Bergen Couple Says No To Pre-Wedding Fun, Will Volunteer Instead

Rather than hold traditional bachelor and bachelorette parties, Samantha Feuss and John Fenlon wanted to do something different in celebration of their upcoming wedding.

Feuss and Fenlon are environmetnal activists. They will spend three hours April 13 picking up trash along the bank of the Capoolong Creek in Pittstown.

Feuss and Fenlon, 43, a machinist who’s originally from Ireland, are getting married at an Earth Day event on April 20 in Montclair. They decided that a bridal party stream cleanup the weekend before would fit perfectly with their pre-wedding schedule and set the tone for their future together as good stewards of the natural environment.

"We believe you should practice what you preach," explained Feuss, a social media strategist and mother of three. "We wanted to do something that reflects who we are."

Feuss, 37, said she has always felt passionate about environmental causes. She has volunteered for many years with riverkeeper and baykeeper networks and other groups working to protect water quality.

"We’re really excited that Sam and John and their friends are volunteering for our Stream Cleanup event," said Cindy Ehrenclou, executive director of the Bedminster-based nonprofit. "We’re grateful for their dedication and passion for protecting clean water and wildlife."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com