THE STONERIVER SCOOP

Volume 5 July 2025 Issue

A message from our President on Strategic Planning, Goal Setting and Accomplishments in 2025

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NAA Apartmentalize 2025

Apartmentalize is the premier event for the rental housing industry, bringing together apartment housing professionals from across the country and around the world. This is an event featuring world-class speakers, expert-led education sessions, suppliers showcasing the latest products and services, and ample networking opportunities! 

The NAA Apartmentalize 2025 conference, held in Las Vegas, was filled with energy and excitement. Multifamily industry professionals gathered to network, share ideas, and seek solutions. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by individuals eager to be inspired over the next few days and to build a network of innovative thinkers and strategists.

Our team participated in a variety of continuing education classes, with each attendee creating a customized schedule tailored to their property’s current needs and growth objectives. This approach allowed them to prepare effectively for the future. The classes were taught by some of the industry’s most reputable experts, who shared their experiences and provided valuable knowledge and tools for applying what attendees had learned.

Here are a few key takeaways from our property managers who attended:

“

I’m grateful for the chance to attend NAA. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes I attended, especially "Train Your Brain to Be More Creative," as well as the discussion on the value that different personality types contribute to a team. As someone who usually relies on analytics and logical thinking, I found this particularly beneficial because I often struggle with creativity in a marketing context. Seeing the entire team in person, rather than over a camera, was also huge! I genuinely feel closer to some managers who were strangers to me just a week ago. I now truly see the value of getting the team together as often as possible—I feel I can count on them not only as a resource but also for support.

Mariana AlvarezProperty Manager, Terraces at Town Center
“

I had an amazing time at Apartmentalize and learned much more than I expected! One of my favorite parts of the conference was the Jay Shetty Speaking event, where he discussed practical ways to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and people management. One amazing line was when he quoted Steve Jobs, "Musicians play their instruments, I play the orchestra," and by this, he means that while you may not be world-class at every individual task, you can be world-class at cultivating and leading a team of people who are phenomenal at their respective roles. I was also surprised to see the scale of the industry and its leaders. Seeing the staggering number of attendees and knowing that each of us is responsible for the living experience of hundreds really gave me a newfound sense of the magnitude of the importance of our industry and the huge potential we have to impact lives.

Joel EnrightProperty Manager, Magnolia Grove
“

Connecting with everyone and spending time with the team was a rewarding experience. As a people person, this interaction deeply fulfilled me, and I was pleasantly surprised to reconnect with former colleagues from my old company in Colorado during the conference. I really enjoyed the classes I attended on leadership development, and many of the sessions left a lasting impression on me.

Wesley BurlesonProperty Manager, Concord Ridge
“

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to attend the NAA conference. I love being a part of Stoneriver and appreciate the time provided to meet everyone and share opinions, thoughts, and experiences so far, since most of us are new to the company. I absolutely loved the customer service classes. I believe that everyone can benefit from these classes, and as a department, we can always strive for improvement. These courses challenge my thinking and help me avoid getting caught up in day-to-day tasks. They motivate me to create the best living environment possible for our residents.

Shelby KillianProperty Manager, Inverness Cliffs
HR Corner

What happens during sleep — and how to improve it

Sleep impacts nearly every part of your health, from brain function to immune strength. Learn what happens in each phase of sleep, how to manage common disruptions, and simple ways to improve sleep hygiene.

What is sleep, and why is it important?

Sleep is elusive for many of us — over 14% of American adults experience trouble falling asleep most days of the week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet sleep is one of the body’s most impactful processes, and one that we can’t live without. Lack of sleep can have serious short- and long-term effects on your physical and mental health.

Most of us have experienced the “brain fog” associated with a poor night’s sleep. You may struggle to remember simple things or have trouble solving problems, or making decisions. You may also find it hard to overcome food cravings the day after an all-nighter, as skimping on sleep can disrupt the hormones that control appetite. The good news is that brain fog and food cravings typically fade away after you get back to a more normal sleep schedule.

But over time, chronic sleep deprivation can have more serious, long-lasting effects. A growing number of studies have linked long-term sleep deficits with significant health problems, among them an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, viral infections, depression, and anxiety.

Sleep hygiene: Habits for better rest

Some causes of poor-quality sleep take time and patience and may require professional help. For example, some medical conditions can impact or disrupt your sleep, like sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, or other medical conditions, including chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, acid reflux, thyroid disease, and some brain and nerve disorders.

Our schedules and habits can also be to blame. Not all of these disruptors can be eliminated or solved. But all of us can benefit from better sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene refers to a set of practices and routines that promote better sleep.

Some tips include:
  • adhering to a regular sleep schedule (even on the weekends)
  • turning the temperature down in the bedroom
  • using dark curtains or eyeshades to keep daylight out
  • running a fan to help block external noise
  • keeping the bedroom free of distractions like the computer, television, or your phone
  • avoiding exercising within two hours of bedtime
  • avoiding long or late afternoon naps
  • eating dinner at least three hours before bedtime, and avoiding alcohol in the evening.

This Month’s Celebrations

Independence Day

Ask not what your country can do for you… Ask what you can do to celebrate YOUR COUNTRY this 4th of July!

 

Independence Day is one of America’s most thrilling holidays! The July 4th weekend bursts with excitement—think parades, dazzling fireworks, and unforgettable family vacations! If you haven’t planned anything yet and are on the lookout for fun ways to celebrate, you’re in for a treat! I’ve gathered some amazing ideas (many of which won’t cost you a dime!) to help you throw a fantastic bash for America’s birthday.

If you’re staying close to home, why not dive into the action by attending a lively parade or hosting the ultimate backyard BBQ that’ll have everyone raving? Or, if adventure calls, pack your bags for a sun-soaked trip to the beach or an awe-inspiring visit to a national monument! 

Regardless of whether you’re flying solo or you have a big group of family and friends, these are the very best things to do on the 4th of July.

  • Get a backyard barbecue going – Fire up the grill for some great eats! Hot dogs and burgers are, of course, essential.
  • Make a splash in the pool – Celebrate the fourth while sitting in a pool float with a drink in hand! It’s the perfect way to spend a sunny day with the whole family.
  • Light up some sparklers – If you can’t make it to a fireworks show this year, light it up with some sparklers — they’re like a much safer, hand-held version of fireworks!
  • Watch a parade – Check with your community to find out what time your local July 4th parade will kick off.
  • Do a little shopping – Want to justify spending a little money over the long weekend? Realize you’re helping boost the economy when you take advantage of the amazing 4th of July sales.
  • Visit a national monument – What better way to celebrate our country than to immerse yourself in its history?
  • Honor those who fight for our freedoms – The 4th of July is a great time to thank the men and women (and their families) who have sacrificed so much for us.

I Scream. You Scream. We All Scream for…

Who remembers chasing the ice cream truck down the street as a child, a pile of loose change in hand, seeking their favorite frozen treat? How about taking family trips to the local ice cream shop after a long beach vacation day? Well, July is National Ice Cream Month, so get ready to celebrate and make some new memories!

3 Ways to Celebrate:

  • Eat ice cream for breakfast: Eating ice cream for breakfast is a suggestion that even scientists can get behind. Apparently, eating something ice-cold upon waking shocks the brain into being active and also increases alertness and mental capacity. You can’t argue with science!
  • Host an Ice Cream Party: One of the best ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Month is to throw an ice cream sundae bar party. Everyone can customize their creation, and no one has to feel guilty about going back for seconds.
  • Make Your Own Ice Cream: Sure, there’s basically an endless selection of ice cream goodness at the grocery store, but don’t things taste better homemade? 

Fun Facts:

  • Mystery history—The origin of ice cream goes back as far as the second century B.C., but no inventor has ever formally been credited with this fantastic discovery, and no date has been confirmed.
  • Fun at the fair—The ice cream cone was first created at the 1904 World’s Fair. Though historians have conflicting thoughts on who the first creator may have been, reports confirm that it was first introduced to America at this event.
  • I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream—No doubt, many of us have heard this catchy tune over the years. But do you know where the phrase originated? It was an advertising slogan for a product we are all familiar with, the Eskimo Pie, which originated in the 1920s as the I-Scream bar.
  • The dreaded brain freeze—Ever eat ice cream so fast that you get a brain freeze? What causes an ice cream headache to occur? Here’s a hint: it may have something to do with small blood vessels located on the roof of your mouth getting too cold too fast. So what’s the solution? Try pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth until the discomfort subsides.
  • Record-breaking desserts—Would you like a small or large scoop of ice cream for dessert? How about one that weighs 3,010 pounds? According to Guinness World Records, that’s the record for the largest scoop of ice cream. It was strawberry-flavored, used about 733 containers of ice cream, and was over 5 feet 6 inches tall!

Back-to-School Supply Drive

Studies have shown that starting the school year with the necessary school supplies promotes learning, boosts self-esteem, and helps keep kids in school. Unfortunately, as states have cut school spending, schools are providing less, and parents are being asked to purchase even more school supplies for their children. School supply drives help ensure that all kids have the same opportunities to start the school year right.

You can help make a difference in the life and future of a struggling child by donating or hosting a donation drive at your property.

Essential school supply suggestions:

Crayola crayons, Crayola washable thick markers, scissors, Clorox wipes, Kleenex, paper towels, glue sticks, pink bevel erasers, pencils, clear top pencil bag with grommets, wide ruled spiral notebooks, poly pocket folder with brads, etc.

Property Operational Tips

Heat Safety and Awareness

Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that thousands of individuals experience heat-related illnesses while working in hot or humid environments. Given that many of our on-site team members, particularly those in maintenance, spend a significant amount of time outdoors in these conditions, it’s essential to be proactive. Here are some valuable tips and tricks for staying cool, along with warning signs to monitor for if a team member begins to show symptoms of overheating.

What can you do to lower your risk?

  • Drink more water than usual, and stay hydrated by drinking water before you get thirsty
  • Find a shady or cool area for rest breaks that allow your body to recover
  • Dress for the heat. A hat and light-colored, loose-fitting (where allowed), breathable clothing are ideal
  • Avoid direct sunlight exposure for extended amounts of time when you can
  • Wear sunscreen: sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself

Know the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

When the body loses excess water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the National Safety Council, signs and symptoms include:

  • Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
  • Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
  • Fatigue, weakness, or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate

Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat someone exhibiting the above symptoms quickly by:

  • Move persons to a shaded or air-conditioned area
  • Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
  • Apply wet towels or cool them with water, ice, or a fan
  • If in doubt, call 911 or seek medical care

Know the symptoms of Heat Stroke

 Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include:

  • Body temperature above 103 degrees
  • Skin that is flushed, dry, and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
  • Rapid breathing
  • Headache, dizziness, confusion, or other signs of altered mental status
  • Irrational or belligerent behavior

It is important to be self-aware and to check on one another. Ensure that your team has access to air-conditioned areas to cool off, as well as plenty of water or electrolyte drinks. Regularly check in with everyone to see how they are feeling, particularly those who spend much of their day outside in the heat.

Birthdays

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to all of the July birthdays:

  • 7/1 – Idovel Cespedes (Terraces)
  • 7/1 – Donald Gambril (Corporate)
  • 7/1 – Stuart Mackintosh (Corporate)
  • 7/3 – Colin Moorhouse (Corporate)
  • 7/3 – Brendan McGaha (Vital)
  • 7/6 – Jeff Sledden (Corporate)
  • 7/16 – Esteban Muniz Martinez (Magnolia)
  • 7/22 – Kalif Franklin (198 Milltown)
  • 7/23 – Omari McIntyre (Concord)
  • 7/31 – Raquel Gutierrez (Vital)

Anniversaries

  • 1 Year – Marcus Jefferson (Highlands)
  • 5 Year – Paul Daniels (Corporate)

Have an Idea?

Would you like to share your stories, ideas, or comments to feature in our upcoming publications? Kindly send your request and a member of the newsletter committee will get in touch if chosen.