Resolution Naming Bridge After Moretz Family Passes, Goes To State for Final Approval

FIXE_0204 — The bridge leading to the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge will be named “Reba S. and Grady Moretz, Jr. Bridge” if NCDOT approves of the Blowing Rock Town Council’s resolution.

By Jesse Wood

On Tuesday, the Blowing Rock Town Council unanimously approved a resolution naming the bridge at the entrance to the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge as the “Reba S. and Grady Moretz, Jr. Bridge.”

Mayor J.B. Lawrence said that the state would have to officially approve of the bridge naming but needed the council to adopt the resolution first before it could begin the process. The council passed the motion will little discussion.

The Moretz family owns Appalachian Ski Mtn., which was the first ski resort to open in the High Country decades ago.

FIXE_06803-600x336 — Grady and Reba Moretz at a N.C. Ski Areas Association meeting honoring the Moretz family and their impact on N.C. skiing. Photo by Ken Ketchie

The property featuring the bridge to the new post-acute care facility in Blowing Rock used to be home to the old billboard that advertised the ski resort for decades. That billboard was demolished last year to make way for the bridge to the Foley Center.

“Whereas, Reba and Grady have made significant contributions to healthcare and the overall community; and Whereas, Reba and Grady Moretz have also demonstrated a lifetime of support for healthcare, tourism, education, and community building in Blowing Rock and the High Country of North Carolina,” a portion of the resolution reads.

Across U.S. 321 from the bridge and the Foley Center, Appalachian Ski Mtn. is in the process of finishing up construction on a new sign and welcome center building. These structures are located at the corner of U.S. 321 and Edmisten Road, which leads up to the ski resort.

“We are greatly honored to have this. To benefit Chestnut Ridge and the naming opportunity of that entire intersection to Chestnut Ridge and also the entrance to Appalachian Ski Mtn. makes it very meaningful for us,” Reba Moretz said prior to the meeting.

Reba noted that her husband, Grady, was also a close friend of Dr. Charlie Davant, who practiced in Blowing Rock for decades, beginning in the late ‘40s. The Blowing Rock Rehabilitation & Davant Extended Center was named in honor of Davant.

Grady Moretz served on the Board of Directors of Blowing Rock Hospital for many years.

“We are very proud of the Chestnut Ridge facility and feel it’s going to be a great asset to the entire area in many ways,” Reba Moretz said.