The holidays bring out Milwaukee judges' best.

• Author: Pribek, Jane

Byline: Jane Pribek

Spoiler alert: If you're a child planning on attending the Milwaukee Society of the Polish Center's Christmas party on Dec. 13, or if you are or will be a patient (of any age) at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee on Dec. 2, stop reading right now!

For those of you who are still reading, I regret to inform you that Santa Claus does not exist. The Santa who'll be in the house on those days is really Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Dennis R. Cimpl.

Cimpl was recruited for the role of St. Nick five years ago for the Society party. Not long afterward, Judge Michael J. Skwierawski tapped him to play Santa at the hospital, where Skwierawski's extended family carols and gives out ornaments every year.

That first year, Cimpl studied the not-so-simple rules for being Santa.

Central among them: Never promise a child a gift; but you may express optimism that it will be under the tree in exchange for good behavior if his or her parent, who's likely snapping a photo, gives the nod.

He says for the first few years, he used to don the suit at home before driving to the events.

The looks I got from people, driving my little red car on the freeway, Cimpl recalls.

One year, he locked his keys in his car. He was fumbling around outside, looking not-so-jolly, and not wearing the hat, wig and beard, when he saw a group of children approaching. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he quickly adjusted his attitude and put his gear back on.

Now he dresses up onsite, so he's not forced to be in character unexpectedly. He's also more careful with the keys.

Parties focus on philanthropy

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jane V. Carroll has been doing a little extra holiday shopping for the past four years that she's been assigned to Children's Court.

She takes elves -- her own children -- with her on her shopping trips to help her pick out and wrap gifts for children in the foster care system in Milwaukee. They receive a child's name and wishlist; this year, Carroll took on five.

The family distribute the presents at a party hosted by the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. Now in its fifth year, the event's guests of honor are about 250 children. Also attending are countless foster parents, social workers, judges, lawyers, court staff, people from all walks of life, and of course, Santa Claus. There are games, activities and a full meal is served.

Carroll says, It's something that's completely positive and fun for these families.

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