Local Experts to Host Forum on Artificial Intelligence at BCC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape how we live, work, and learn, many are left wondering what these changes actually mean for their daily lives.
 
To address these questions, Berkshire Community College (BCC) will host "AI: Benefits, Challenges, and Possibilities" on Jan. 21, 2026, at 6:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. 
 
This in-person event, held on campus in the Koussevitzky Arts Center in room K-111, brings together two distinct voices in the field of AI and communication for an open, informative discussion designed for the "curious and the cautious" alike. 
 
The evening will feature an exchange of perspectives aimed at demystifying AI technology. Attendees will explore practical examples of AI in action, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss the ethical considerations of a world where AI is increasingly present. 
 
Meet the Experts: 
 
The discussion will feature two prominent local professionals: 
  • Adam Graney: Founder of Gold Flamingo AI Solutions. With over 15 years of digital expertise and a focus on AI integration since the launch of ChatGPT-3.5, Graney specializes in turning AI complexity into a competitive advantage. His work helps businesses save hours of weekly workflow by architecting tailored AI solutions. 
  • Hari Kumar: Founder of Convivo. A Berkshire-based entrepreneur and graduate of E4All Berkshire County, Kumar brings 20 years of facilitation experience. With a background in both engineering and communications, he focuses on helping people build authentic communication skills within the tech and higher education sectors. 
The conversation will be moderated by Linda Clairmont, Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education at the College, ensuring a balanced and engaging dialogue that prioritizes community questions and concerns. 
 
"Whether you're looking to save time in your professional workflow or you're simply trying to understand the headlines, this event offers a chance to learn and connect with others navigating these same uncertainties," said Clairmont. 
Event Details: 
 
Registration: Members of the public and the campus community are encouraged to RSVP at www.berkshirecc.edu/ai-debate.  

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Companion Corner: Fox at Berkshire Humane Society

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There's a sweet and energetic dog at the Berkshire Humane Society waiting for his new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Fox is a 3-year-old Pomeranian who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Canine caregiver and adoption counselor Simone Olivieri told us about Fox. 

"He's a bundle of joy. He would love a family who's home with him a lot, because he's just, he's very social and wants to be with his people a lot. And he would be fun to bring out and about, bring a lot of places, because he's very happy to go anywhere," she said.

When Fox enters the room he is immediately a puffball of energy that goes around and around the room.

He came to the shelter after his former owner could not take care of him anymore. 

"The owner was just not able to care for him anymore. Had he came in with another dog, Wolf, and she already did find her forever home just last week," said Olivieri. "The two of them were left with a friend of the original owner, and the owner did not come back to pick them up, and the friend had too many animals in the house, and too much going on, and she just couldn't continue to look after them, so they did end up coming to us."

Fox can go home with cats and children but is not recommended to go home with other dogs as he gets too excited.

"He would love a home where people are home quite a bit to give him all the attention that he so desires. He loves kids. He absolutely adores children. So he would like a home with kids to play with. He could live with cats. We are saying that he should not live with other dogs. The only reason is that he gets very humpy, and he does not leave the other dogs alone," she said.

With his energy it is recommended he goes to a home that can keep him active whether walks or hikes and even fetch in the yard.

Fox does need to learn more about walking on a leash and has a tendency to mark in the house but he was recently neutered. Olivieri said belly bands will be sent home with whoever adopts him to help prevent marking and managing it.

"He would like an active home. He really does like to go for walks daily. He likes to run around in the yard. He does need a little work on leash walking. He sometimes gets a little tangled still under your feet, and he's learning how to walk on a leash," she said. "So, someone who's got some patience and some time to work on some training with him."

"He also is not fully potty trained, so he does know to go potty outside. However, he will still mark, urinate in the house sometimes, and he might poop here and there in the house."

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