During a recent government meeting in Bettendorf, Mayor Robert Gallagher recognized the importance of community involvement and presented tokens of appreciation to local citizens for their active roles. Each participant received a police patch and a challenge coin, symbolizing their contributions.

The meeting also featured three proclamations, with a significant focus on World Polio Day. Scott Nauman, program chair of the Bettendorf Rotary Club, joined the mayor to highlight the Rotary's efforts in combating polio. The mayor read a proclamation declaring October 24, 2024, as World Polio Day in Bettendorf.

The proclamation emphasized the Rotary's global mission to eradicate polio, which has seen a 99.9% reduction in cases since 1988. The organization has raised over $500,000 locally and contributed more than $2.2 billion globally to immunize children against the disease. The mayor encouraged citizens to support the fight for a polio-free world.

Nauman shared inspiring stories about the impact of vaccination efforts and acknowledged the challenges faced in some regions due to mistrust. He expressed gratitude for the proclamation and the ongoing work of Rotarians worldwide. The meeting concluded with a sense of hope and determination in the fight against polio.