Communities across Greater Boston are declaring parking bans and closing schools as they prepare for a wallop of 8 to 10 inches of heavy, wet snow. Here's what you need to know: - A Winter Storm Warning is in effect in the area until 6 p.m., when the snow is expected to start to taper off. - A list of parking bans and closings is available here. - Gov. Deval Patrick has closed state offices and instructed non-essential employees not to report to work today. - The speed limit on the MassPike has been reduced to 40 mph from the Brighton tolls all the way to New York state. - This is heavy, Continue reading >>>

Consolidations by some major employers in MetroWest caused the region's office vacancy rates to climb in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to data from global real estate broker Colliers International.More than 115,000 square feet of office space in MetroWest became empty over the quarter, causing the region's vacancy rate to climb from 26.8 to 27.6 percent. That's the highest vacancy rate in any part of Greater Boston by nearly 3 percent.TJX's relocation of employees from Flanders Road in Westborough to a new campus in Marlborough resulted in 129,000 square feet of vacant space, the Continue reading >>>

Guilien Smith, Catholic Memorial — In a win over St. John’s Prep that clinched the Catholic Conference title, the senior guard had 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Anthony Gilardi, Malden — In a win over Greater Boston League leader Everett, the junior forward had 31 points and 14 rebounds. Johnny Bowden, Madison Park — The senior guard had 16 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds in a city league win over Latin Academy. Miles Robinson, Arlington — The Spy Ponders improved to 10-5 last week in part because of Robinson’s 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 steals in a win over Burlington. Tyler Continue reading >>>

Associated Press [file]  MALDEN — A former postal worker is charged with stealing more than 7,600 pieces of mail including Christmas gifts from collection boxes in four towns north of Boston. Thirty-six-year-old Steven Bozzi of Malden pleaded not guilty Monday to charges including breaking into mailboxes, receiving stolen property, and drug possession. He was released on $2,500 cash bail with electronic monitoring and random drug testing. Prosecutors said Bozzi was arrested Saturday after police saw him take mail from a collection box and put it in his car. They found 7,689 pieces of mail Continue reading >>>

The Gridiron Club of Greater Boston announced Monday the 16 semifinalists for the 62nd Walter Brown Award, presented annually to the best American-born Division I men’s college hockey player in New England.Eleven teams are represented in the candidates, including eight players from Hockey East, six from ECAC Hockey and two from Atlantic Hockey. The list is made up of 13 forwards, two goalies and one defenseman.Boston College has three nominees, while Yale, Quinnipiac and Bentley have two apiece.“The number of high-quality Division I hockey programs in New England has been growing for the past Continue reading >>>

We asked General Manager Jennifer Birkett and the Group Fitness Director in Chestnut Hill about some of the club features: We hear the club has taken steps to become greener. How so? Equinox's comprehensive, sustainable program enhances your health and the club environment with filtered water, bamboo flooring and eco-friendly plush towels—natural cotton, un-bleached towels which are laundered in our energy efficient washing machines in the club. Our clubs also use green cleaning products that contain natural ingredients and VOC free. What is the wildest piece of training equipment at the Continue reading >>>

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View full sizeA map of medical marijuana dispensaries in Greater Boston.  BOSTON — Of the five companies that applied for a medical marijuana dispensary license in Boston, only Green Heart Holistic Health Pharmaceuticals and Good Chemistry of Massachusetts were awarded the opportunity to set up shop. Both have a bit of a ways to go, though, before their doors will actually open. Jaime Lewis, chief operating officer of Good Chemistry, said that the company will go through the zoning and permitting process next week, as well as meet with local neighborhood groups. Good Chemistry, set to Continue reading >>>

O'Loughlin Sun staff photos can be ordered by visiting our Smugmug site. Nathan O'Loughlin, of Bedford, a financial adviser with Lignum Wealth Management in Lynnfield, has been recognized for outstanding client service, through Boston magazine's 2014 Five Star Wealth Manager Award. O'Loughlin has earned this honor, for which fewer than 3 percent of all Greater Boston wealth managers qualify, for three consecutive years. Candidates were evaluated by Boston magazine and Five Star Professional on customer service, integrity, knowledge and expertise, communication and overall satisfaction. Continue reading >>>

By Samantha Laine, Boston.com Staff What better way to spend a Somervillian Sunday afternoon than admiring some wacky mustaches? This Sunday, the Somerville Art Council will be hosting BeardFest 2014 in honor of facial hair artistry. Competitors will gather at the Center for Arts at the Armory to compete in different categories to see which beard brings home the gold. Bert Mayer, the founder of the Boston Beard Bureau, said this is the fourth year Somerville has hosted the event. He’s noticed that people in the Greater Boston area have grown quite fond of letting beards roam wild Continue reading >>>