As the economy continues to unravel, shop owners on the East Side have been forced to dramatically alter their business strategies to stay afloat.

Students who are at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Rhode Island are eligible to vote in today’s general election. Voters must have registered in Rhode Island by Oct. 4 to cast ballots for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and local races.

With a new year of the Metro section comes the opportunity to get to know our neighbors a little better. Here are some of the everyday people on Thayer Street – long-time residents and out-of-towners, regulars and first-time visitors – that color the East Side’s main drag.