In the Heart of the Forest: Jennifer Tubbs

In the Heart of the Forest: Jennifer Tubbs

The forest has always been a place of roots and connection—where trees stand stronger together, their branches intertwining, their roots deepening the soil for future generations. For Jennifer (Matlack) Tubbs, retired teacher, volunteer, and community leader, that image captures the spirit of her life’s work: creating spaces where people feel connected, valued, and part of something lasting.

Jennifer’s story begins with the example set by her parents, who devoted themselves to church and community service. Their quiet commitment to helping others planted a seed in Jennifer that grew throughout her 35-year career as a social studies teacher in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. Whether teaching American history or guiding a local history course she started—and which still thrives today—Jennifer saw firsthand that people flourish when they are seen, supported, and invited into a shared story.

Her retirement has not slowed her passion for service. Through the family business, Irvin* Manor, and her engaging podcast Folklore vs. Fiction: Grandma’s Getting to the Bottom of It, Jennifer has carried her love of history and storytelling into the heart of her community. Yet perhaps her proudest work is the revival of the local historical society and the opening of the new Patton House Museum. Once dwindling in membership, the society has been reinvigorated with the energy of younger members and now thrives as a community hub. For Jennifer, this is more than preserving artifacts—it is about preserving belonging. “Faith, family, and community,” she reflects, “are the things that bind us together”.

The projects she envisions—expanding parks, connecting trails, enhancing public spaces, and ensuring access to internet for all—are not just improvements for today, but gifts for the generations yet to come. As she often reminds others, sometimes all it takes is a kind word to change someone’s day. That spirit of humble service is the thread running through everything she touches.

As Executive Director of the Lumber Heritage Region, I (Holly Komonczi) find myself reflecting on Jennifer’s journey with gratitude and admiration. My first memory of Jennifer was as a young child riding the school bus with this Cheerleader and her big pom poms, and how she was always kind to me. Now being able to share common interests with her and watching her lead with a humble resolve, I find myself still looking up to her.

Jennifer Tubbs is living proof that when we root ourselves in community—when we give of our time, our talents, and our hearts—we leave the forest stronger for those who will one day walk its paths.

*The story of Curwensville begins with the Irvin family, whose vision and enterprise laid the foundation for the town’s growth. Arriving in the early 19th century, they established some of the first businesses and helped shape Curwensville into a thriving community. Their legacy is deeply tied to the lumber industry—managing mills, driving innovation in timber production, and fueling the prosperity of the region. The Irvin’s’ leadership and investment in lumber not only built an economy but also anchored Curwensville’s identity as a town rooted in hard work, resourcefulness, and community.