APG Newsletter April 2023

HUMAN RESOURCES

Ask HR!

Have a question, but don’t know whom to ask? The Human Resources staff is listening! You can always send an email to Ask HR if you have questions or concerns. Emails will be kept confidential and, if we print your question in the APG newsletter, we will not use your name.

Questions may be emailed to AskHR@adamspg.com or sent interoffice to your regional HR representative.

DON’T KNOW WHOM TO CALL?

Contact Human Resources.

KATHARINE GLASS

APG Vice President of HR kglass@adamspg.com 865.981.1101

DEB BROOKS

HR Manager - APG West dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com 360.416.2187

GWEN DAVIS

HR Manager - East gdavis@apgenc.com 252.366.8139

HEATHER MCCALMONT HR Manager - Wisconsin, MD, OH hmccalmont@adamspg.com 608.755.9442

THÉRÉSE ZADNIK-KLECKER

HR Manager - APG Central therese.zadnik-klecker@adamspg.com 763.712.3559

Rankin Bottoms, Kathy Hemsworth

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO & WIN! SUBMIT TO SUBMITNEWS.ADAMSPG.COM.

Submit a photo to be featured in the monthly newsletter. Each month, the person whose photo is selected for the front cover will win a $25 gift card!

REMINDER OF UPCOMING COMPANY HOLIDAYS

MEMORIAL DAY

Monday, May 29, 2023

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

MEMO

To: APG Associates

From: Mark Adams

Date: April 1, 2023

Re: Update on Covid-19 Over-the-Counter Test Kits

In Memory WENDY MARSH

It is with great sadness that APG announces the loss of our associate, Wendy Marsh, who passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2023.

Wendy worked as a Senior Graphic Designer in the Miles City, Montana office, beginning her newspaper career with the Yellowstone Newspaper Group in 2001. She began working with APG on November 1, 2022.

APG extends condolences to her family, friends and her coworkers in Montana.

On January 30, 2023, the White House released a statement announcing the Biden Administration’s intent to end the COVID Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.

Once the public health emergency declaration expires, plan sponsors are no longer required to pay for COVID-19 over-the-counter (OTC) tests.

Although BCBS of MN will no longer be required to cover the costs of Covid-19 over-the-counter test kits, Adams Publishing Group has chosen to ensure continuity of care for eligible participants and will cover the cost of Covid-19 OTC test kits, up to (8) per participant each month for the remainder of the 2023 plan year, without passing along the charges to APG associates.

Over-the counter Covid-19 test kits are available at local retail pharmacies or through home delivery from Express Scripts when using your pharmacy benefit.

Please visit bluecrossblueshieldmn.com to locate in- network pharmacies and view other member benefits.

APG feels accessibility to testing is important, helping you and your family get treated quickly and helping to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

And remember, Covid-19 vaccines continue to be free to participants covered by a medical plan.

Feeling Sick? Get Care Quick.

All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer to get quick, convenient care for many common conditions from board-certified physicians and licensed psychologists and psychiatrists.

Get started with Doctor On Demand® by Included Health today at doctorondemand.com/bluecrossmn.

CONGRATS

TO OUR MARCH WINNER

RYAN MILLER, LAKE COUNTY EXAMINER

The Question Was: In what year did Jeopardy debut on television?

The Answer Was: 1964

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Costs typically less than an in-person visit*

• Easy registration

• Processed like a regular medical claim

This day, created to make people aware of environmental problems, was first celebrated internationally on April 22, 1970. What day is it?

SEND IN YOUR ANSWER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

Submit your answer to AskHR@adamspg.com.

The winner will be drawn on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Preventative Care Recommendations

Talk with your primary care provider about these preventative services. How often and what kind of preventive care services you need depends on your age, gender, health, and family history. Your provider may recommend additional tests, which may or may not be covered under your plan. Check your health plan benefits or call the number on the back of your member ID card for details on coverage.*

Are You Ready For April Showers?

When it comes to maintaining your car, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. From changing the oil to rotating the tires, there are a variety of things that need to be done regularly. One thing that is often overlooked, however, is the importance of windshield wipers.

MAINTAINING YOUR CAR’S WINDSHIELD WIPERS

Many people don’t realize the importance of these devices until they experience a problem with them. You can’t drive a car without these wipers, so it only makes sense that you should put some thought into how you’re going to care for them.

SIGNIFICANCE OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS

Your windshield wipers are one of the most important safety features in your car. They help you see clearly in all kinds of weather, and they keep your windshield clean so you can see properly and clearly while on the roads.

1. CLEAR VISION: When you’re driving in the rain, rainwater can obscure your vision and make it hard to see the road ahead of you. Wipers help to clear this water away so that you can drive safely. Windshield wipers are which prevents them from having to use their headlights while driving in poor weather. Also, a good windshield wiper will help keep dust, dirt, pollen, and other things out of the driver’s eyes.

2. REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS: Rain can also cause dirt and debris to accumulate on your windshield, which can obscure your view. Wipers help to remove this dirt and debris so that you can drive safely. A good windshield wiper will also help keep debris from getting into the engine of the car, which can cause damage if it gets logged between the engine parts. Wipers also help keep dirt from getting into your motor oil, which could cause serious damage over time if not cleaned regularly.

3. AVOID ACCIDENTS: If your wipers aren’t working properly, you might have trouble seeing other cars or pedestrians in front of you, increasing the risk of an accident. A good set of wipers will work with your lights so they shine clearly while they clean off the glass above them.

4. WASHING/CLEANING ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE CAR

WIPERS: Your windshield should be cleaned at least once per month, but if it’s not cleaned regularly, it starts looking grimy after several days. Areas not reached by your wipers can quickly become dirty and increase glare while decreasing awareness of what’s going on around you.

5. PREVENT GLARE: A dirty windshield reflects light into your eyes and causes a glare, which can make it harder for drivers to see what’s around them at night or in bad weather conditions (like rain). Remember to clean the inside of your windshield as well. Dirt and grime build up on the inside surface in even the cleanest of vehicles. This can increase glare as much as it does on the outside of your windshield.

6. OTHER PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER: Windshield washer fluid is one of the least expensive fluids to add to your vehicle. Consider using a good quality product that’s suited for the season. Some blends improve water sheading or help cut through bug residue.

If your wiper blades are leaving streaks of water or squeaking loudly when used at the proper speed, then it’s probably time to replace your wiper blades. Don’t forget that automotive supply stores can look up what size your vehicle requires if you don’t know. Most stores will also install wiper blades for free with the purchase of new wiper blades so don’t be hesitant to ask if it’s not offered at the sales counter.