By TESA STRASSER

The Press-News

With the excitement of the Olympics still in our thoughts, girl and boys from around Stark County may want to consider stopping in at the Northeast Community Center in Canton to take gymnastics lessons from Rod Pisani. He has been giving lessons there since May and is excited to build a quality program in that facility.

Previously Pisani, who grew up in the Sandy Valley area, taught at the Jewish Community Center and at other gyms in the area before forming a collaboration with Timken High School, McKinley High School and the Northeast Community Center to start this program. The union of these entities has provided 6,500 square feet of practice space and much high quality equipment.

His competitive team contends with teams from other gyms in the private sector. They have 10-15 meets each season and the season runs from December through April.

Pisani brings years of experience to gymnastics, plus he has three qualified and diverse assistant coaches. Ruth Dubinsky has worked with youth for many years in gymnastics and swimming. She coaches the younger children.Dina Musaelyan is a college student with a strong background in dance. She is CPR certifies and specializes in coaching floor routines. Julie Brown is from Beach City and studied gymnastics in Dover. Brown also works with Canton City Schools. Brown and Dubinsky are both Red Cross certified. Pisani is safety certifies by the US Gymnastics Association.

The rate for this gymnastics instruction varies from $25-$70 per month depending on the level. This program teaches levels three through optional competition.

According to Musaelyan research shows that participating in gymnastics teaches youth leadership skills and confidence as well as developing strong bodies.

The Northeast Community Center is located at 2600 25 St. N.E., near Malone College. For more information or class times call 330-454-1067 or 330-452-9831.