Date: Fri 30-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

snapshot-Erica-Bray

Full Text:

SNAPSHOT: ERICA BRAY

Occupation: Homemaker. I'm busy 100 percent of the time with my family, the

house and keeping up with PTA meetings, also taking publicity photographs at

Hawley School. I figure this is my time to give. My mother gave before me and

now it's my turn.

Family: My husband, Chris, is a self-employed carpenter and woodworker. His

specialty is building stairs in people's homes. My sons are Christopher, 16,

who is at Newtown High School, and Jeffrey, 8, who is at Hawley School.

Pets: We have a springer spaniel named Solo. He was given that name by the

breeder because he was the only male in the litter. We just love him, but he

takes a lot of care. I have to wipe his nose prints off the windows every day,

clean his ears, comb him and check for fleas.

How long in Newtown: We've lived on Obtuse Road for seven years. I was born in

Margaretville in upstate New York. When we married we lived in Danbury for a

while.

Hobbies: Photography, cooking and skiing. When I'm taking pictures, I find

that I have to get right behind the lens to get the best shot. I keep trying

different angles, so I often miss out on what's happening. You lose out a lot

on an experience when you stay behind a camera. But it is rewarding, too.

I like downhill skiing but I stick to intermediate slopes. I just take my time

and go where I want to, sort of the same way I like to live my life.

My husband is more of a black diamond person. He goes all out.

Change in Newtown: I've seen wonderful change in this town: The new addition

to Hawley, and the Mary Hawley Inn with a warm glow of lights through the

windows. That's my birthday destination in February. The library is beautiful.

It fits right into Main Street. It's big but they've kept the same feeling.

I know people say we're growing too fast, but we get all the good things that

come with growth, too. Newtown still has charm. I do think it would be nice to

keep the lot sizes large.

Personal philosophy: I put my family first, but at the same time I kind of

like to be on my own, too. Stay busy and stay happy is my motto.