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Home economist Gregg to move By JONEL ALECCIA A popular Jackson County home economist has been transferred involuntarily to a new post with the Oregon State University Extension Service, angering longtime supporters. Supervisors, however, say the move will mean new opportunities for Janice Gregg and the agency that provides advice and education about food, nutrition and life skills. "It is a hard message," said Gregg, 51, a Jackson County home economist since 1981. "I've been here 18 years and when you're in one spot that long, it's hard to change." Gregg will leave Friday for a vacation before heading to Newport for professional development classes and eventual reassignment. "I feel frustration, anger," said Bettie Henry, a master food preserver who was trained by Gregg. "The Rogue Valley is losing a valuable asset." Henry is among a handful of people who have called and written letters to protest Gregg's transfer. Her leaving will mean that local consumers might wait longer for answers to questions about food safety and other nutrition issues, Gregg said. During her tenure, Gregg has organized and taught hundreds of classes on food preservation, women's finances and life skills. She has fielded thousands of consumer calls and spoken to hundreds of community groups. This summer, an estimated 350 people have signed up for Gregg's sessions on canning and food preserving in Jackson and Josephine counties. Mike Howell, superintendent at the Southern Oregon Research Center and Extension Service, called the change part of a new emphasis for the agency and for Gregg. "Basically, what the situation is is that this is more of a professional development opportunity and a chance for Janice to refocus on some of her programs." The Corvallis-based division of OSU plans to offer more classes for low-income families, single mothers and other at-risk groups in Jackson, Josephine and parts of Douglas counties. "They want to bring someone in with more of that focus," he said. "They looked at Janice and said basically her expertise would lend itself to other areas or other counties within the state." Gregg holds a bachelor's degree in home economics education and a master's degree in adult and continuing education. Although the transfer announced in July is involuntary, Gregg said she is beginning to look forward to new duties. "It's going to be good for me in that I can learn new and different things," she said. "I've always loved to take classes." Longtime supporters are less diplomatic. "I think people are wondering if they do that to her, what's going to happen to the rest of us?" said Henry. "I'll miss her companionship, her friendship, her wonderful, cheerful personality and her knowledge. She's a marvelous teacher." Howell said he hopes to have Gregg's post filled within six months. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA