by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

George Kristo, a familiar face to countless Hamilton County young people and a veritable “fixture” at the Government and Judicial Center, is retiring as director of the Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. For 22 years Kristo has headed the group with the simple, but difficult mission of “reducing and preventing consumption of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs” by county youth.

Kristo says he will retire in early January. Although approaching his 80th birthday,

Kristo seems younger in appearance and attitude, probably because of his association with much younger people. His is a one-man operation which supports the North Suburban Alcoholics Anonymous Club, the DARE program, Hamilton County Drug Court, the local schools’ Red Ribbon program, Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) and arranges for the County Youth Service Award, which grants an annual scholarship to a local high school graduate.

For many years George and his late wife, Dr. Linda Kristo, hosted an alcohol-free New Years Eve party for county teenagers. But, the party will not be held this year due to Kristo’s retirement and various timing problems.

George and his wife came to the area in 1990 from Toledo, Ohio, following his 32-year career with insurance giant Blue Cross. Since arriving in Noblesville, he has been involved with various community activities including the County Historical Society, Noblesville Main Street and as a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

In retirement George plans to remain in Noblesville and continue his volunteer work at a local nursing home. His successor as council director will be selected by the council board of directors chaired by Superior Court Judge Steve Nation.