In two years, Shenango River Watchers removed 40,000 pounds of garbage from the river, set up a water quality testing program, and brought attention to a natural resource that, at times, seems to be just another thing to build a bridge over.

"We've come a long way," President Jennifer Barborak said Thursday at the group's first banquet. "People are beginning to have more respect for their river, their watershed and their community."

Although the group's work has just begun, Ms. Barborak is looking to the future. She said a state official told her that an upcoming dredging could pave the way for the river to be clean enough in 40 years for the advisory against eating fish to be lifted.

"That means my daughter may some day eat the fish she has caught from the river," said Mrs. Barborak, who is pregnant.

The generational theme was reinforced when her parents, Ann and Mike Kotyk of Sharon, were presented the first Friend of the River Award.

Board member Babs Quincy complimented the Kotyks on their tirelessness and generosity and for "always being there for us."

The couple works every river cleanup day, takes photographs for the group and came up with the idea for the recently builty Budd Street Canoe Launch in Sharon.

Ironically, Kotyk described himself more of a dreamer than a doer, saying that he is proud to have children -- his son, Mike, also was in attendance -- who are doers.

"From a dream to reality is two generations," he said.

Brian Fleming, a Sharpsville High School senior, was presented the first Environmental Scholarship Award.

The $250 prize was awarded based on his intent to study an environmentally related career -- wildlife biology at Pennsylvania State University -- three letters of recommendation and an essay.

Board member Joyce Cuff said Brian shows a level of understanding of environmental issues that is not expected from someone his age.

"I'm glad to get this from a group of people who understand what this is all about," Brian said.

Matt Kraynak of MK Landscaping, Hermitage, received the Business Friend of the River Award for donating more than $10,000 worth of trees and plants for the canoe launch; the Sharon parking garage, where the group has an office; riverbank erosion prevention; and educational material for school presentations.

The group will hold a river cleanup Saturday in Sharpsville. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the parking lot by the High Street bridge. Lunch will follow. Registration and information: (724) 528-1102.