033026...R MCCTC STAGE 2...Austintown...03-30-26...Students from MCCTC's carpentry program Anastasia Bruner, 19, of Boardman HS, right, Malachi Tate, 18, Canfield HS, center, and Makhi Burkhart, 17, from West Branch HS, left, set wooden steps in place as the stage project continued Monday at Austintown Quaker Steak & Lube...by R. Michael Semple

AUSTINTOWN — What began as a motorcycle safety campaign has grown into a community-wide collaboration that will benefit local entertainment, charitable efforts and workforce development for years to come.

Through a partnership between The Gervelis Law Firm, local businesses and the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC), a brand new outdoor stage was constructed and delivered Monday to Quaker Steak & Lube in Austintown — just in time for the restaurant’s busy summer season.

JoEllen Mrofchak, operations manager for The Gervelis Law Firm, said the project evolved naturally from the firm’s ongoing outreach efforts. The firm, which focuses on personal injury cases including auto, motorcycle and truck accidents, launched a motorcycle safety initiative last year aimed at reducing accidents and promoting rider awareness across the Mahoning Valley.

“Our team started a ‘Ride Safe’ motorcycle campaign and began attending weekly Bike Nights at Quaker Steak & Lube,” Mrofchak said. “We set up a tent, handed out safety materials and spoke directly with riders about how to stay safe and what to do if they’re involved in an accident.”

Those weekly events — featuring live music and drawing large crowds — sparked an idea when organizers noticed the venue’s aging stage needed replacement. Led by law firm member Brian McGivern, the firm began coordinating with community partners to bring a new stage to life.

The result is a modular, professionally designed performance platform built entirely by MCCTC students under the direction of instructor Ryan Benchwick. The stage, measuring approximately 16 by 32 feet and standing 3 feet high, was constructed in 4-by-8-foot sections, allowing it to be reconfigured for various events.

“The students really took ownership of this build,” Benchwick said. “They’ve developed a strong sense of pride in their work and are excited to see it used by the community.”

For the students, the project provided valuable hands-on experience — translating classroom instruction into a real-world application that will be enjoyed by thousands.

On Monday, with assistance from Home Depot, students transported the stage components to Quaker Steak & Lube, where it was assembled onsite. A fabric backdrop is scheduled to be completed shortly.

The effort was made possible through contributions from multiple partners, including Home Depot, which donated materials, and engineer JD Mackall, who provided structural design expertise.

Taylor Sherman, regional marketing and activities manager for Quaker Steak & Lube’s Heritage Region, expressed gratitude for the collaboration.

“The development of our new entertainment stage comes with thanks to many organizations and their generosity,” Sherman said. “From the students at MCCTC and their instructor Ryan Benchwick, to Home Depot and The Gervelis Law Firm, this project truly reflects the power of community.”

The new stage replaces a smaller platform that hosted years of performances. Its expanded size will allow for larger bands, more elaborate productions and increased opportunities for community events, fundraisers and gatherings.

The timing is especially significant as Quaker Steak & Lube prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Austintown location in July. The venue’s popular Bike Nite series, running from late April through September, will feature weekly live performances on the new stage, along with additional summer programming and a mid-July anniversary celebration.

Beyond entertainment, the project also ties into broader community impact efforts. To further promote their motorcycle safety campaign and give back locally, The Gervelis Law Firm has partnered with Johnny K’s Power Sports in Niles to raffle off an Indian motorcycle later this year. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit two local charities: Every Dog Matters and Ashlin’s Alliance, a chapter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.

Monday concluded with a celebratory lunch provided by Quaker Steak & Lube for all participants. The Gervelis Law Firm also recognized the students’ efforts by providing t-shirts and giving them a field trip to Cedar Point, complete with tickets and meal vouchers.

For Mrofchak and her team, the project represents far more than a construction effort.

“This was about bringing people together,” she said. “We’ve met so many incredible individuals throughout this process, and we’re grateful for every single one of them. The stage is something the whole community can enjoy — it’s a place where people can gather, celebrate and experience everything our area has to offer.”

As the first bands prepare to take the stage this spring, the structure will stand not only as a venue for music and events, but as a lasting symbol of collaboration, craftsmanship and community pride.