Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Lifestyle

Family STEM Career Connect Day encourages new interests

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | August 23

On Saturday, August 23, the Opelika Public Library hosted “Family STEM Career Connect Day,” organized by the East Alabama STEM Ecosystem (EASE), with the mission to promote interest and passion in the STEM industry. Attendees participated in interactive activities run by partnered organizations, student groups and Auburn colleges, all aimed at highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering and math.

Lifestyle

Drum roll please: Insight into local music festival

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | August 8

AubFest, a local DIY music festival, showcases regional bands around the Auburn area, emphasizing community and creativity. The DIY music movement in Auburn was built on the belief that one can make anything happen, whether that means hosting shows in someone's basement or outside in the woods, like AubFest.

Contributed by Daisy Griffin

Lifestyle

May the force be with you: Auburn Public Library hosts Star Wars Imperial Gala

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 28

The Auburn Public Library will host its Star Wars Imperial Gala on Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is a free, public event open to any Star Wars fan. The event will include free food, fun games, Star Wars-themed crafts, a DJ, a dance floor and a costume contest with prizes.

Mia Stamey | Graphics Editor

Lifestyle

A brew-tiful guide to coffee on campus

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 9

Fueled by the pressure of final exams, the demand for coffee around Auburn's campus spikes as students brace for late-night study sessions. Discover six coffee places on campus, from well-beloved classics to unfamiliar names, where students can satisfy their need for caffeine.

Contributed by Ambrose Gaines

Lifestyle

Making waves: The enduring legacy of Rowdy Gaines

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | March 21

Ambrose “Rowdy” Gaines IV is a three-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, but his journey to success was not without waves of difficulty. Through triumphs and setbacks, Gaines has proven to be an enduring inspiration and accredits much of his success to Auburn, his alma mater.

Mia Stamey | Graphics Editor

Lifestyle

Kelly Collins Lintz: Hollywood star embraces Auburn community

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | March 12

Actress Kelly Collins Lintz is making her directorial debut with "ABLE," a film about Kayla Kosmalski, a young woman with Down syndrome who has defied expectations. Lintz, who recently moved to Auburn, was inspired by the city's intentionality in serving those with Down syndrome.

Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor

Lifestyle

The Auburn community hops over to newly established sweetFrog

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 6

sweetFrog, a new frozen yogurt shop in Auburn, opened its doors on Jan. 1. Built on passion, pride and a sense of community, sweetFrog offers many combinations to appeal to one's sweet tooth.

Ella Walton | Newsletter Editor

Lifestyle

Study for finals with Ralph the Stress Tiger

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | December 9

Auburn University Libraries has found an unconventional way to soothe students during finals week: a tiny foam tiger named Ralph. Created in 2019, Ralph has evolved from a simple stress toy to a beloved campus icon.

Elizabeth Marsh | Photographer

Lifestyle

A time for giving: non-profits and charity around Auburn

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 22

The holiday season is a time for giving back. Donating to local organizations like the Food Bank of East Alabama, The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama and the Auburn City Toy Drive can help those in need during the holiday season.

Contributed by Sidney Crim

Lifestyle

Nature Nightmares: a haunted hike through the woods

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | October 26

On Oct. 25 and 26, Auburn’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center hosted its annual Nature Nightmares. Guests embarked on a self-guided tour through the forest, encountering spine-chilling scares, eerie decorations and haunting performances.