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Letter to the editor: Clever cartoon combines nostalgia, current events

Younger readers of your paper may not have appreciated the subtleties in the political cartoon by Rick McKee (CagleCartoons.com) on Page D3 of the July 31 Telegram. With a current inflation rate of 9.1 percent, the cartoon character asked: “Will prices ever drop?” The answer was: “That’s a $69,985.25 question.”

James Egan, 40, left, and his brother William, 43, both from Hartford, Conn., listen to a question asked by master of ceremonies Hal March, right, during their Feb. 21, 1956, appearance on “The $64,000 Question” in New York City. A recently published editorial cartoon evoked the TV quiz show. Hans Von Nolde/Associated Press, File

Older readers like myself easily figured out that $69,985.25 is $64,000 times 9.1 percent. In the 1950s, there was a quiz show called “The $64,000 Question.” Contestants answered a series of increasing difficult questions, culminating in the hardest question and the top prize of $64,000. Back then, $64,000 was big money and the tension increased as contestants moved closer to the top prize.

The phrase “That’s a $64,000 question” is a metaphor that has become part of the American vernacular meaning “that’s a tough question.” Yes, knowing when inflation will peak is a tough question. Thank you, Mr. McKee, for bring the issue to our attention in a clever cartoon.

Tom McClain
Kennebunkport

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Salisbury combines Community Resource Fair, National Night Out events to celebrate community, neighborhood partnerships

SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) – Salisbury will celebrate local community agencies, neighborhoods and law enforcement partnerships at a combined Back-to-School Community Resource Fair and National Night Out event, Tuesday, Aug. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. at Bell Tower Green Park.

Each summer and winter the Community Resource Fair brings together local agencies specializing in health, addiction, education and family support in one place to help local families as students head back to school. Information on senior services is available also. As in previous years, students will receive backpacks with a selection of school supplies. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Backpacks will be provided while supplies last.

Founded in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and builds neighborhood camaraderie. The nighttime event, typically held on the first Tuesday in August, also increases awareness of local law enforcement programs such as neighborhood watch and anti-crime initiatives.

“The Community Resource Fair and National Night Out are two of our community’s most popular, signature events of the year,” said Salisbury City Manager Jim Greene. “The timing and camaraderie of both events make sense to combine them as one, with a more efficient use of staff resources. We’re looking forward to this one-stop occasion for providing much-needed resources and safety information to Salisbury and Rowan County residents.”

This year, the Salisbury City Council meeting will be held on the same date, however, at an earlier 3 p.m. start time so Council members can join in the information sharing after the meeting. The Human Relations Council, an official city commission focused on inclusion, acceptance and appreciation, is a lead partner in this bi-annual event.

Participants attending evening activities are encouraged to post photographs on social media platforms using the hashtag #SalisburyNightOut.

For more information, please contact Anne Little, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at anne.little@salisburync.gov, or call (704) 638-5218.