When Bow residents have a project and need a volunteer, many of them know the first person they can call – Dick Welch.

Whether building the flagpole near the gazebo or helping to renovate Old Town Hall, Welch has contributed to his hometown in many ways.

Welch, a Bow resident for 72 years, was recognized for his contributions during the May 14 Town Meeting, and was presented the annual Citizen of the Year award by the Bow Men’s Club.

“For years he has led us in all kinds of different projects, whether it’s mechanic or carpentry work,” said Men’s Club Secretary Charlie Griswold. “Any time you ask him to do anything, he’s right there, the first to volunteer.”

Welch has watched the town grow during his years in Bow, and with that has come a higher sense of community.

“It went from, when I was a kid, 900 people and now we have 8,000. It makes it a lot different. I think volunteerism has gained a lot,” Welch said. “There are a lot of people who do a lot of these things strictly because they want to. They just do it.”

When Welch was given the Citizen of the Year award during the first half of Town Meeting on May 14, he showed another of his personality traits, Griswold said – he brought it back during the second part of the meeting on Wednesday, May 28.

“He has such a great sense of humor,” said Griswold. “He told me he brought the trophy back because he put it on eBay, but wasn’t satisfied because he didn’t get any bites.”

The Memorial Day parade in Bow is also a result of Welch’s contributions to the town, as he is among those who heads up the planning of the event. He also has been involved in roadside cleanup.

“Dick has the unique ability to get people and groups to work together,” said Griswold, adding the award was long deserved. “It was a unanimous choice by the committee. We think with all of the things he’s done, this was the year.”

Welch joked about his favorite aspect of living in Bow over the decades.

“We have a good location. We’re 10 minutes from town and I don’t think I’d want to go anywhere else,” said Welch. “It used to be low taxes, but that’s come to an end.”