GwinnettForum | Number 23.47 | June 14, 2024
OTTERS ARE BEING INTRODUCED MONDAY at the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary on U.S. Highway 78 between Snellville and Stone Mountain. The four orphaned otters will arrive from Louisiana. There will be state-of-the-art features for visitors, including underwater viewing of these playful creatures. For more information, see Upcoming below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Why are drug prices for Americans so costly?
EEB PERSPECTIVE: The runoff elections, a postal flyer and the pledge
SPOTLIGHT: The 1818 Club
FEEDBACK: Figures out way to avoid all commercials on television
UPCOMING: Otter Exhibit opens Monday at Yellow River Sanctuary
NOTABLE: Peach State FCU focusing on fighting senior fraud
RECOMMENDED: The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Tybee Island known for fresh air, salty breezes
MYSTERY PHOTO: Where’s this national banner flying on Flag Day?
CALENDAR: Virtual candidate forum will be held Friday night
Why are drug prices for Americans so costly?
By Raleigh Perry
BUFORD, Ga. | No one would know except the upper management what the cost of Research and Development for medications are, but it is immense. Packaging those drugs in the manufacturing process adds to the price. Marketing is where costs really get out of hand.
Perry
You could have a medication that would cure all diseases and other problems that you would ever think of, but the drug has to get in front of the potential users. Heavy costs, part of the marketing of the drug, come in advertising.
In 1983, the first drug was advertised on television. From that point on, many drugs are now hawked on television. The eventual cost of some of these drugs to patients is phenomenally high.
As an example, look at Jardiance, a diabetes drug that is heavily advertised. Over the last couple of years, this drug has had three promotions.
Jardiance had one advertisement with a fat girl singing that ran around 30 seconds, but was abruptly pulled off. There were about 40 or more people in the scene with the girl standing on the edge of a statue. It was withdrawn because of “body shaming” on social media, Facebook and X.
A 30 second advertisement can cost about $250,000 dollars to run in prime time, but that is not all. Producing the ad itself cost a ton of money. There is an expense for the song she was singing and that could have cost thousands of dollars to produce. The actor had to be paid as did the 40 or more secondary actors, mostly dancers. The props had to cost a bundle. And a video had to be shot. You’re talking about expensive aspects even before it goes on television.This Jardiance advertisement ran on all evening national news shows, so just for ABC, CBS and NBC running it which probably cost the manufacturer $250,000 on each channel.
To quote Boehringer Ingleheim, the manufacturer of the drug, “The current list price for a month’s supply of Jardiance is $611.10. The price you actually pay will be dependent upon any additional costs added on by the pharmacy. There is charitable assistance for eligible patients in need.”
That advertisement, as I said, was pulled, though we don’t know why. They produced a second ad with another girl singing another jingle but in an office environment, which also ran about 30 seconds. It also had a plethora of dancers. In one rather interesting scene, a man was trying to use a copy machine, but it was unplugged. The singing girl plugged it in to make it work. I only saw that ad for a few times before it was pulled. They are now running a completely different ad. My question is why was the copy machine unplugged in the first place, and what has this to do with Jardiance?
MediaRadar (“Advertising intelligence for media buyers”) reports that Jardiance is part of C.H. Boehringer Sohn AG and Co KG. They spent over $100 million on advertising in digital, print, and national TV in the last year. They invest in premium ad units and advertised on over 100 different media properties in the last year across multiple media formats. Jardiance last advertised a new product in May, 2023.
Now can you see at least one reason why drug costs are so high?
If Jardiance is so wonderful, doesn’t it make more sense to promote it directly to doctors, not the average patients, most of whom are in no position to recommend a medicine for themselves?
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
The runoff elections, a postal flyer and the pledge
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JUNE 14, 2024 | If you have not voted early, please get to the polls Tuesday and help your neighbors pick some of our leaders in the coming primary and nonpartisan runoff.
There are six races to be determined on Tuesday.
The one countywide race is a non-partisan race for Superior Court judge: Recorder’s Court Judge Regina Matthews faces Tuwanda Rush Williams for this position. GwinnettForum endorsed Regina Matthews.
The two other non-partisan races are for seats on the School Board.
For District One on the Gwinnett School Board, Rachel Stone faces Karen Mulzac Watkins. While Ms. Stone chose not to visit with GwinnettForum, we cannot in good conscience support incumbent Ms. Watkins. No endorsement.
For District Three on the School Gwinnett School Board, Steve Gasper versus. Shana V. White, GwinnettForum feels Mr. Gaspar is the best choice for this position.
For Republicans, there is only runoff between Fred Clayton and Gregory Howard in a race for the State Senate in District 7. Mr. Clayton did not visit with GwinnettForum, so we know nothing about him. GwinnettForum supports Mr. Howard in this race.
Democrats have two House races to decide in Tuesday’s voting.
In Senate District 55, partially in DeKalb County, Randal Mangham and Iris Knight-Hamilton face each other. Neither chose to meet with GwinnettForum. We make no endorsement in this race.
For House District 96, runoff candidates are Arlene Beckles and Sonia Lopez. There is no Republican opponent in the General Election, so whoever gets the most votes is automatically going to the legislature. GwinnettForum endorses Ms. Beckles, a former Norcross city council member.
Postal flyers in your mailbox about the election have been standard in recent weeks, advocating support of one political candidate or another.
However, a flyer we got this week raised a question: we could not find who this two-sided, 8.5-by-11 colorful advertisement was supporting. Finally, we read the small print: it came from the Asian American Advocacy Fund. Indeed, it was not supporting a particular candidate. Instead, it was seeking to get people to vote in Tuesday’s runoff election.
One side read: “The School Board Election isn’t over! It’s our duty to vote to protect the future of our families and loved ones. Vote in the Runoff on June 18.”
The reverse side headlined ‘The issues you care about are on the line,” and gave more detail why it is important to vote. It even had a code to scan to find your particular voting location and absentee ballot drop off location.
Let’s hear a “Well Done!” for the Asian American Advocacy Fund. Since fewer people vote in runoffs, they are doing the community a service when promoting more people to vote.
Perhaps it’s my military experience, but watching others reciting the Pledge to Allegiance often bothers me. In the service, we were told to stand up straight with your heels together while saluting (or placing your hand over your heart), looking at the flag when reciting the pledge.
That is not how many people stand for the pledge. It is a most haphazard approach, perhaps one hand in a pocket, slouching to one side of the other, feet wide apart, often with their hand not on their heart, not looking at the flag, and approaching the effort in a most casual way. That’s no way to salute your country!
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
The 1818 Club
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s underwriter is The 1818 Club, named for the year that Gwinnett County received its charter. The 1818 Club is a member-owned, private dining experience providing the best in food, service and meeting accommodations for its members. Whatever your business or social dining needs, the 1818 Club has the proper facilities, recently renovated, to gracefully host your gatherings.
- 100-seat formal dining room open for breakfast and lunch.
- Capital Room open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as cocktails.
- Five private rooms – of various capacities – can be used for dining or meeting space. Each room includes the complimentary use of WIFI and Audio/Visual equipment. “
- 220 seat Virgil Williams Grand Ballroom, divides into three sections, with AV.
Our top-notch service team enhances your experience by providing a sophisticated social atmosphere, engaging events and a full serving of dining and entertainment opportunities. If you want an urbane and central site to entertain people, consider joining the 1818 Club. For more details, visit https://www.the1818club.org/Home.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Figures out way to avoid all commercials on television
Editor, the Forum:
Have you noticed that many of the commercial drug names seem to be exactly seven letters? I’ve been saying for a while now that it appeared they created the names from the letters they selected to start a game of Scrabble!
I avoid ALL commercials if I can. I have a wonderful device called a DVR (digital video recorder). I tell it the programs that I want to watch, and it records them whatever time they come on. It has a feature that skips commercial breaks and resumes playing after the break on many of the shows, and on others I can skip 30 seconds at a time with a button on the remote.
For a “live” program, like a football game, I just don’t start watching it until it has recorded enough that I can skip through commercials. For streaming services, I’m willing to pay extra to avoid commercials.
– Tom Fort, Snellville
Send us your thoughts: We encourage you to send us your letters and thoughts on issues raised in GwinnettForum. Please limit comments to 300 words, and include your hometown. The views of letters are the opinion of the contributor. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters by to: ebrack2@gmail.com.
Otter exhibit opens Monday at Yellow River Sanctuary
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its dedication to conservation and education, on June 17 will be introducing their River Otter Exhibit. This captivating enclosure offers visitors a unique glimpse into the aquatic world of these active creatures, complete with multiple viewing areas and interactive spaces for children.
Nestled within the sanctuary’s lush surroundings, the River Otter Exhibit boasts state-of-the-art features, including underwater viewing zones that allow guests to observe the otters frolicking in their natural habitat. Additionally, specially designed areas around the habitat offer children the opportunity to explore and learn about the otters’ environment in an engaging and educational manner.
What makes this exhibit even more special is its residents—four orphaned otters hailing from Louisiana. These adorable creatures found a new home at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, where they are thriving under the care of staff members.
The address of the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is 4525 U.S. Highway 78 between Snellville and Stone Mountain.
Plans for Debbie Mason Memorial Garden are underway
Mason
A group of Peachtree Corners residents, with a shared goal of love for Debbie Mason and all that she has done for the City, has formed the Debbie Mason Memorial Committee to raise funds to build a mosaic-filled garden oasis that will delight with flowering color each season. It will be connected to Town Center. The contemplative garden space will be nestled in an area of the Peachtree Corners Botanical Garden in honor of Debbie.
A memorial committee is being formed in Peachtree Corners to raise funds for a garden oasis in memory of the late Debbie Mason, wife of Mayor Mike Mason, and a long-time activist for Peachtree Corners. The goal is to raise $60,000 for the garden. Already, $44,000 has been raised. The committee hopes to complete the project and have its dedication on October 26, 2024.
The goal of the DMMC is to preserve the memory of Debbie by transforming a space in the city’s Botanical Garden walk that will offer Peachtree Corners residents a quiet place to reflect, connect and rejuvenate among vibrant colored seasonal plantings and mosaic tiled artwork. The goal is to bring people together the way Debbie brought people together to build the community of Peachtree Corners. Jennifer Freeman, a Duluth mosaic artist, has been selected to design and install the project.
The committee is working with Peachtree Corners Arts, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to collect donations. This project will be a gift to the city. Tax deductible donations to the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden will be applied 100 percent to the project.
The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Committee consists of Bob Ballagh, Dave Huffman, Gay Shook, Pat Bruschini, Sarah Roberts, Robyn Unger, and Lynette Howard.
Lawrenceville plans another mural near college
Wall slated for mural in Lawrenceville
The Lawrenceville Arts Commission is planning a mural project at a prominent wall near Georgia Gwinnett College on Collins Hill Road. The new initiative aims to enhance Lawrenceville’s visual landscape and community spirit through a collaborative community mural. Artists are encouraged to submit designs for the new mural with a submission deadline of July 26, 2024.
The selected mural wall measures approximately 12 feet at its lowest point and 20 feet at its highest, spanning a length of 295 feet. A portion of the mural will be designed specifically for community participation, with a “paint by numbers” style that allows residents to contribute to the painting process easily and safely.
Members of the Lawrenceville Arts Commission are Aura-Leigh Sanders, chair; Amber Walden, vice chair; Alicia Chitwood; Alice Stone-Collins; Casey Spinks; and Jennifer Hammond.
- For additional information about the City of Lawrenceville and the Lawrenceville Arts Commission, visit their website and follow them on social media.
Peach State FCU focusing on fighting senior fraud
Peach State Federal Credit Union is focusing on teaching safe banking measures to senior communities and their families’ to help combat scams and fraud. With deep ties in the educational system, it is fitting for the credit union to use education as the primary defense for helping combat senior fraud. Peach State has held two seminars at local senior centers in Summerville and Toccoa, with plans to continue hosting sessions throughout their service area.
Jay Gilling, Peach State Vice President of fraud and loss prevention, says: “Criminals use various tactics to target, victimize, and financially exploit senior citizens. Often, it can be difficult to identify or speak openly about. We believe that the best way to combat fraud is to bring education directly into our communities and make resources accessible for seniors and their families.”
The credit union’s fraud prevention seminars are free for the public to attend; credit union membership is not required. Peach State is committed to educating its members and local communities about the dangers of senior fraud. In addition to hosting in-person public seminars, the credit union provides helpful resources such as fraud tips on their social media channels, blogs, and more.
JEMC foundation allocates $95,000 to local groups
A $15,000 Jackson EMC Foundation check to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) will support its Opportunities Academy Program for rising 10th and 11th grade students in Gwinnett County. At the check presentation were, from left, Kenny Lumpkin, Jackson EMC Foundation representative; Kevin Borgella, PCOM student and mentor; Christy Finely, assistant director of diversity and community partnerships at PCOM; Alisa Toney, senior director of development at PCOM; Dr. Shari Allen, associate professor at PCOM; Beauty Baldwin, Jackson EMC Foundation board member; and Jennifer Fennell, Jackson EMC Gwinnett district manager.
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $140,000 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $95,000 to organizations serving Gwinnett County.
- $15,000 to Camp Kudzu, to sponsor 15-20 children in a camping program for children and teens with diabetes who live in the 10 counties served by Jackson EMC to attend a weeklong overnight summer camp.
- $15,000 to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia, Suwanee, to allow rising 10th and 11th grade students in Gwinnett County area high schools to attend its Opportunities Academy Program.
- $15,000 to Rachel’s Gift, Inc. an organization providing specialized bereavement care for parents who have lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.
- $15,000 to Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc., Suwanee, a parent-run nonprofit group that provides Gwinnett and Hall county families with support, education and resources for the entire spectrum of autism disorders.
- $10,000 to Camp Amplify, Winder, to provide 15 children ages seven to 12 from underserved communities in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson and Lumpkin counties with a weeklong camping experience to develop character, leadership and teambuilding skills through a high adventure, overnight camp.
- $10,000 to MUST Ministries, Inc., for its summer lunch program, which provides breakfast and lunch to children in need in Gwinnett County five days per week for nine weeks.
- $10,000 to Quinlan Visual Arts, Inc., Gainesville, to provide free or reduced cost participation in its summer arts program for 120 students in underserved communities in Banks, Barrow, Hall, Gwinnett, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
- $5,000 to Foster Siblings Reunited (formerly Camp to Belong) to enable children in the 10 counties served by Jackson EMC to attend summer camp and family camp weekend.
Jackson EMC Foundation grants are made possible by the 215,647 participating cooperative members who have their monthly electric bills rounded to the next dollar amount through the Operation Round Up program.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
Editor’s note: This recommendation is No. 200 submitted over the years by Susan McBrayer. We thank her for sharing her reading recommendations with us. She is an amazing, prolific, and widely-read contributor. We are pleased to have her as a contributor to GwinnettForum.–eeb
From Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill: At first glance, this novella has little to recommend it. Most of the characters are unlikable and the tale is depressing. But the message in this story is quite powerful, so I’m recommending it. Ivan Ilyich lived his life in accordance with the superficial values of the bourgeoisie in 19th century Russia. He focused on avoiding suffering and maintaining an appearance of importance. He followed the rules and climbed the professional ladder. It was a shallow, materialistic and superficial existence and, when Ivan’s wife became pregnant and brought her problems to him, Ivan treated her with indifference. He avoided her because unpleasantness had no place in his well-ordered life. But when Ivan received a fatal diagnosis, did the tables turn? Did people avoid him because he no longer fit into their decorous lives? Did Ivan realize too late that he’d made all the wrong choices? This is a cautionary tale.
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Click here to send an email.
Tybee Island known for fresh air, salty breezes
Tybee Island, located approximately 18 miles from Savannah, is a seaside community in the upper coastal region of Georgia. Sitting at the mouth of the Savannah River, the 2.7-square-mile island holds a year-round population of approximately 3,400 residents, although this population increases greatly during the summer season. Longtime residents know Tybee Island as Savannah Beach, the one-time name that reflected both the town’s proximity to the river and its resort-like atmosphere.
Known for its mild, fresh air and salty ocean breezes, Tybee Island toward the end of the 1800s became a destination well known as a tonic for people with asthma, allergies, and other ailments. The practice called “taking the salts” likely derived from the many beneficial qualities attributed to the area by doctors, who urged patients to spend time on Tybee to cure their ailments.
Tybee also became well known during this time as a resort town. A short boat or train ride away from Savannah, Savannah Beach promised relief from the summertime heat and humidity that plagued inland areas. The Tybrisa Pavilion, with its famous crystal ball, big bands, and dime dances, was the island’s most popular destination. With the opening of Tybee Road in 1923 to automobile traffic, the way of life on the island slowly started to change. When the Tybrisa Pavilion and other local establishments burned down in 1967, the end of an era was apparent.
The Tybee Island Light Station, known as the Tybee Lighthouse, having lit the entrance of the Savannah River since 1736, is perhaps the most identifiable landmark on the island. It is one of the oldest U.S. lighthouses still in existence, and one of a few original lighthouses in full operation that still stands with its original base. Renovation commenced on the lighthouse in 1999, and in 2002 it was one of the first lighthouses transferred from federal to private ownership under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. It is now owned and managed by the Tybee Island Historical Society.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Where’s this national banner flying on Flag Day?
Today is national Flag Day, so here’s a photo showing a flagpole within the USA. Just where is it? Figure it out, and send your answers to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
Three regulars identified the recent mystery, with Jay Altman of Columbia, S.C. the first in. He was followed by Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex., and then by George Graf of Palmyra, Va. The photo came from Michael Clark of Atlanta, via Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill.
Peel wrote: “Today’s mystery photo was shot in the sea-port town of Ålesund, Norway on the outer island of Aspøya, approximately 230-miles northwest of Oslo. Ålesund is the gateway town to the spectacular Geirangerfjord, otherwise known as ‘the crown jewel of the Norwegian fjords.’ The town is noted for its concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, which is evident in today’s mystery photo. In fact, the photo was taken within walking distance (less than 600-feet) of the Stornespiren/Prestebrygga Cruise Pier from where the cruise ships dock to allow passengers to disembark and visit the town of Ålesund.”
- SHARE A MYSTERY PHOTO: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send to: ebrack2@gmail.com and mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Virtual candidate forum will be held Friday night
Virtual Candidate Forum, hosted by Gwinnett Republicans and the United Tea Party of Georgia will be Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m. at 70 Boulderbrook Circle in Lawrenceville. Primary and nonpartisan runoff candidates are invited. Go to the Republican Facebook page for Zoom access.
Bluesberry Beer and Music Festival will be Saturday, June 15, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Betty Mauldin Park in Norcross. Indulge in a ‘berry’ good time for a symphony of blueberry delights and soulful blues tunes.
Attend a Writers’ Workshop given by the Atlanta Writers Club at the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on June 15 at 1:30 p.m. Learn more about writing, network with other writers, and listen to accomplished authors offer tips to improve your writing.
Embark on a musical journey on Sunday, June 16, at 2:30 p.m., and celebrate Broadway composer Irving Berlin and the birth of American popular song. Join Atlanta’s top musical theater artists for an unforgettable performance of Berlin’s timeless classics, from Blue Skies to God Bless America. Discover the remarkable story of this Russian immigrant turned legendary songwriter who penned over 1,250 songs, including 25 chart-toppers, and crafted 17 Broadway musical scores. This show is part of the Molly Blank Concert Series at The Breman, presented by The Flying Carpet Theatre Company, but will be showcased in Gwinnett at the Lawrenceville Arts Center main stage. For tickets, click here.
Hear Author Rhonda McKnight in conversation with Vanessa Riley on June 20 at 7 p.m. at the Snellville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. They will discuss McKnight’s new novel, Bitter and Sweet, a dual-timeline tale of family, grief, secrets, and the sweet redemption that lies within the bonds of sisterhood. Books will be available for sale and signing.
The Gwinnett County Soil and Water Conservation Committee will hold their monthly meeting on June 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Gwinnett Senior Services Center, 57 Swanson Drive, Lawrenceville.
The Vidalia Theatre Company will present Summer Harvest 2024, a collection of 10 minute plays that explore the theme of “unexpected goodbyes.” This will be presented on the Lionheart Theatre stage in Norcross on June 21-23. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. while the Sunday performance is at 3 p.m. For tickets, visit www.vidaliatheatre.com.
Women in Sports Panel Discussion will be held Saturday, June 22 at 2 p.m., at the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Calling all sports enthusiasts, aspiring athletes, and supporters of women in sports! Join Atlanta Women in Sports for an inspirational discussion featuring game-changing women.
Helping Kids Manage Big Emotions will be at the Collins Hills Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on Tuesday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m. Gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing your child and practical steps you can take to ensure your child’s needs are met.
Public Art Unveiling Ceremony will be in Braselton at the library at 15 Brassie Lane on June 25 at 5:30 p.m. This features the sculpture by J. Doyle Rogers and Logan Berry. It is sponsored by the Braselton Public Arts Council.
Taste of Peachtree Corners will be Thursday, June 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Room of City Hall, presented by the Peachtree Corners Business Association. Enjoy an evening of bites and drinks as you get to sample foods from local businesses.
GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday.
Meet our team
- Editor and publisher: Elliott Brack, 770-840-1003
- Managing editor: Betsy Brack
- Roving photographer: Frank Sharp
- Contributing columnist: Jack Bernard
- Contributing columnist: George Wilson
More
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 1365, Norcross, Ga. 30091
- Work with us: If you would like to learn about how to be an underwriter to support the publication of GwinnettForum as a community resource for news and commentary, please contact us today.
Subscriptions to GwinnettForum are free.
- Click to subscribe.
- Unsubscribe. We hope you’ll keep receiving the great news and information from GwinnettForum, but if you need to unsubscribe, go to this page and unsubscribe in the appropriate box.
- © 2024, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.
Follow Us