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
Washburns celebrate Thanksgiving with family traditions |OPINION — At the home of Shirlene and Dan Washburn in Opelika, photos of their beloved family mingle with awards from Dan’s distinguished career, including several hall of fame honors....
A few words fitly spoken OPINION — The scene before me remains etched in my mind. I had walked into a huge ballroom in a hotel in Dallas, Texas, 15 minutes late. Five hundred people were already seated at tables, and I had no idea where to find a...
Finding peace in my 'Remember Room' OPINION — When I turned 70 and retired from fulltime ministry, I found time to read books that I had little time to peruse while serving as a pastor. One of the authors I enjoyed was Frederick Buechner and his...
Who's that knocking on the door OPINION — Comer Woodall was at the controls the first time I flew in an airplane. A young and popular Methodist preacher, Comer was preaching in a youth revival in Wetumpka during the summer of 1950. He was a pilot...
Karen Wall Porter shares recipes, centerpiece ideas for fall entertaining OPINION — With a love for cooking, flowers, art and hospitality, Karen Wall Porter is carrying on her grandmother’s talents for gracious living. Karen has fond memories of...
Facing the unpredictable OPINION —When I was 40, Bruce Larson was one of my favorite authors. His book, The Emerging Church, affirmed for me the necessity of small groups for growing churches. In Dare to Live Now,he challenged lukewarm Christians...
An appointment with God OPINION — Spending time in prayer, alone with God, has been one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. As I look back, my only regret is that I did not spend more time praying.Only one man ever ridiculed me for praying....
Bent Creek neighborhood gathers for fall chili party Left, Those making chili for the Bent Creek neighborhood get together were, from left, Bob Hare, Mark Johnston, Pegge McCracken, Dennis Stiff, Carol Luther, George Schmitz and Soma Nagendran....
Picking Up The Pieces OPINION — One of life’s greatest lessons is learning to pick up the pieces and get back in the game. To live well in the brokenness of our world is a lesson everyone must learn.Looking back at my childhood, I am so thankful my...
He will restore hope for the future OPINION — My wife and I were guests of friends in Falls Church, Virginia. I was preaching in their church for a few days. About 4:30 on the morning of our second day there, I collapsed in the hallway. The noise...
Cattlemen celebrate 50 years of October Beef Month This year is the 60th anniversary of the Lee County Cattlemen’s Association (LCCA) celebrating October as Beef Month in Alabama. Throughout the state, beef is promoted with special events, and...
My philosophy of life changed OPINION — Years ago I was observed that many successful people have a philosophy of life that provides motivation and energy for living. I determined to write my own, but decided first to research “philosophies of...
Remembering stadium history on tailgating Saturdays During the fall months, life in East Alabama revolves around football with plenty of good food on game days. For a fun, relaxing tailgate party, rely on delectable dishes that can be prepared...
Welcome the touch of another hand OPINION — Need a job? A good way to get hired is to say to a foreman, who might need someone with your skills, “Can you use another hand?” If he accepts your offer, and you put in a good day’s work, you may have a...
That trembling in my soul OPINION — Were You There” is a haunting phrase in the old spiritual, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” The refrain stirs my soul every time I sing it: “Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble ….”The song...
Love of baking leads to customized confection business BY ANN CIPPERLY After having interesting careers around the country, Jan and Joel Martin moved to Opelika two years ago to be near family. Jan changed careers, using her love of baking to...
He died for you OPINION — As a young pastor I was taught, when serving the Sacrament, to say to each recipient, “The body and blood of Jesus.” I did that for many years. Then one Sunday I felt led to say simply, “He died for you.”It is one of the...
Leaning on Jesus OPINION — In this last chapter of my earthly life, I have moved from struggling with grief to struggling with cancer. It has been a new experience to sit in a large waiting room with 30 other patients, all of us waiting for our...
I love you 'Honey' OPINION — Life lessons abound in the common events of life. I learned a good one while refilling the little honey jar I bought from Ruttan Family Farms in LaPine, Alabama.My son Steve’s friend, Butch Ruttan, is the beekeeper who...
Price family gathers for cookout on Labor Day weekend BY ANN CIPPERLY After a busy summer, Oline and Randy Price look forward to gathering their family and friends together for a big cookout celebration on Labor Day weekend, which also kicks off...