By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The end of one year and the beginning of the next is often a time to reflect on hopes and dreams for days to come.

Some Chilton County residents shared with The Clanton Advertiser what they hope to accomplish in 2019.

“I hope to get more organized personally and professionally, so that I have more time to spend with my family and friends,” Maplesville Town Clerk Dawn Smitherman said. “Life is too short to spend it stressing over things.”

Jeff Herron, First United Methodist Church youth pastor and insurance agent, said he wants “to strengthen my walk with the Lord.”

“Sometimes in ministry, we worry about others so much we tend to overlook our own walk and family,” Herron said. “I am going to focus on that in 2019.”

As an insurance agent, Herron said he will be focused “on customer service to a new level …  making sure everyone is getting the best rate possible.”

His personal goals are to improve his health.

“Not just doing the same thing in the gym but pushing myself to be better,” Herron said.

Resident Amy Barbaree said the new year “is full of possibilities.”

“I hope to pray more, love deeper, forgive before it’s asked, judge less and accept every day as a gift from God,” Barbaree said.

Local governmental leaders are looking forward to positive things for those they serve in 2019.

Maplesville Council member Richard Davis said “most people are hoping for an upgrade in street repair.”

2019 should be the year that these are complete. The Maplesville Council approved several repair projects at a recent meeting. Davis said other than that the town is running smoothly. He said the town is “fortunate.”

Clanton City Councilman Bobby Cook said on a personal level, he wants to stay healthy. As a councilman, Cook said he would like to see the water treatment plant expansion project completed in 2019. The project was approved at the most recent council meeting, but could take two years.

Cook said he would also like to see more homes in the city.