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
BY ANN CIPPERLY Billowing smoke from hickory over a custom 50-foot grill drifts throughout the parking lot at Trinity Church in Opelika, as 2,000 chicken halves slowly simmer for hours. Prepared with a secret recipe, the specialty chicken will be...
BY WALT ALBRITTON The pump that provided water for our home when I was a boy was about 75 yards downhill from our house. On stormy nights, lightning would sometimes strike the pump and disengage the power. More than once, my dad got me to go with...
BY WALT ALBRITTON Soon after his resurrection, Jesus appeared in the Upper Room with his disciples. Two were missing — Judas, who had betrayed him, and Thomas, the skeptic.When the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, he...
“Above all, love each other as love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Peter 4:8-9 With a servant’s heart and love for others, Kem Jackson has a gift for hospitality. At Easter, Kem and her...
OPINION — As we approach the celebration of Easter, it is time once again to take a walk around that old rugged cross. Remembering the sacrifice Jesus made on that dark Friday helps me realize my pain is nothing compared to crucifixion on a cross....
My dear friend shared these somber words with me during a recent visit: “I am legally blind.” She can still see, but barely. “I cannot recognize a person who is ten feet away,” she said. Fortunately, losing her eyesight has not dimmed her faith in...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
BY ANN CIPPERLY Thirteen years ago, I featured Carol Pridgen as she was preparing Valentine treats for her 5-year-old son, Cade, and older son, Trace. While Cade is still helping his mother bake, Carol is now baking Valentine treats with her...
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...
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...