Dear Friends,

We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for Diwali celebration starting with “Rangoli Making”. We sincerely apologize to those whose request to attend had to be turned down because of the capacity of auditorium. All those who made reservations by Monday October 30th, 2006, and also the performers, BNL employees and their family, and family of performers who made reservations by Thursday November 2nd, 2006 have been confirmed. All those who made reservations after Monday October 30th, 2006 must have received a personal e-mail from Saroj Kandasamy (Saroj@bnl.gov) of our decision. Please contact her immediately, if you have not received any communication. The reservation website is no longer available.

Because of the house-full situation of auditorium, it is in your interest to come early. This way you will get a good seat with your friends and family. Seats will be taken by first come first serve basis, and no one will be allowed to block for those not yet present. Ticket counters will open early; we are looking to start the cultural show promptly at 2:30. For directions and other up-to-date information, please visit

http://www.bnl.gov/bera/activities/iaa/diwali2006/index.htm

Please save your tickets, as they will be checked at the entrance of the auditorium and at the entrance of dining hall. This is to ensure that people with reserved tickets get seats in auditorium and in dining hall.

We are pleased to announce that Nayyarsons (who are responsible for supplying food for this function) have made a generous offer to cover the entire cost of medals. As a result, we will not be collecting donation for medals. Food drive for non-perishable items and auction of surplus paper products from our previous functions will still take place.

We understand that it is difficult for small children to see the entire show. To help elevate the situation, we have reserved two rooms where they can watch videos of their choice (please feel free to bring yours). Smaller children will stay in Room D (which is next to auditorium).

We would like you all to become part of organizing this function. There are still numerous tasks (for example looking after children for an hour or so while they are watching TV). Please let us know as soon as you arrive, if you would like to volunteer.

We appreciate your support and company. Please feel free to contact any of us (and there are many organizers), if you need help during the show.

Ramesh Gupta, President, gupta@bnl.gov , (631)344-4805

Sharadha Sambasivan, Secretary, sharadha@bnl.gov , (631)580-3104

Saroj Kandasamy, Treasurer, saroj@bnl.gov , (631)344-7545

(On behalf of BERA-IAA)