"Making the Rounds"

In 1946, recent graduates of Penn State, Donald Bany and his sweetheart Doris became husband and wife, and quickly settled into life in the Happy Valley. Buying a parcel of land in cash from the Meyer (Meyer Dairy) and Boal (Boalsburg) families, the newlyweds built the home where they would reside for all of their 62 years of matrimony.

As Chief Financial Officer at the Graduate School at Penn State, and a 6th grade teacher at State College's Fairmount Avenue Elementary, Don and Doris fell in love with the area more each day, becoming staunch supporters of the local farming community and area businesses. One of their favorite establishments was, of course, Meyer Dairy, where they would frequently treat themselves to ice cream. The couple's niece and nephew, who lived with them, were also the recipients of their generosity. "They helped to raise us, and built us our own rooms in the house," shared niece, Mary Lee Meter. "They taught my brother [Chris Snyder] and I many valuable life lessons, including the adage that it is better to give than to receive."

When Doris fell ill and moved to Brookline a few years ago, Don faithfully visited his "ideal wife" every day during that last year of her life. Now a resident himself, Don participates in physical therapy through RehabCare, provided on-site at the community. It took some time before he warmed up to the idea of therapy, until one day he arrived in the first-floor therapy room and his eyes lit up. On the far wall of the room, he spotted a painting of The Corner Room, a local restaurant and downtown landmark where he and Doris regularly dined. The portrait instantly brought back fond memories and created in Don that extra "push" to move forward with his treatment.

Recently, while cleaning out the family home, Mary Lee came across a print of "Making the Rounds," portraying an old Meyer Dairy milk wagon. Together, with a description of the painting photos of the couple, and a note of thanks, she donated the pictured works to the therapy department. "Making the Rounds is given to the Physical Therapy Department who got Don up and walking to 'make the rounds'."

Meter says she hopes the gift will continue to inspire not only her uncle, but might also do the same for others. And just in case Don needs a little extra motivation some days, she delivers to him a daily bowl of chocolate and vanilla deliciousness from the one-and-only Meyer Dairy.