Interviews and photos by Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

New Year’s is a time for self-reflection and hope, with people opening their hearts and minds with dreams and resolve on how to make the next 365 days better than the past.

As we greet 2019, the Free Press hit the streets to ask Richmond area residents:

Bernie Johnson, 72, Stratford Hills, retired Richmond Public Schools administrator: “Continued good health, happiness and prosperity for all.”

Norman Hicks, 65, Highland Park, part-time security officer: “Goodwill and people treating each other right. Getting rid of the anger and disrespect.”

Jeffery Daniels, 37, Northern Virginia, electrician: “To get back on top, get my financial house in order and be on good footing with my children.”

Nicole Fitzgerald, 38, West End, Richmond Public Schools teacher: “For Richmond Public Schools to be fully funded.”

Grace Harrison, 72, Church Hill, travel leader: “For all of my dreams to come true. In 2019, I am building a home and will be moving to Moseley.

Sean Moore, 22, South Side’s Manchester, communications technician: “Good health for me and my entire family. I hope all of us get through 2019 happy and healthy.”

Nick Cone, 70, museum district, retired: “To establish a better relationship with my older brother; and for the country, a new government.”

Jean Gonzales, 65, Carytown, retired child caregiver: “To have people care about what other people are interested in, and not just care about themselves.”

Velma “Mama J” Johnson, 71, Fulton, restaurant owner: “To be prosperous in business, to be healthy, to pray for my city of Richmond and to do away with all of the crime we have in our nation.”

Tiffany Wilson, 40, Midlothian, nurse: “Peace on Earth.”