Pardeeville commission approves devotional option to follow Essentrics class

The Pardeeville Senior Center Commission voted on Feb. 25 to require Essentrics leadership to offer a devotional opportunity following the completion of Essentrics sessions, a change prompted by complaints from some participants.

Erin Walton, who leads the Essentrics class, presented her position during the meeting’s public-comment period and described her desire to include devotions with her sessions. Commissioners said they had received complaints from other attendees who were uncomfortable with devotions being offered at the start of class and discussed alternatives including arriving a few minutes late or dismissing the class first and offering devotions afterward.

Commissioner Michael Babcock moved that Essentrics leadership offer a devotional opportunity following the completion of the Essentrics session; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Burbach. A roll-call vote recorded Chair Kocher: Yes; Pufahl: Yes; Babcock: Yes; Burbach: Yes; Hosig: Yes; Nakielski: Yes; Pease: No. The motion carried 6–1. The commission’s action establishes the timing for devotional offerings (after class) but does not change whether an instructor may offer devotions.

The decision came under the meeting’s public-comment rules, which the commission reiterated at the start of the segment. The commission did not adopt additional formal rules about devotional content or participation; staff or commissioners may revisit enforcement or operational details at a later meeting if complaints continue.

The commission adjourned at 6:05 p.m.; the next meeting is scheduled for March 25 at 4:30 p.m.