Ann Cipperly

Ann Cipperly

Columnist

Ann Cipperly is an award winning journalist whose career includes being a lifestyle and food editor, feature writer, columnist and photographer for newspapers and magazines

Ann Cipperly's Latest

Walter Albritton: The busy life of a man of faith

Walter Albritton: The busy life of a man of faith

ALABAMA — At a country setting in the outskirts of Wetumpka near his childhood home, Walter Albritton has authored over 20 books and countless newspaper columns, including his popular weekly article in The Observer. At nearly 93 years of age,...

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Southern Hospitality | Serve strawberry confections for spring occasions

Southern Hospitality | Serve strawberry confection …

With warm breezes and brilliant pink azaleas beginning to bloom, thoughts turn to preparing scrumptious spring dishes with seasonal fruits. Strawberries are nearly everyone’s favorite, and they can be used to create yummy cakes, pies, breads and...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | Going home

Going home was a wonderful experience for me during my first 18 years. I rode a yellow school bus ten miles to school. I loved school but I was glad to return home every day.  Home gave me a sense of belonging, and a safe refuge where I was loved...

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Altar Call | Going home

An Alter Call | Why churches grow

BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — There are likely a dozen good reasons why churches grow. The primary reason, of course, is obvious: God gives the growth. No one ever explained this better than Saint Paul when he wrote to the Corinthian Church, “I...

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Southern Hospitality | Humphry family enjoys Sunday suppers

Southern Hospitality | Humphry family enjoys Sunda …

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER In the small community of Waverly, Summer Humphry and her husband Matthew enjoy gathering family together each week for Sunday supper and for holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day. Summer, the sixth generation in...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | A salute to the people feeding famili …

OPINION- Warning: Reading this may cause you to write a check. But you won’t be alone. Writing this has caused me to write a check. Now, read on; just remember you have been warned. Hunger is a serious global issue. Every day about 25,000 people...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | Surprised by Grace

BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — The church is one of Satan’s favorite playgrounds. He delights in getting church members to criticize one another rather than work together to fulfill God’s mission for the church. Jealousy and envy are tools Satan uses...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | For Him

BY WALT ALBRITTON My friends tell me they admire how strong I have been since the death of my son, Mark, on Jan. 15. I thank them for their kind words. But the truth is, I am not always strong; there are weak moments when sorrow descends upon me...

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Southern Hospitality | Wynne Wages treasures time around table

Southern Hospitality | Wynne Wages treasures time …

With her dining table set for offering hospitality, Wynne Wages of Auburn is ready to welcome friends into her home. She has a love of cooking and creating wonderful memories around the table with her family and friends. Wynne is sharing family...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | Jesus sent me

BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — The author and philosopher, Elton Trueblood, got my attention when he said that Mark 10:45 is the most revolutionary verse in the New Testament. Look at again with that comment in mind: For even the Son of Man did not...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | Adopted by the poet who served pink j …

OPINION — In 2022 I ceased being an octogenarian and became a nonagenarian. And now, at age 92,  I can testify that many memories for nonagenarians remain precious. I delight in looking back and giving thanks for many unforgettable friends I have...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | The man sitting on a tree limb

BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — When Jesus was walking through Jericho, he attracted a large crowd. In the crowd was a man named Zacchaeus who was short of statue, so short he could not see Jesus over the crowd. Determined to see Jesus, he ran ahead of...

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Southern Hospitality | Gather family at table for hearty pasta dishes

Southern Hospitality | Gather family at table for …

BY ANN CIPPERLY During cold winter days, hearty pasta dishes provide warm, comforting meals that everyone in the family will enjoy. With a big pot of pasta sauce simmering on the stove top, the tantalizing aromas drift throughout the house. Place a...

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Altar Call | Going home

An Altar Call | No task too small

By Walt Albritton OPINION — Sherrill Morrison never preached a sermon in his church. A humble truck driver, he was not a prominent, influential leader in his church. However, Sunday after Sunday he stood in the sanctuary welcoming people to church....

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call | Jan. 23, 2025

Watch out for the rattlesnakes OPINION — Most people will agree with the Bible’s teaching that God is love. And almost everyone would agree that God uses a multitude of ways to inspire his children to walk like He wants them to walk. But here’s a...

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Southern Hospitality | Jan. 16, 2025

Southern Hospitality | Jan. 16, 2025

22nd Annual Taste of Chocolate is Jan. 28 BY ANN CIPPERLY | THE OBSERVER Chocolate is one of the most popular favors in the world, and every chocolate fan can choose from a wide variety at the 22nd annual Taste of Chocolate, Tuesday, Jan. 28 from...

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Altar Call | Going home

An Altar Call | Jan. 16, 2025

Life changing words OPINION — The television commercial said that 50 million Americans have hearing loss. I did a fact check. Turns out the number is more like 30 million. The commercial was probably produced by a hearing aid company.Whatever the...

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Altar Call | Going home

Altar Call - The sign and test of love

During the Last Supper, according to John’s gospel, Jesus shared with his disciples the spiritual blessings they would receive after his crucifixion and resurrection (chapters 14-17). They would be blessed with the certainty that Jesus was in the...

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Southern Hospitality | Jan. 2, 2025

Southern Hospitality | Jan. 2, 2025

Warm up in January with hearty soup recipes BY ANN CIPPERLY | FOR THE OBSERVER After so many rich foods over the holidays, comforting bowls of soup are a welcome change on chilly January days. While soup is on the menu throughout the year, January...

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