October/November 2021
Banned Books
Sports
Zodiac Killer
The Reading area is home to an abundance of hidden gems. Alvernia University is in the heart of many adorable cafes, beautiful art, cultural establishments, and plenty of other spectacular local businesses. If you are a resident student at Alvernia, or even a commuter from farther away, you might be missing out on some extraordinary local businesses right off campus. To get more engaged with the surrounding area, check out these fantastic spots. The first business is Swerl Design LLC, located at 438 Penn Ave in West Reading, about eight minutes from main campus. Swerl Design is a home decor store with unique pieces created by one of thirteen different artists. One of these artists is Jason Eyer, who started Swerl design early last year with his brother in his basement. It began as a woodshop but eventually grew into the beautiful store it is today. When asked how Swerl Design compares to other stores like it, Eyer said, “I never seen a store similar to it before.” What makes Swerl Design so special is that if one object sells, a different piece will take its place. “If you come in here on a Wednesday and then come back on a Thursday, it’s probably different,” Eyer said. “It’s always different from day to day.” You can find a one-ofa-kind treasure every day at Swerl Design. Next up is Mi Casa Su Casa, located just down the road from CollegeTown at 320 Penn Street. Mi Casa Su Casa first opened in October of 2007 as a coffee shop. Since then, it has grown into a lovely restaurant as well as a community hub specializing in comfort, conversation, and the creative arts. Owner Johanny CepetaFreytiz’s goal was to create an environment where everyone felt welcome, she said, “Everyone who comes in is treated like family, like genuinely. It doesn’t matter your background, what you look like, if you have a little
bit of money or no money at all, we treat everybody with the utmost respect.” Cepeta-Freytiz has created a comforting spot that is far more than just a restaurant. “Not only do we fuel your tummy with great food, I like to say we also fuel your mind, body, and spirit,” she said. Wi-Fi is provided, and guests may stay for as long as they wish; Mi Casa Su Casa can truly be your home away from home. The staff of Mi Casa Su Casa is friendly, the atmosphere is joyful, and the food is delicious. The final business is Double Sunrise Yoga located on the same street as Swerl Design LLC at 398 Penn Ave. Double Sunrise is a simple yet stunning yoga studio that is open to anyone willing to participate. Founder, Kristina Schurr, has a passion for the wellbeing and mindfulness of herself and others. She chose to leave her job and work with her passions; just before the covid-19 shutdown Schurr opened Double Sunrise. There is a wide variety of classes offered at Double Sunrise by a group of women who all practice different approaches to mindfulness. Schurr said, “They are all passionate as to what they offer, and I am simply grateful to practice with them and to hold a space for them to share in it.” Double Sunrise provides a distinctive experience because of the sense of serenity and unity among all the chaos in the world. Scurr emphasized this belief saying, “The peaceful energy experienced as the world is going on outside and then to step right back into it differently, that is a unique gift.” Double Sunrise is the perfect place to stop by when you get stressed or overwhelmed with the world. Especially during midterms, take advantage of this place of serenity just minutes from campus. Take a trip off campus and explore these local businesses. No matter what you enjoy doing, there is something for you. There’s something for everyone!
Source: Sarah Mies
Spots Around Reading
Sarah Mies Contributing Writer
Interior of Swerl Design displaying some of the items that are for sale.
Source: Sarah Mies
THIS ISSUE
Spectatular Spots in Reading
The relaxation space inside Double Sunrise Yoga.
Source: Sarah Mies
what’s in
Volume 58 Issue 5
The main counter of Mi Casa Su Casa decorated for fall.