PAINTER: A local reader shared an article with us that was published this week about a former resident in the Johnston (R.I.) Sun Rise newspaper.

Rhode Island resident William Strand is a 1952 graduate of Bradford High School, our reader said.

William was featured in the article — “He Wasn’t Planning on Being an Artist” — after winning a cover design competition for the 2017 Pocket Manual, a booklet of services for seniors that will appear in senior centers across the state of Rhode Island.

A 30-year visitor of the Pilgrim Senior Center in Warwick, R.I., William’s winning piece is a painting of Roger Williams Park, according to the article.

Check out the full article, which includes photos of William, at johnstonsunrise.net/stories/sa-strand,125649

SHOTS: Who knew flooding put people at risk for getting tetanus?

We didn’t.

With all the wet weather we’ve had lately, Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration took the time to write a press release reminding residents that they may want to get a tetanus booster shot if it’s been awhile since their last one.

“Flooding is common in Pennsylvania, especially this time of year when conditions are right for severe storms and flash flooding,” said Dr. Rachel Levine, acting secretary of health and physician general. “Since the bacteria that causes tetanus can be found on contaminated objects in flood debris and enter the skin through cuts or puncture wounds, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

“You never know when an emergency is going to happen, so it’s important to make sure that your vaccinations are up to date, including tetanus.”

She recommends booster shots every 10 years but said a health care provider may recommend a booster shot after more than five years if you suffer a severe injury while clearing debris.

People with insurance can contact their doctor or pharmacy to schedule a booster shot, while she recommends that people who are uninsured or underinsured contact the local state health center to make an appointment for a free immunization.