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WHEREAS, Betty Rieley first moved to Pittsburgh in 1955 and has lived in the area continuously since 1968, bringing the joy of music into the lives of countless children and adults; and,
WHEREAS, Betty began studying piano at the age of 5 and teaching piano at 14, earning a scholarship to complete her BS in Music Education at Western Reserve University; and,
WHEREAS, with musical talents that extend beyond the piano, Betty directed the Handbell Choir at Westminster Church for over 10 years, taking the choir members to performances in New York City, Florida and other points along the East Coast; and,
WHEREAS, for two weeks every summer from 1993-1999, Betty ran Piano Day Camp on Hampton Street out of her home with the aid of her husband, Ollie Rieley, and daughter, Laura Ristau, providing musical instruction to 7-12 campers each year and taking them on Port Authority buses to field trips across the city including Trombino Piano Gallerie, Downtown, and the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, where the campers gave a concert on a harpsichord; and,
WHEREAS, Betty continues to hone her skills by attending Piano Festivals around the world which provide master classes and performances with world-renown pianists in places like the Amalfi Coast, Italy, and Obidos, Portugal; and,
WHEREAS, after over 65 years, Betty announced her retirement from teaching effective August 31, 2013, though she will continue to share her gift of music through performances; and,
WHEREAS, Betty is already hard at working planning and practicing for her next performance to be held around her 80th birthday this November; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Pittsburgh recognizes Betty Rieley's dedication to sharing her love of music through her teaching and performance; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare September 4, 2013 to be "Betty Rieley Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.