The deadline to submit ballots for Homer's Community Awards Program is 9 a.m. today. Ballots are available at chamber offices, Wells Fargo, First National Bank Alaska, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Spenard Builders Supply, Ulmer's Drug and Hardware, Kachemak Gear Shed and Fritz Creek General Store. Ballots also can be faxed by request or downloaded from the chamber's Web site, www.homeralaska.org. Click on the Community Awards icon on the home page. Nominees for Citizen of the Year: Barb Glidden, Peg Coleman, Derotha Ferraro, Chip Duggan. Nominees for Business of the Year: Best Western, Homer Physical Therapy, Moore and Moore Services. Winners will be announced during the annual Community Awards Mixer at the Homer News, Feb. 5. For information, call the chamber, 235-7740.

The February chamber mixer and community awards presentation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 5, at the Homer News, 3482 Landings St. The Homer News also is celebrating its 45th anniversary. The evening includes door prizes and snacks, and is open to the public. For information, call the chamber at 235-7740 or the Homer News at 235-7767.

The 2009 Winter Carnival theme is"It's About Time," is scheduled for Feb. 6-8, and celebrates Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood. The parade will be noon, Feb. 7. Congratulations to the 2009 theme contest winners, Celeste Novak and Mike Mason, who received a basket of gifts from local merchants valued at more than $250. To have an event or activity listed in the carnival schedule, call Linda, 235-7740.

The next Business Breakfast Roundtable is 8-9 a.m. Feb. 10 at the chamber. Seating is limited to 18 people, with one seat per industry area. Each participant receives two minutes to pitch a business and distribute literature. The event is free for members, $7 for non-members. Call the chamber to sign up.

Steve Atwater, assistant superintendent of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, is the presenter at the chamber's Feb. 10 meeting from noon to 1 p.m. at the Best Western Bidarka Inn. It is open to the public. Lunch is $12 for members, $14 non-members.