5 Things: Original Boston Patriots Player Dies, Beware of Marathon Tragedy Scams & More

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1. Expect Scattered Showers Friday Afternoon in Foxborough

Today’s weather in Foxborough, according to the National Weather Service based in Taunton, calls for scattered showers, mainly between 2 and 3 p.m. Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. South wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 p.m. Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Low around 52. South wind 15 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

2. Former Patriots Offensive Lineman Bob Yates, Jr. Passes Away

Former Boston Patriots offensive lineman Bob Yates, Jr., 74, passed away Tuesday, according to statement issued by the New England Patriots.

“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of former Boston Patriots offensive lineman Bob Yates, Jr., who played for the Patriots for six seasons from 1960-1965,” The statement said. “Yates passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74 in Spring Branch, Texas.”

Born on Nov. 20, 1938 in Montpelier, Vt., Yates graduated from Syracuse University in 1959 where he played on the national championship squad as a First Team All-American before joining the Patriots for their inaugural season in 1960. He went on to play tackle, guard and center along the offensive line in 68 games for the Patriots over his professional career.

Following his playing career, Yates went on to teach and coach for 34 years at various schools in Massachusetts and Vermont and was recently inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame. Yates will be buried in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, April 20.

Click here to view Yates’ obituary.

3. Beware of Marathon Tragedy Scams

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is warning against scams in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings.

More than 125 website domain names related to the explosions were registered within hours of the bombings on Monday, Coakley said. She asks that people check out the organization before contributing.

Coakley said many charities, including The One Fund Boston, are reputable, but be careful of those who may be taking advantage of the tragedy.

 “After the unconscionable attack at the Boston Marathon, there has been an outpouring of support from people who want to help,” Coakley said. “We urge people from Massachusetts and across the country to continue to support the victims and those impacted by this horrific event. We also encourage people to do their homework on the charity before giving to ensure their money will go to the purpose they intend…

“Our office received reports just this morning that a mere four hours after the attack at the marathon, over 125 domain names were registered to collect money for the victims and several fraudulent twitter accounts were opened asking for money as well,” said Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs Barbra Anthony. “It is unspeakable that anyone would sink to capitalize on Boston’s sorrow as we recover from this tragedy. We remind consumers to exercise caution and do their homework before reaching out to help.”

Coakley’s office offers the following suggestions:

• If you are contributing over the Internet, make sure that the website you are visiting belongs to a legitimate, established, and registered charity, and that the website and the charity match. See if other legitimate websites will link to that website. After tragedies of this nature, there are always individuals who will use the Internet to perpetrate fraud, and you should make sure that the website you visit is operated by the charity you want to donate to. Also, you should make sure the site is secure and will offer protection for your credit card number.
• Check to see if the charity is registered and filing with the Attorney General's Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division. Registration and filing information can be obtained online at www.mass.gov/ago/charitiesreports or by calling the division at 617-727-2200 x2101.
• Know your charity. Take the time to verify the address, phone number, contact information, and review the website and written material, when possible. Consider a charity's history, purpose, track record and reputation, and never give to a charity you know nothing about. If you have any doubts, well established charities with experience in disaster relief or organizations established with support from government agencies are generally a good choice.
• Check out websites such as Charitynavigator.org and BBB.org/charity, where you will find additional information to help you understand a large number of charities. Examine your options. Do not feel compelled to give to the first charity you come across. There are a number of established organizations already responding to the diverse needs created by the tragedy; in time there may also be legitimate, smaller charities that will emerge to focus on specific populations and communities.
• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion. A legitimate charity will tell you how it's using your money to address this horrific disaster.
• Ask lots of questions. How much of the money goes to the charity and how much to a professional fundraiser? Ask who employs the telephone solicitor, if your contribution is tax deductible and what the charity intends to do with any excess contributions that might remain after the victims' needs are addressed.
• Beware of professional fundraisers who try to make their solicitations sound like they are coming directly from the charity itself or volunteers.
• Do not pay by cash. Pay by check, and make it out to the charity (use its full name; don't use initials), not the fundraiser. Never give your credit card number to a fundraiser over the telephone. If the fundraiser directly approaches you, ask to see identification. It is best to mail your check directly to the charity.

Those with questions or who have a complaint about charitable solicitations should call the Attorney General's Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division at 617-727-2200 x2101, access the complaint form online, or write to:

Office of the Attorney General
Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Divisionz
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108

4. Patriot Place Events:

Here’s what’s happening around Patriot Place today:

Grow and Behold at Life is good: Join Life is good for a celebration of the planet. Enjoy in store activities, gift with purchase specials, snacks and drinks.

School Vacation at The Hall at Patriot Place: We are about the team here in Foxborough and The Hall at Patriot Place 2012 Patriots team captured the AFC Eastern Division title for fourth straight season. We’ll hand out 2012 team photos to children ages 12 and younger with their paid admission to The Hall.

School Vacation at Patriot Place: Today enjoy a creation station, face painting and more. Get the list of events and activities going on at Patriot Place.

5. Foxborough Regional Charter School Awarded for Outstanding STEM Education

Foxborough Regional Charter School recently received an award from Lt. Governor Murray for Outstanding STEM Education. The award was presented at the 2013 Green Schools Environmental Summit. Pictured above (left to right) are: State Representative Jay Barrows, Roy Pavao, Sue Kraus, Daniel Yates-Berg, Dr. Mark Logan, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Robin Organ, Executive Director of Green Schools.