Grow Making Progress, Attends County Meeting

BRASHER FALLS - He can only say a few words clearly since suffering a stroke last month, but that isn't keeping St. Lawrence County Legislator Thomas R. Grow from attending Legislature meetings.

The Republican lawmaker made his first appearance back in the board room at Monday night's Operations Committee meeting. He has no problem saying words like "yes" or "no," but lost much of his ability to speak, said his wife, M. Martha Grow. He is undergoing therapy to get his speech back.

"Physically he came back so fast, so strong," Mrs. Grow said. "As far as the speech goes, he's making progress in leaps and bounds. His comprehension is great, and the words are coming. His speech therapist said today he's doing beautifully."

Mrs. Grow said her husband suffered a stroke Feb. 3 and was hospitalized for 12 days at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vt. Although he has trouble speaking, he does not need physical or occupational therapy, she said.

His progress has been so promising that he's not abandoning hopes to run for re-election in November. Mr. Grow, 79, was first elected to the Legislature in 1998.

"We are looking for a full recovery," Mrs. Grow said. "He is fully planning on running. We expect to have a statement by early next week."

Democrat Anthony J. Arquiett later this week is expected to announce plans to run against Mr. Grow for his District 13 seat. The district represents the towns of Massena, Brasher and Lawrence.