Meet Your Neighbor: The Smitherman Family

If you want to see what it means to have a servant heart, look no further than the Smithermans.

Amanda Smitherman is originally from New Orleans, but her husband, Darek is an Alabaster native. The two now live in Helena with their three kids and Amanda’s mom, Ms. Shelly.

When she isn’t at her day job, Amanda is the director of the Helena Belles and a marketing manager for the local farmers market, Helena Market Days. She also teaches Sunday school at First Baptist Church Pelham when she can.

Darek and Amanda’s eldest daughter, Anjali, is a 16-year-old superstar. You can find her cheering on the side lines at Helena High School games, twirling in her Helena Belle’s gown at charity events or attending city council meetings as a member of the Helena Teen Council.

At 13 years old, Aviana participates at many events at Helena Middle School and is a member of American Heritage Girls, a faith-based scout organization. During the summer, she spends free Saturdays volunteering at Helena Market Days with her mom.

And while many may believe that an 8-year-old is too young to make an impact on his community, Dominick is here to prove them wrong. Dominick’s charity of choice is Vineyard Family Services, a faith-based family resource center.

“He really enjoys helping with their program called backpack buddies because they help school-age kids just like him,” Amanda said. “I do think Mr. Larry, the magician, being there does help.”

When they’re not volunteering in the community, the Smitherman family enjoys gathering around their kitchen table to share good food and stories from their day. And no family dinner in the Smitherman household is complete without a family movie night or game night.

“I love that everyone who lives here really does love where they live,” Amanda said. “I love where I live—that is why I volunteer and I love every minute of it!”

News

Bulls docuseries Back to Birmingham selected for Sidewalk Film Festival

News

Learning The Pelham Way: Panthers strengthen community with annual football camp, coaches clinic

Montevallo

Helicopter crew rescues man after ATV crash in remote Montevallo area

Alabaster Main Story

Messy mayhem: Cultivate Church entertains during annual Kids Fest with Camp Chaos

280 Main Story

Party Art Studio hits the road with new mobile chapter

Montevallo

Montevallo Schedule Breakdown: Bulldogs look to establish themselves among 5A peers

Helena

Helena-based Full Circle Rescue receives grant

280 Main Story

Briarwood’s Taylor Leib named United Soccer Coaches All-American as Oak Mountain, Thompson stars named All-Region

280 Main Story

Briarwood Schedule Breakdown: Lions aim to start strong in face of gauntlet

News

Pelham Municipal Election candidates finalized, forum announced

Montevallo

Candidates finalized for Montevallo Municipal Election, forum announced

Montevallo

Montevallo City Council denies two rezoning requests, approves O’Reilly Auto Parts site plan

Calera

Video board unveiled at Calera’s Ricky M. Cairns Memorial Stadium

280 Main Story

First Chelsea mayor Earl Niven passes away at 81

Alabaster Main Story

Brew for the Brave fundraiser set for July 26

280 Main Story

Jeff State to offer new degree option in catering and event planning

Alabaster Main Story

Ellis, Rakestraw, Farrell, Cole, Pate declared reelected to Alabaster City Council

Alabaster Main Story

Child at heart: Seniors participate in crafts, more at inaugural Senior Adult VBS

Helena

Make It 52 opens in Helena

Calera

Calera residents collecting signatures for change to form of government

Alabaster Main Story

Alabaster City Schools opens applications for free, reduced meals

280 Main Story

Crazy Cajuns Boiling Pot reopens on Highway 280 under new owner

Lifestyles

Vulcan Vault returns to Pelham with record performances, electric atmosphere

Calera

Calera launches interactive agenda platform to boost transparency, public access