Friday, February 27th, 2026
FINEARTEXHIBITIONSANDHISTORICAL EXPERIENCES:
REVOLVINGEXHIBITSOFCONTEMPORARY PORTRAITS,LANDSCAPES,ANDSCULPTURES THENORMANROCKWELLMYSTERY THECOVEREDBRIDGEMUSEUM
Christopher Oldham is the longestrunning judge for Bennington’s Got Talent, a role he considers both an honor and a front-row seat to the incredible talent this community continues to deliver year after year. Bennington is full of performers brave enough to throw their hat in the ring—and Christopher is the first to admit that judging is far easier than stepping onto the stage. For that alone, every performer earns his respect before they even begin.
With more than twenty years of experience in community leadership, marketing, and public service, Christopher has served on numerous local boards and organizations, including three terms on the Bennington Select Board. He has been an interpreter for Deaf elementary students, coached with the Special Olympics, and is the author of the children’s book A Father’s Letter to His Son with three more books on the way!
Professionally, Christopher has served as Executive Director of the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion and the Bennington Coalition for the Homeless. He currently serves as Director of Community Relations at MissionCare at Bennington, where building meaningful connections is both his job and his passion.
As a judge, Christopher’s style is direct, encouraging, and rooted in connection. While technique matters, he’s always listening for the emotion behind the performance—and paying close attention to how it makes him feel. Because for him, the best performances aren’t just impressive… they’re the ones that make the room feel something.
Jim Thatch is a retired Graphic Artist, moving to Vermont with his wife Lori in 2020. He is currently an Old Bennington Trustee, President of the Bennington Theater Board of Directors, and President of the Bennington Historical Society. He is the host of Trivia Night Live! at the Bennington Theater and portrays Ethan Allen in reenactments celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America. He also enjoys creating artwork of local Bennington scenes.
Born and raised in New England, I began my career in automotive sales in 2016. I moved to Bennington in 2017 with my now-husband, Seth Harrington, who was born and raised here. Over the years, I’ve worked my way up from Sales Consultant to Marketing Director, combining my love for strategy, creativity, and community to help grow the Coggins Auto Group. Both of us work at Coggins, which definitely keeps life busy. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me tackling home projects, coaching youth basketball, sneaking in a round of golf, or heading out on weekend adventures with our kids and dogs. Between work, family, sports, and community events, I’m rarely sitting still for long and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Greg Van Houten (GVH) is a multifaceted artist based in Bennington, Vermont. He is a songwriter, musician, visual artist, and the proprietor of GVH Studio, a creative studio specializing in large-format graphic printing and installations. Since 2007, GVH Studio has collaborated with the region’s leading cultural institutions, architects, and marketing firms, serving clients across a wide range of industries. The studio is known for creating memorable visual displays, including exhibits at the Monument Center for Arts and Culture.
As a performing musician under the name GVH, Greg is active throughout the region. In 2019, he released a full-band studio album of original music with support from local musicians. The album, You’re The Only One Who Thinks You’re Funny, received significant airplay, with 10 of its 17 tracks featured on radio. It was also selected as “New Artist of the Week” on Blues Deluxe Radio’s nationally syndicated show and was used by CAT-TV in a music video for the T-Mobile Hometown Video Contest, highlighting his local tribute to Bennington, Vermont.
Greg’s music is available at www.GVHmusic.com.
Joy Proft has been the midday host on WEQX-FM based in Manchester, Vermont for 6 years with duties that include hosting a Monday through Friday Retro Lunch at noon and a local business show, The Sunday Brunch. She worked in the sales side of the music industry for 15 years for Universal Distribution with positions in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Richmond, Virginia.
Raised in Rhode Island, Joy moved to Vermont for the first time in 1990 and left the state and has moved back twice. In 2013, she opened the lingerie store JOY all things underthings in Manchester and sold it to employees in 2019 who now run the business under the name Le Peche Lingerie. While in high school, Joy was the emcee of her high school talent show and is grateful for all of the public speaking and presenting opportunities since. She was the red carpet host for the ITV Fest in Manchester for two years, which was broadcast live on GNAT-TV. Joy is an avid gardener, loves music, and lives in Pawlet with her husband Matt.
WEQX-FM is independent and locally-owned and broadcasts on 102.7. The radio station is listened to worldwide on the free WEQX app, smart speakers, and at weqx.com.
Lauren is so happy to be performing this year for BGT, after winning last year. As the family joke goes, “Dad paid for 7 years of opera training so I could sing classic rock in his band.” Originally from Long Island, Lauren and her family (including finalist, Fiona Huttle, her daughter) moved here to Bennington in 2020 and have felt right at home. Lauren helps with the children’s workshops here at the Monument Arts and Cultural Center and is the President of the new South Shire Theatre Company. “Performing, for the artist and audience, isn’t about what you see and hear. It’s about what you feel and the impact, if any, it leaves behind.”
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been born and raised in Bennington, Vermont, a beautiful town that will always be home. Music has been my passion and my escape, my comfort and my inspiration, and I’m so grateful to have it in my life. But more than anything, my family is my everything. I’m so thankful to have a loving partner and children who bring me joy and fulfillment every day, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to give them the best life possible. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
Dylan Scott Fischer Nesbitt (DSFN) grew up in Cambridge, New York, and currently resides in Hebron, NY. Dylan has had a major influence in music growing up by family members that played.
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As a local DJ and karaoke lover, I spend my time listening to “The soundtrack of my life” that includes a number of chart-topping hits. I have been singing my entire life and would like to take this opportunity to share my talents with Bennington County. I’ve participated in BCGT for the past 4 shows and feel this year is special. I dedicate this to my brother and grandmother, who passed away in 2025 and 2026.
AMichelle Marrocco is an independent teaching musician based in Berkshire County. You may have seen her as Missy (The Marvelous Wonderettes) or in a number of productions here at the MAC Center. Offstage, she can be found teaching voice and string lessons and performing at weddings throughout the region. In addition to performing, she also talks too much about her dog and is the cofounder of Berkshire Pup People. Adeline has 4 cats and a pony. She is a quiet, humble kid that is honored to be a part Bennington County’s Got Talent!
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Georgina Strykes is an independent artist trying to bring her versatile music to new ears. She longs to find her audience and spread her unique blend of genres. Georgina blends emotional intensity with lyrical precision, her music explores devotion, desire, surrender and selfreckoning. Her songs unfold like confessions, drawing listeners into a world where longing is sacred with an undercurrent of supplication, manifestation and quiet rebellion. She sings and plays multiple instruments on her songs with themes of the earthly and eternal and all that is in between. She is currently working on her first album and routinely releases new original music. You can find her on YouTube, all streaming platforms, and social media platforms.
I am a 25 year old born in the small town of Bennington. In 2025 after my debute and winning of 3rd place for BGT, I became a published poet of the memoir- Phoenix Risen (available on Amazon). This inspired the start of my podcast on Spotify called Jsoul.Faith.Rising. I am on a spiritual journey of self- love, self- improvement, and being a positive example. I aspire to inspire others to live in unity, in love, and manifesting a positive and peaceful life for us all. I am Jenica Faith Warren and divine greatness is written in my name. Here’s to love, unity, and peace for all.
Adeline and Bethany White are a mother-daughter duo. This is Adeline’s second BGT and Bethany’s first.
Adeline is a 9th grader at Otter Valley in Brandon, VT. She has qualified and performed as a delagate for VT 4-H at the Eastern States Exposition 5 times and at that National Assoc. of Aggricultural Aggregates in Philly. Adeline was also the winner of the Brandon Kids Idol in 2024.
She has been in 15 musicals and was a part of Opera Vermont’s “Amahl and the Night Visitor’s” as the understudy for Amahl. She will be the principal this year.
Bethany is the mother of 2 fabulous teens. She is also the leader of the Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H Club, helping youth “learn by doing” in a safe, encouraging environment. She has been in a number of musicals, including some with Adeline.
Bethany has been in Brandon Idol for a few years and was the vocalist/co-song writer for the Albany, NY rock band, “Kymberwik.” They wrote many songs and recorded an album in the early 2000s. As a youth Bethany was part of the Empire State Youth Chorale and sang at Proctor’s Theater. She recently made her debut with Opera Vermont and looks forward to continuing her vocal training. Bethany’s career off stage is as a professional horse show judge, having judged local, national and world levels.
Adeline and Bethany are excited to be a part of BGT and hope you enjoy the show!
We are The End Of Man from Bennington. We’ve been in the area and performing for the last 25 years throughout different bands! We formed this band last year in hopes to keep doing what we love!
I’m Elise Previe im 34 and I have 5 kids. Im a Bennington native and I have always wanted to win a talent competition.
Kobi Addington is a 16 year old from Dorset, He is now a 4 time returning contestant and competed in BGT All Stars. He is a pianist who has been playing for 13 years and has picked up singing along the way. When not performing, he is playing Football.
Ruby Lewit is 9th grade student at Burr and Burton Academy. She is heavily involved with the music and performing arts departments of her school, and will be in the upcoming spring musical, Hair. She loves singing, dancing (she currently studies at Southern Vermont Ballet) and acting. Ruby greatly hopes to continue with performing, maybe even as a career.
Fiona is an 8th grader at Mount Anthony Middle School. She has been on stage since she was 18 months old. In 2020 her family moved here to Bennington VT from Long Island, NY, but this has always felt like true home to her. She loves to perform and has been in shows at the Monument Arts and Cultural Center and performs as a character for World of Wonder Entertainment. When she graduates, she would like to become a hairdresser for children and adults with special needs and sensory struggles.
I am a 16yr old self taught singer and guitarist. I am passionate in writing my own music as it is a safe place for me to express myself in a positive way.
Michael is super excited to be here at Bennington County’s Got Talent! He is here to sing, have some fun, and hopefully make the podium!!
Sin ce S ep tem b er 2024,Missi onCareat BenningtonhasbeeninfulloperationfollowingitsacquisitionbyConnecticut-basediCare H ealth Ne twork,tr an sfor mingthefor m er BenningtonHealth&Rehabintoaspecialized long-termskillednursingfacility.ThetransitionmarkedasignificantmilestoneforVermont’shealthcaresystem one rootedin addressingalong-standingandcriticalgapincareforVermonterswith complexmedical,behavioral,andsocial needs.
TheinitiativewasbornfromastatewideeffortledbytheVermontDepartmentofDisabilities,Aging,andIndependentLiving (DAIL). Recognizingthegrowingnumberofindividualswhoqualifyfornursinghome–levelcarebut areroutinelydeniedplacementduetothecomplexityoftheirneeds,DAILissuedaRequest for Proposalsfor providerscapableof operating specializedlicensedlong-termcarefacilities.iCare Health Networkwas sele cted basedonitsmorethan25yearsofexperience caringforindividualswhoseneedsextendbeyondthescopeoftraditionalnursinghomes.
A THOUGHTFUL,COLLABORATIVEADMISSIONS PROCESS
AdmissionstoMissionCareat Bennington followa deliberate, person-centeredprocessdevelopedin closepartnershipwiththeStateof Vermont.All residentsmeetfederal criteria for nursinghomeplacement and requirea highlevelofcare due to significantphysicalorcognitive impairment,frailty, ordependence on assistance foractivitiesofdaily livingsuch aseating,dressing,and toileting.
Thispopulationhashistorically facedlimitedoptions Across Vermont, hospitalsfrequently carefor patients whoqualify forskilled nursing carebutare declined byfacilities for various reasons. As aresult,individuals often remainhospitalized for extended periods—sometimes weeks, months, or even years—placing strain onhospital resources, driving up costs, andmostimportantly, compromisingpatients’qualityoflife
ManyVermontersare cur rently awaitingplacementinlicensed nursing homes Many have beenunableto secureappropriatecare duetocomplexmedicalneeds, behavioral chal-
lenges, orsocialandjudicialhistories. MissionCareat Bennington was createdspecifically toaddressthis gap—andtodosowithoutexceptions or waivers.The facilityisfully licensed,state-inspected,andcertified by Medicare andMedicaid,admitting only individuals whomeetfederal nursinghome requirements
Byoffering a safe, secure, andstigma-freeenvironment,MissionCare at Benningtonenhancesbothpatient outcomesand system-wideefficiency. Hospitalsare better ableto focuson acutecare needs,families gainaccess to appropriatelong-term solutions, and residents receive thespecialized support necessarytolive withdignityandstability.
Theimpactisperhapsbestcapturedthroughthe voicesofthose served.Donald, a MissionCareresident,shared:
“When I arrived at MissionCare, Iwas welcomed by the wonderful
team, whoinstantly mademefeel at home—afeeling I hadnotexperiencedin overtwenty years.I amso happy tohave thisopportunityand g ratefultothestaf f and my newfound family.”
MissionCareat Bennington representsiCare HealthNetwork’s commitmenttobringingprovenex-
pertiseto Vermont. Withdecadesof experienceoperating nursinghomes that serve individualswith challengingandcomplexneeds, iCare has establishedMissionCare as a critical resourcewithinthestate’scontinuumofcare.
Formore information aboutMissionCareat Bennington, referralprocesses, orcareeropportunities, visit MissionCareatBennington.com
“Bennington’s Got Talent is handsdown one of my favorite sponsorship events of the year. I couldn’t make it last year, so being back in the judge’s seat this year means a lot.”
Valerie Harrington, Marketing Director at Coggins Auto Group
“Now in my ninth year as a judge, Bennington’s Got Talent continues to remind me just how much creativity lives right here in our community. Every year, people step onto that stage and share something personal, brave, and uniquely theirs—and that’s what makes this show so special.”
Christopher Oldham, author and Community Relations Director at MissionCare at Bennington
“I have lost track of how many times I have been at the judge’s table for BGT, but I keep coming back. While the contest approach to the arts leaves me a little conflicted, the celebration that it creates helps me reconcile the contradiction. The arts are a community
staple, and sharing in the moment is a soulful experience, especially with a wide variety of artists and audiences. Being part of these performing artists‘ experience is always an honor and a treat. They are literally baring their souls, and, at their most vulnerable moment, offering a gift to the audience that may only happen once in such a perfect surrounding. The performers and audiences never disappoint.”
Greg Van Houten, owner of GVH Studios
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