OPALCO meter reader for Lopez Island, retires in May.

Jeffrey Hanks, OPALCO power meter reader for Lopez, walked out to read the last meter of his route May 16th bringing a subtle end to a dedicated history to the job after 23 years. The replacement of mechanical meters to a smart grid of power monitoring, AMR, has been completed replacing the need to have information read and sent manually. As of last week Jeff’s yellow magnetic meter reader signs for his vehicle are stuck to the outdoor refrigerator at home, the box of dog bones he always carries has finished the important role of distraction and his high powered binoculars are now at hand for bird watching instead. Jeff has done a great job for OPALCO which has included reading Decatur and Center Islands by his own Duraboat and Finn sailboat over the years, as well as reading by loaned golf cart and the outer island OPALCO truck. Now, Jeff’s familiar Suzuki utility truck won’t be seen in your driveway unless he is bringing new ceramic work to your door.

For Jeff this recent positive change gives him the great opportunity to work full time as a potter and artist, producing functional and decorative ceramic work in his studio at Red House Pottery at the southend of Lopez. Jeff will be returning soon to the Lopez Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and has exhibitions scheduled at Chimera Gallery and Anchor Art Space, a new gallery that Jeff and his wife, Jean Behnke recently opened in Anacortes. visit anchorartspace.org