Maryland Family's Light Show Features New Song For Daughter

BEL AIR, MD — The Kurtz Christmas light show is back this year and includes a special song for the family's daughter, who is battling addiction. The song "This Is Me" from the 2017 film "The Greatest Showman" is dedicated to Caroline Kurtz, who is battling addiction.

"As you may also know, we started to use our lights in 2015 to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic by dedicating songs to our daughter, Caroline, and her recovery from this disease," said light show creator Jim Kurtz.

"This year we continue our efforts with this video," he said.

In the video, the Kurtzes report that their daughter is again in early recover after being in 22 recovery facilities in four states over the past seven years. The family asks that people pray this Christmas for the thousands of people recovering from the disease in their community.

On a bright note, the Kurtzes say one element of their light show can be seen from 0.5 mile away.

A 50-foot-tall pine tree, which they think is the tallest decorated tree in Harford County, is visible from the Route 22 Starbucks near MD 543. The tree as been festooned with old-fashioned bulbs.

"It is amazingly beautiful," Jim Kurtz said.

He attracted widespread media attention when he dedicated the show to addicts in 2015 and in 2012 for his spirited rendition of "Call Me Maybe."

This year's show features the following set to lights, according to Jim Kurtz: "This is Me," "The Greatest Show," The Nutcracker (dubstep), Griswold track, "12 Days of Christmas," "Christmas Vacation," "A Mad Russian’s Christmas," "It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," Star Wars theme and "God Bless The USA."

2018 Kurtz Christmas Lights Schedule

Where: 1205 Corinthian Court, Bel Air, MD

When: Friday, Dec. 7, to Monday, Dec. 31

Hours: 5-9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday; 5-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

How to tune in: Listen to 87.9 FM for the music.

Guests are asked to drive slowly, and to refrain from blocking driveways in the neighborhood.

• 2017: Bel Air Christmas Light Display Features Towering Addition
• 2016: Kurtz Christmas Light Show Adds Animation
• 2015: Family Dedicates Massive Holiday Light Show To Recovering Addicts
• 2014: Neighbors Combine for "Let It Go" Christmas Light Display
• 2013: 20,000 LEDs Light Up Churchville Road in Holiday Display
• 2012: Bel Air Home Synced Up with 'Call Me Maybe'

Where To Get Help For Addiction

Those seeking treatment for addiction have several options in Harford County.

Harford County residents can call the 24/7 crisis center hotline at 800-NEXT-STEP (800-639-8783) to get connected with addiction services and mental/behavioral health professionals.

Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are available for those suffering from addiction and alcoholism.

The Jarrettsville-based nonprofit Addiction Connections Resource at 443-417-7810 helps link callers to resources from therapists to halfway houses to treatment centers.

People can also use the treatment locator on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or call the Maryland Crisis Hotline, which provides 24/7 support, at 1-800-422-0009. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help as well at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org.

For those seeking 12-step assistance, the Kurtzes told WBAL in 2017 they participate in Families Anonymous. The fellowships of Nar-Anon and Al-Anon also offer support for family members.

SEE ALSO:

• First 24/7 Crisis Hotline Established in Harford County
• Harford Crisis Center Previews Services, Partnership

Photo courtesy of Jim Kurtz.