Geary County Commission Chair Florence Whitebread received a special honor at the 2016 Geary County Extension Council Annual Meeting.

Whitebread received the Appreciation Award, an award presented to someone that “exhibits phenomenal support for Extension programs” and in her case, the community as well.

“I do the things for the community because I think it’s something that I need to do and that I want to do, and I just couldn’t believe receiving [this] attention for doing that – I mean, something that I think is normal that a person ought to do for their community,” said Whitebread.

Not only has Whitebread served as County Commissioner for 24 years, she has been a staunch supporter of 4-H programs and fundraisers, the Geary County Historical Society, and her church – to name a few.

Although she didn’t seek re-election to the County Commission, Whitebread said she won’t be on the couch twiddling her thumbs. “I’m already asked to serve on a Board here (Extension Council), I’ve been asked to serve on a couple other boards, so I don’t think I’m going to have too much time to think about missing anything – there’s just too many things to do.”

Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent said that Florence was the obvious choice to receive the Extension Council Appreciation Award.

“Some people may just be involved in one aspect of the program or another…sometimes somebody comes along and makes a big impact one year, sometimes it’s an accumulation of what they’ve done over a long period of time…she has been there for 24 years, working with us, helping us and supporting us, being at our events – it just seemed like a wonderful time to recognize and incredible woman,” said Otte.

The Geary County Extension Council Annual Meeting was Thursday, November 17th at Stacy’s Restaurant in Grandview Plaza.