新型氛圍編碼公司 Lovable 進駐波士頓華埠 麻州長Healey親自歡迎

麻州州長Maura Healey歡迎Anton Osika創辦的Lovable進駐波士頓。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)來自瑞典，強調氛圍編碼（vibe-coding）的科技新創公司Lovable，4月14日在麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey） 親自出席的隆重中剪綵，在波士頓華埠旁的林肯街1號大廈25樓開張，正大舉招兵買馬。

Lovable 波士頓剪綵。（周菊子攝）

Lovable是瑞典創業家 Anton Osika 與 Fabian Hedin 三年前創立的科技公司，強調不具備編碼技能的任何人，使用該公司所提供 AI 輔助開發工具，輸入文字指令，就可以輕鬆構建應用程式（App）與網站。

Lovable共同創辦人，現年35歲的Anton Osika說，波士頓和斯德哥爾摩類似，是個卓越人才聚集的地方，也是Lovable邁向全球化的理想第二站。他強調，科技不應該是創業家的門檻，他要讓有想法的人，能直接將意圖化為產品。

Anton Osika。（周菊子攝）

Anton Osika還分享了一個案例，一位名叫Alan，非工程師的醫療保健背景創業者，使用Lovable的AI工具，在5個月內就建立了一家年營收達100萬美元的醫療人力平台ㄡ

麻州州長奚莉笑說，Lovable 波士頓辦公室和羅根機場距離不過10分鐘車程，麻州不但歡迎他們，還將繼續降低住房價格，改善大眾運輸及投資教育，打造全美最有活力的創新環境，支持Lovable這樣的國際公司。

麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz)和
Lovable共同創辦人Fabian Hedin（左）。（周菊子攝）

麻州經濟發展廳廳長Eric Parley，麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)都對這家公司很感興趣，都專程出席了剪綵儀式。

根據Lovable 的公司數據，成長軌跡驚人，年度經常性收入（ARR）在今年二月據報導已突破 4 億美元，較 2025 年底的 2 億美元翻倍成長；公司在 2025 年底的估值為 66 億美元。

Lovable首席營收長暨波士頓負責人Ryan Meadows表示，正在積極招募更多人才。
（周菊子攝）

Lovable首席營收長（CRO）兼波士頓辦公室負責人 Ryan Meadows 表示，Lovable 的成長源於吸引了行銷、財務、銷售與人力資源等非傳統技術背景的人員，客戶已包括微軟（Microsoft Corp.）、Uber、Zendesk 以及波士頓當地的行銷技術龍頭 HubSpot。

Lovable 目前在波士頓擁有 25 名員工，承租了以前WeWork使用的約 6,000 平方英尺辦公室空間。物業持有者 DivcoWest 總經理 Mark Roopenian 透露，雙方僅用約一週時間便達成租賃協議。

Meadows 預計，波士頓Lovable的市場開拓與工程部門今年將招募至少數十人。加入 Lovable 前，他曾在 HubSpot 任職八年，在軟體公司 Klaviyo 工作過六年。

Lovable 的辦公室文化，遵守瑞典根源，員工與訪客進入辦公室必須脫鞋。麻州州長奚莉這天出席時，也入鄉隨俗的脫了鞋子，穿上Lovable品牌襪子，再踏進會場。

Lovable的總部在瑞典斯德哥爾摩（Stockholm），另外日本東京，美國舊金山及波士頓設有辦公室。波士頓辦公室將是Lovable的市場開拓中心（US Go-go-Market Hub）。

麻州長Healey要在社交媒體上加強保護青少年 提案限制每日使用2小時

麻州州長Maura Healey提案，加強在社交媒體上對青少年的保護，
建議每日限制使用2小時。（周菊子攝）

        (Boston Orange綜合報導）麻州州長奚利（Maura Healey）4月14日提交追加2.273 億美元預算案，核心重點是建立全美最全面的青少年網路安全標準，強制社交媒體平台預設關閉「無限捲動」與「自動播放」等成癮性功能，並提撥經費因應今冬極端氣候的鏟雪開支，放寬狩獵限制等。

麻州州長Maura Healey率相關人員說明政策提案。（周菊子攝）

       奚莉州長表示，她在擔任麻州總檢察長期間，就曾領導過針對Meta （Instagram）和抖音（TikTok）等社交媒體的跨州調查，長期致力追究社交媒體傷害青少年的責任。如今有研究報告指出，青少年過度使用社交媒體，會出現身心不安，焦慮與抑鬱症狀，建議擬定法案，禁止社交媒體平台自動播放、無限捲動（Infinite Scroll），並以演算法向 18 歲以下青少年推送特定內容。

        奚莉州長草擬的“社交媒體限制令”法案，還包括限定青少年上網使用社交媒體的時間，每日2小時，禁止在深夜及上課時間使用，對15歲以下用戶預設安全限制，僅家長或監護人能夠更改。提供簡易的有害內容檢舉機制，允許家庭重置演算法驅動的內容。

            在這份追加預算案中，奚莉州長還提出從「公平分擔（Fair Share）」附加稅的超額收入中，撥款1.598 億美元，支持交通廳和保育及康樂局（DCR）為因應今冬極端氣候的鏟雪開支。其中有950 萬美元撥給麻州緊急事務管理局（MEMA），170 萬美元撥給麻州國民警衛隊。

這一追加預算案還允許市鎮分3年支付鏟雪開支。以更有彈性的處理市鎮財政，調高公共建築工程招標門檻，以協助多元化小企業更容易參與公共建設。

奚莉州長遞交的追加預算提案，還包括放寬狩獵限制，廢除週日禁獵令，縮減弓箭狩獵與鷹獵的法定緩衝距離。

其他細節還包括把緊急援助收容系統的收入門檻調高至聯邦貧窮線的 120%，居留期限從六個月延長至九個月，接受援助者需提交麻州居住證明與合法移民身分等，以及允許把公寓預售押金直接用於施工，以加速住房供應，修改抵稅優惠條款，以促進塞冷（Salem）港口離岸風電基地啟動第一期工程，移除出生與結婚證書上的「非婚生（out of wedlock）」字眼，以去除標籤化印象，還有擴大退伍軍人獎金的發放對象等。

波士頓滋根基金會第9屆慈善演唱會 5聲樂家伴龍俐麗、楊貴平傳播「春之愛」

波士頓滋根基金會和聲樂家們會末合影。（周菊子攝）

滋根基金會創辦人楊貴平（右）和波士頓滋根創辦人龍俐麗述說緣由。（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導）波士頓滋根基金會4月12日以「春之愛」為主題，邀得5名聲樂家在麻州衛斯頓鎮（Weston）瑞吉斯（Regis）學院舉辦了一場別開生面的慈善演唱會，匯聚300人助力滋根設立「永續基金」，辦理各項公益計劃。

            滋根基金會是楊貴平和一群來自中國留美學生，於1988年在美國紐約成立的非營利組織，從募款支持貴州偏鄉女孩上學開始，服務內容一路發展、擴大。

            楊貴平指出，基金會取名滋根，意在滋潤根本，到中國是回到她的根，而中國的根，就在農村。

「春之愛」演唱會表演人員合影。（周菊子攝）

            她說，很多人問過她，既來自台灣，為何會到中國農村去做公益活動。但是要解釋，故事很長，如果簡單的說，那是她小時候讀詩詞，看著黃河，長江，以及滔滔金沙江，「風吹草低見牛羊」這些形容，對中國有著極其美好，浪漫的想像。儘管當年礙於兩岸關係，她們不能去大陸，但是心中常懷詩詞裡的中國，接受的教育又鼓勵人要「尊老愛幼」，促進世界大同，要有「天下興亡，匹夫有責」理想，讓她覺得自己得做些有意義的事，這才走進貴州省黔東南苗族侗族自治州「雷山縣」，當年中國最貧困地區之一，開始了7美元就能資助一名女孩上學的公益活動。

波士頓滋根基金會核心團隊，前左向右，龍俐麗，朱曉峰，王藐若，廉艷。
（波士頓滋根基金會提供，陳建中攝）

            波士頓滋根基金會創始人龍俐麗透露，朋友去紐約玩，回波士頓後告訴她，有個公益活動，交250元就能支持25個女孩上學。她一聽就覺得效益這麼高，太直得做了，於是毫不猶豫地就加入支持行列，如今竟不知不覺已38年。她很佩服楊貴平能堅持下來。

「春之愛」慈善演唱會工作人員合影。（波士頓滋根基金會提供，陳建中攝）

            過去20多年來，波士頓滋根基金會舉辦過8次慈善演唱會，籌款支持滋根義舉。今年第 9 屆，由核心團隊的龍俐麗、朱曉峰、王藐若，廉艷和李娜，國風，陳建中，張文心等人一起籌辦，請來曾在上海和北京推出大型景觀歌劇「阿依達（Aida）」，締造了3項世界紀錄的旅歐男中音劉克清出任藝術總監，和首都師範大學音樂學院聲樂系副教授的女高音王韻晶，男高音張維麟，花腔女高音廉艷，曾獲聘為L’opera Network Firenze歌劇中心聲樂表演副教授的男高音苑劍光，以及新月春之聲合唱團，在張海棋全場鋼琴伴奏中，演唱了羅西尼歌劇「賽維利亞理髮師」中的「快給大忙人讓路(Lago al factotum della citta)」，「長江之歌」，「茶花女」，「我的太陽（O solo mio）」，「我愛你，中國」等18首曲目。

龍俐麗送上感謝狀給聲樂家們。（周菊子攝）

            劉克清在每段歌劇曲目演唱前的扼要解說，教現場聽眾在歐洲聽歌劇要因應歌手男女性別，單獨一人或多人的高喊「Bravo, Brava, Bravie」，以表讚賞，在歌手謝幕後，要鼓掌拍到歌手走進帷幕之後等禮節，都讓現場觀眾樂不可支。

            龍俐麗在演唱會謝幕時表示，這場活動得以順利舉辦，全靠熱心人士支持。節目冊上也印出了銘謝名單。

左起，劉克清，張維麟，廉艷，王韻晶，苑劍光等聲樂歌唱家合唱。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓滋根基金會這次的慈善演唱會，在一名曾經住在波士頓的熱心人士贊助下，設有最高10萬元美金的等額加倍捐款，目前已有龍俐麗夫婦，李夏賓各捐款2萬元。

            在這次演唱會之後，波士頓滋根基金會還調整人事，推薦朱曉峰為副主任。

左起，劉克清，張海棋，張維麟，廉艷，王韻晶，苑劍光謝幕。（周菊子攝）

劉克清演唱茶花女。（周菊子攝）

花腔女高音廉艷演唱。（周菊子攝）

教授級聲樂家王韻晶演唱。（周菊子攝）

張維麟演唱。（周菊子攝）

男高音苑劍光演唱。（周菊子攝）

新月春之聲合唱團。（周菊子攝）

新月春之聲合唱團。（周菊子攝）

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day 

PITTSFIELD — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw and Elementary and Secondary Education Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo visited the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires in Pittsfield yesterday to highlight how Governor Maura Healey’s Gateway to Pre-k agenda and Literacy Launch initiative are expanding access to affordable high-quality preschool and evidence based early literacy instruction in local communities. 

 

During the visit, administration officials joined classroom activities, interacted with young learners, and spoke with Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti, Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips and community-based preschool programs about the successes and challenges of expanding access to high-quality preschool opportunities, including early literacy curriculum.   

 

“It was wonderful to be at the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires to see how the administration’s investments are expanding access to high-quality pre-k, including access to evidence-based early literacy instruction. The Pittsfield community is a model of how school districts and community-based preschools can work together to level the playing field for kindergarten readiness,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. 

 

“Yesterday we were able to visit one of our communities early education centers, highlighting the importance of education programming for some of our youngest learners,” said Mayor Peter Marchetti. “Every child deserves to have the same foundation either the necessary skills to succeed. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support for early childhood education.” 

 

"I always like to welcome cabinet members to meet with people doing the work on the ground,” said State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "That Secretary Zrike made Pittsfield one of the very first communities he visited says a great deal of his intention to serve the entire commonwealth. He and Commissioner Kershaw desire to understand the needs of a Gateway City in a rural county far from Boston will make a difference for our students." 

 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires is part of Pittsfield’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI). CPPI, a key component of Gateway to Pre-K, supports partnerships between public school districts and community-based early education providers to create more inclusive, coordinated preschool systems. Through these collaborations, CPPI aims to strengthen school readiness, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that every child in Massachusetts has the foundation needed for future success. 

 

Pittsfield’s CPPI partnership includes the Pittsfield Public Schools, Berkshire County Head Start, 18 Degrees, the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, Kid Zone, the Gladys Allen Brigham Center, Morningside Community School, and Williams Elementary School. Together, nine classrooms are serving 131 children in their first year of the grant, marking an exciting launch into early implementation and collaborative planning that strengthens early learning opportunities across the community. 

 

“During our visit to Pittsfield, it was clear how strong collaboration across agencies and community partners is driving real progress for families,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “The CPPI model is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can expand access to high-quality preschool while meeting the unique needs of local families, and Pittsfield’s commitment to this work shows what’s possible when communities come together with a shared vision.” 

 

“The partnership with the Pittsfield Public Schools, through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), has been a game changer for children 3 & 4 years old,” said Joe McGovern, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires. “It has increased equitable availability, provided new curriculum, purchased much needed supplies and offered staff trainings all to improve the quality of education for our children.” 

 

In addition to CPPI, Pittsfield is a recipient of the administration’s Partnership for Reading Success - Massachusetts (PRISM) II grant, funded through Literacy Launch. This grant supports school districts, in partnership with CPPI participating community-based preschools, with implementing newly selected English language arts materials or engaging in a structured curriculum evaluation and selection process. These efforts strengthen early literacy instruction, helping equip students with the reading and writing skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. The Pittsfield School District and several CPPI partners are rolling out new early literacy instruction this week, including at the Boys & Girls Club. 

 

“I'm grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to high-quality early literacy instruction starting in preschool,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We stand ready to continue supporting districts and partnerships by providing professional development, ongoing technical assistance, and grants through the Literacy Launch initiative.” 

 

“It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike, Commissioner Kershaw and Deputy Commissioner Woo in Pittsfield for a CPPI visit as part of 413 Day. Their time here reinforced the critical role that early childhood partnerships play in setting students up for long-term success. Through community collaboration, we are working to define and support kindergarten readiness across a mixed-delivery system so that all children, regardless of where they receive early education, arrive ready to learn and thrive. We are grateful for the recognition of the impactful work happening in our community and the ways our educators and community partners across early learning settings are working together to support children and families, ensuring strong early learning foundations for our children,” said Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips. 

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $32 million for CPPI to meet the Governor’s goal of delivering universal, high-quality preschool funding for four-year-olds in all Gateway Cities by the end of 2026. That is an $11.5 million increase over current program funding. Her budget also includes $25 million for the third year of Literacy Launch.  

Four Lions Media Announces Integration of Norton Communications

 Four Lions Media Announces Integration of Norton Communications

Kate Norton Named Partner 

WASHINGTON, DC – Four Lions Media, a full-service communications and creative firm serving campaigns, labor organizations, advocacy groups, and mission-driven clients nationwide, today announced that Norton Communications will join the firm, with founder Kate Norton stepping into a Partner role as part of the integration.

Norton Communications, a Massachusetts-based strategic communications firm founded by Norton, has built a strong reputation for delivering high-impact strategic messaging, earned media, and campaign communications for clients across the Commonwealth and beyond. With this move, Norton Communications will be fully integrated into Four Lions Media, strengthening the firm’s strategic communications practice and expanding its presence in Massachusetts.

“This is an exciting step forward. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Norton Communications — we built this firm to win tough fights and tell powerful stories for clients doing meaningful work,” said Kate Norton. “Joining Four Lions Media means bringing that work into a larger team with deeper creative and strategic capacity, and being able to deliver even more for the clients and causes we all care about, continuing the values-driven approach and trusted relationships that have defined both firms.”

"But seriously, who writes their own press release?" she added.

Haley Norton will also join Four Lions Media as a Content Producer, continuing her work supporting clients through digital content development, messaging support, and creative execution.

“Kate and Haley have built something exceptional,” said Dean Levitan, Founding Partner at Four Lions Media. “Norton Communications has earned a strong reputation across Massachusetts and beyond, and we’re thrilled to welcome their team into Four Lions. This integration reflects the continued growth of our firm and strengthens our ability to deliver high-impact strategic communications for clients nationwide.”

“Kate brings the kind of political instincts, strategic discipline, and storytelling strength that elevates every campaign and client,” said Henri Makembe, Founding Partner at Four Lions Media. “Bringing Norton Communications into Four Lions is a major milestone for our team, and we’re excited about what this means for our clients as we continue to grow and expand our work.”

Clients will continue working with the same trusted leadership and team, with all work moving forward under the Four Lions Media name.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 413 Day with Major Investments in Housing, Workforce and Outdoor Economy Across Western Mass

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 413 Day with Major Investments in Housing, Workforce and Outdoor Economy Across Western Mass 

New housing designations, workforce funding and regional equity initiatives highlight administration’s commitment to delivering for all 351 cities and towns 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today marked 413 Day with a series of major investments and policy announcements across Western Massachusetts, underscoring its commitment to supporting economic growth in every region of the state.  

“Western Massachusetts is essential to our state’s success, from its small business and farms to its outdoor economy and cultural institutions,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we are making real investments in the 413 – building housing, supporting workers and strengthening local economies. We are committed to making sure every region of Massachusetts has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”   

“413 Day is a chance to celebrate Western Massachusetts, but more importantly, it’s a chance to deliver for the people who live and work here,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From housing to workforce development to outdoor recreation, we’re investing in the foundations that support long-term economic growth across the region.”  

First established in 2019 by Senator Adam Hinds, 413 Day highlights the culture, economy, and communities of Western Massachusetts. This year, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, joined by administration officials, visited all four counties to announce new investments and engage directly with local leaders and stakeholders.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a number of new investments in Western Massachusetts, including: 

 

Housing Investments and Pro-Housing Designations 

Rural Housing Choice 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias kicked announced 29 Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designations, expanding access to state resources for communities advancing pro-housing policies.  

These newly designated communities have collectively produced nearly 8,700 housing units over the past five years, demonstrating strong local leadership in addressing the state’s housing needs.  

This year also marks the first time every county in Massachusetts has at least one Housing Choice Community, with six new designations in Western Massachusetts: Bernardston, Buckland, Deerfield, Easthampton, Gill and Great Barrington. 

Neighborhood Stabilization Fund 

The administration also announced $8 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program awards through MassHousing to support the redevelopment or rehabilitation of 49 affordable homes, including 34 homeownership opportunities.  

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has invested more than $342 million in housing production and preservation in Western Massachusetts, supporting over 800 homes and expanding access to housing across the region. Additionally, through the state’s HDIP program, the administration has supported the creation of 152 units of housing development in Western Massachusetts, totaling $9.6 million, about 21 percent of the state’s total investment. 
 

Investing in Young Workers Through YouthWorks  

In Hampden County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Labor and Workforce Secretary Lauren Jones visited the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield to announce $14.4 million in grants to hire nearly 3,800 jobs for young people across Massachusetts.  

The YouthWorks program provides teens and young adults with paid work experience, job training, and career development opportunities, helping them build the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Participants gain hands-on experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors while developing critical professional and interpersonal skills. They also learn how to take the next steps in their education and career pathways.  

 
Advancing Fairness Through PILOT Commission  

In Hampshire County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll swore in members of Governor Healey’s Commission on Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for State-Owned Land at the Pelham Overlook. The PILOT Commission was established through an Executive Order to evaluate potential reforms and ensure fairness in how the state compensates municipalities.  

The state owns over half a million acres of land, such as state parks and forests, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and state military campgrounds. To compensate municipalities for the loss of local property taxes related to this land, the state administers a PILOT program that provides them with funding. 

Western Massachusetts communities, which host a significant share of state-owned land, have long raised concerns about disparities in PILOT funding. The Commission will focus on ensuring communities are fairly supported for the land they host, with particular attention to geographic equity. Members of the Commission include: 

·       Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz 

·       Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer 

·       Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs designee Lisa Primiano 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Revenue designee Sean Cronin 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation designee Kate Preissler 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game designee Emily Myron 

·       Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi 

·       Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva 

·       Town of Marion Grants Administrator Amy Jackson-Grove 

·       Industrial Economics Incorporated Principal Dr. James Neumann 

·       The Trustees of Reservations Vice President Wendy Ferris 

·       Town of Orange Selectboard Member Jane Peirce 

Additional members of the Commission will continue to be appointed in the coming weeks. 

While in Pelham, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll announced additional funding through the administration’s Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance programs to help local and tribal governments apply for federal grants. To date, the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office has awarded $2,048,950 from the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Program, and $1,000,000 from the Technical Assistance Program for Regional Planning Agencies.

 

Growing the Outdoor Economy 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll held a listening session at Berkshire East Mountain Resort with business leaders, tourism officials and state agencies to discuss continued growth in the outdoor recreation sector. 

Massachusetts’ outdoor economy has generated $14.6 billion in economic activity in 2024 and supported 108,000 jobs, growing at a rate of 6.9 percent, which is the fastest in the nation.  

The administration has made significant investments to expand access to outdoor recreation, including nearly $190,000 in grants last year to support community-based events and initiatives across Western Massachusetts. 

Following the roundtable, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll visited Berkshire County to experience the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, including taking a fly-fishing lesson at Zoar Gap. 

During her first year in office, Governor Healey appointed first Director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Since taking office, Governor Healey’s administration has prioritized regional equity and targeted investments across Western Massachusetts through the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and filed the Mass Ready Act which would invest $3 billion to strengthen infrastructure and protect Massachusetts communities against increasing extreme weather events.