Exciting changes are coming to First Street NE, but we need your input first! Project for Public Spaces (PPS) heard lots of fun and creative suggestions from the crowd at NoMa Summer Screen that they'll be using to guide their design process. If you weren't there but have some ideas about how we can create great places click here and let them know what you think!

Click here to learn more about PPS and their talent for creating extraordinary places out of ordinary spaces.

NoMa BID is conducting a survey in the neighborhood this fall. We want to know what you’re looking for in NoMa – dining, shopping, playing and more. The results will help us understand what the neighborhood needs and wants. Click here to take the survey online.

We will be conducting the survey in several residential and commercial buildings in NoMa as well, so come say hello and give your feedback if you see our staff! Complete the short survey to let your voice be heard and for the chance to receive NoMa giveaways, including one of six $50 Harris Teeter gift cards.

Rachel Davis, NoMa BID's Marketing and Events Director, shared her knowledge of creating, supporting, and curating a brand identity at the International Downtown Association Conference in Ottawa, ON, Canada last week. Together with representatives from the Georgetown BID and the branding firm, The Roan Group, Rachel Davis wowed a packed room with the strategy and creativity behind NoMa BID's 2011 branding revamp, which resulted in the new 'NoMa: CONNECTED' identity. The panel was entitled " A Tale of Two Cities and Two Brands" and explored how the diverse, existing conditions in Georgetown and NoMa shaped the branding process and the end result. The International Downtown Association bestowed its highest award, a Pinnacle Award, on NoMa's branding campaign and launch in 2012. 

Two years after Nihal Kececi bought a carriage house at 321 K Street, NE, she renovated the interior to transform it into an art gallery. Gallery NK is Nihal's home, studio and gallery space. Currently, Nihal and Richard McMurry, a classical oil painter, are exhibiting pieces in the space. The opening for the new exhibit, entitled "Abstract Landscapes" will be Thursday, September 11 from 5-8 PM. The exhibit will be on display through October 2. Click here for more information about visiting the gallery.

Details: 
Tuesday September 23, Meet at M Street, NE Underpass, 7 PM
10 minute run along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, followed with yoga. Free.

Saturday September 27, Meet at M Street, NE Underpass, 11 AM
One hour high intensity interval workout. Free.

Saturday September 27, Meet at M Street, NE Underpass, 12 PM
One hour high intensity interval workout. Free.

For more information, please email Project Fitness at projectfitnessdc@gmail.com.

Tour Dunbar High School
Tonight, September 10, explore DC’s Dunbar High School from 6-7:30 PM. The school is one of the region’s best known historically African-American high schools. Come hear how smart growth design principles transformed not only a building but the neighborhood.

Central Union Mission's New Location
65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW is the new, permanent home of Central Union Mission. This facility houses Central Union Mission's emergency shelter, residential recovery program, and social work and educational services. Stop by for a visit on Thursday, September 25 from 7-10:30 AM for a community breakfast and health fair. 

Eckington Fall Fest
Save the date for Eckington's Fall Fest on Saturday, October 4, from 10 AM - 4 PM. Are you a performer, artist, food vendor, or organization interested in participating? Check out the vendor registration options here. 

Got questions or interested in volunteering at this event? Email events@riamainstreet.org or call 202-808-9050.