Ben Downing

BOSTON – Every December State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D- Pittsfield) mails approximately 3,500 holiday greeting cards to friends, family, supporters and colleagues across Massachusetts.   This year he is asking local students to design his card for him.

Usually he chooses an image that relates to his Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Senate District.  In 2007 and 2008 he used winter scenes captured by local photographer Bill Tague, since 2009 he has chosen holiday images by Norman Rockwell.

“This year I am sponsoring a holiday greeting card contest for students in grades 3-8,” said Downing.  “I thought it would be fun to spread holiday cheer by using a truly unique card designed by a young constituent.”

Students in grades 3-8 who live in the Senator’s district are encouraged to participate.  Entry forms can be printed from www.SenatorDowning.com or picked up in Downing’s District Office, located at 7 North Street, Suite 307 in Pittsfield.

All submissions must be returned to the District Office by 4:00pm on Thursday, November 13^th.  They can be dropped off Monday through Friday during business hours, sent via US Mail or scanned and emailed to Benjamin.Downing@masenate.gov.

The winning design will be chosen by Senator Downing.  His printed holiday card will credit the student artist by listing their name, age, grade, school and hometown.  

All contest participants will be invited to attend the Senator’s Annual Toys for Tots Holiday Open House on December 11^th, during which the contest winner will be announced. 

For more information on the Senator’s contest, visit www.SenatorDowning.com or call (413) 442-4008.

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