'Their smiles are infectious': 1st Summit Arena, Tomahawks celebrate couple's decades of service
Bert Rebar has been part of the staff since the doors opened at what then was known as Cambria County War Memorial Arena in 1950.
Rebar only was 12 when he landed a part-time job at the newly built arena. He's filled a variety of roles at the War Memorial, but for decades Rebar managed the commissary, supplying food, beverages and ice to the concession stands at 1st Summit Arena.
His wife Carol, whom he met during a public skating event at the War Memorial in 1964, also is a mainstay in the nearly 75-year-old building. She has worked in the concession stand since 1988.
"If you ask people, they'll say Bert came with the building," said Derek Partsch, Johnstown Tomahawks director of business operations. "They're a staple. You expect to see Bert and Carol here."
Fans strolling through the concourse at the arena throughout the past seven decades certainly know the Rebars, who have been married 58 years.
That's what made Saturday night's celebration of Bert and Carol's time at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial so special.
The arena staff and Johnstown Tomahawks surprised the Rebars with a special presentation during the first intermission of a North American Hockey League game against the New Hampshire Mountain Kings.
A video on the four-sided large scoreboard included a 2-minute montage that featured photos of Bert and Carol throughout their years in the historic building where "Slap Shot" was filmed and the 2015 Kraft Hockeyville USA title was won.
Balloons dropped from the ceiling. The team presented them with commemorative Tomahawks jerseys.
More than 30 family members attended the event, a fact hidden from Bert and Carol until they were on the ice during the ceremony.
The biggest announcement revealed that the 1st Summit Arena commissary near Section 17 has been renamed "Bert's Commissary," and concession stand No. 4 located underneath Sections 1 and 2 near the main entrance now is named "Carol's Stand."
"Bert has been here since Day 1 and he's incredible," said 1st Summit Arena usher Dan Lovrich, whose more than 52 years on the staff is second in seniority to Bert Rebar.
"The fact that he's here all the time is amazing," Lovrich said. "He's very dependable. He keeps the commissary going back there. He stocks everything and gets it ready for the fans."
Heather Dulashaw, 1st Summit Arena events coordinator, appreciates the couple's work ethic and commitment to show up at all the events through the years.
"Many of us think of them as family and they treat us all the same," Dulashaw said.
"Both of them have been in the building for so long, they can tell you about all types of events and guide anyone in their job roles," Dulashaw said. "They also have so many stories about events and happenings at the arena.
"Bert and Carol are always so nice and always smiling. They are truly wonderful people. They always are there to lend a helping hand or guidance, and their smiles are infectious."
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