b'C H A P T E R E L E V E Nlected, although we Etad asked repeatedly.Her judgment on this FCW initiative? A failure.Then theres been the stubborn existence of the former Coast Guard Station launchway on Stage Island, an irritation (and harbor hazard) for years. The neighborhood, the Town and the Land Court have all wanted to see it gone; the owner has dug in his hip boots and held firm in opposition. The result: a standoff.FCW director Herb Bernard, a Morris Island resident, has chaired a board subcommittee to watch that perverse situation and report when board action might be valuable.But this static matter probably wont remain a draw forever. Says George Olmsted, We may live to see (the launchway) gone.In yet another area, FCW had a misfire, this one in educational support.Motivated by its admiration for town plannerChathams legendary volunteer and environmentalist Alice Hiscock, theplanner, Alice Hiscock, was well- Friends drafted a Hiscock Grant programadmired by the Friends.But an in the late 90s. Awards would go to residentsFCW program of Hiscock education grants failed to catch on.More (especially students) to get them engaged inrecently, a similar initiative has met conservation projects. For two years, FCWwith distinct success in the towns energizers beat the drum for the project. But,schools, and is now four years old.reports LewKimball, we had no applicationsand the program simply lapsed. That was a real disappointment. After that, however, the FCW board came up with a substitute in the summer of 1999: grants to local schools for environmental outreach. Now in its fourth year, that program, one well-received by the schools, has had little trouble getting proposals from teachers.Pass, or Fail?Theres one other aspect of FCWs activities over the years on which no grade can be wisely given. The subject: relations between the Friends and Town government. In the first year of Friends of Stage Harbor Waterways life, the sailing weather was ideal, as new directors drew together to begin their unique enterprise. At the start, two Town officials came to observe the process; of the three full-time selectmen, Bill Litchfield and Tim Pennypacker were on hand September 2, 1983, at the home of Judy and Pete Hoyt. In her minutes, Libby200'