Homer Glen weighs the need to grow with the desire for breathing room

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Chesdan’s Pizzeria and Grille

Since 1946, Chesdan’s has been the go-to for famous thin crust pizza and delicious Italian Cuisine. Long a fixture in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, Chesdan's and its family tradition now make themselves at home at 15764 S. Bell Rd.

“My dad and uncle were the original owners,” explained Dan Carr, who runs the business with brothers Jim and John. “We all began our careers at a young age, starting out as busboys and coat-check clerks. My dad had a strong work ethic and passed it on to us.”

The Original King Special, a thin crust with sausage, mushroom, onion and pepper, made its claim to fame at the Taste of Chicago. “We were already pretty well known for our pizza, but the Taste really took our popularity up a notch,” Carr said. “We won awards and recognition and quite a large following of new patrons.”

Chesdan’s also is known for excellent Italian Cuisine. The menu includes classic pasta dishes, sausage and peppers and seafood. There’s a kid’s menu and an extensive beer and wine list.

Carr is grateful to the loyal Homer Glen and surrounding area patrons who stayed local during the pandemic. As soon as curbside and delivery options were available, Chesdan’s orders were coming in fast and furious.

“Our business was built on relationships, and that’s what held us together for a few months,” Carr said. “Our dining room is open now, and we see the familiar faces that support us. It’s heartwarming to see how people help each other during trying times.”

Once again, this year, pumpkin shaped pizzas will be available. 'Tis the season.

Shady Oaks Camp

In the early 1940s, a group of approximately 100 parents came together to purchase 30 acres in Homer Glen. The intention was to build in summer camp for children with disabilities. In 1947, Shady Oaks Camp opened for its first eight-week summer session. 73 years later, the camp is going strong at 16300 S Parker Rd.

“Our camp has always been exceptionally unique,” explained Scott Steele, executive dDirector. “We maintain a one-to-one ratio of camp counselors to camp attendees. Because all of our campers have disabilities, we make sure that they each have a personal counselor to help maximize their enjoyment and fulfillment.”

Shady Oaks Camp is a 501c3 charity chartered with the state. “We receive no state or federal funds,” Steele said. “We hold fundraisers and raffles to fund the camp. We also have the good fortune to receive donations from individuals and businesses who believe in what we do.”

Campers range in age from 7 to 70, with many attending annually for 30 years. Most live in Illinois, with some from Wisconsin and Indiana “We consider ourselves an extension of their family,” Steele said, referring to the campers. “They look forward to attending camp, and our volunteers and employees look forward to seeing them every summer.”

Campers can attend several weeks in the eight-week session, which celebrates holidays including Christmas in July. The campground holds seven dorms, an in-ground heated pool, a large recreational facility and dining hall. 

Sheri Law Art Glass

An artists as long as she can remember, Sheri Law found her true spirit working with glass. For more that 40 years, she and her talented team of artists have been making incredible creations from the studio at 12551 W. 159th St.

“I started the business in Lockport,” Law said. “Then I had the opportunity to purchase land in Homer Glen and created the business as well as my home here. It’s a beautiful village, and the people here are wonderful.”

Law began as a hobbyist, creating acrylic stained glass. She ran a small hobby shop that sold supplies and offered classes. Today, Law and her team of five artists create commercial and residential windows, entryways, skylights, donor walls, hospitality and dozens of other dazzling visions. The 10,000-square-foot studio is on the ground level.

“The most fun part of the job is bringing someone’s vision to life,” she said. “People see it in their mind’s eye, and we try to capture the color and texture they envision. When you see the look on their faces, it’s a thrill that can’t be surpassed.”

Law’s business has created glass for the National Shrine of St. Therese in Darien, Church Stained Glass in Chicago, Custom Fused Glass in Hinsdale and others. They have created hundreds of pieces of residential art in Illinois.

The showroom is open by appointment. That allows for proper social distancing at this time and lets Law to spend time with someone interested in bringing her art to their home or business.

Hydro Brew

Hydro Brew is a supply house that offers everything you need to brew your own beer, wine or mead, grow state-approved medical cannabis, grow organic vegetables and houseplants and experiment with hydroponics.

“We were building and designing when the pandemic hit,” said Aron Wickart, co-owner. “We decided to finish what we started. We opened about six months ago, and we’ve been doing well.”

Supply products include organic soils and supplements, grow lights, timers, dispensary products, nutrients, bottles, caps, recipes and more. “If you want to grow it, we’ve got what you need to get started and advanced as you learn,” Wickart said.

“Hydroponics is basically growing plants without soil,” Wickart said. “It’s a more efficient way to provide food and water to your plants.”

He explained that plants  actually use the food and water contained in the soil. “Soil's function is to supply plants nutrients and to anchor the plants' roots,” he said.

Many locals are interested in learning about hydroponics, especially for indoor gardening and growing. Wickart said he gets visitors with questions almost every day the shop at 14411 S. Bell Rd. is open. “It’s a different concept, works really well, and makes for a much cleaner and compact garden area.”

Products are Organic Materials Review Institute approved. “Our supplies adhere to standards for organic cleanliness. It makes a tremendous difference in the finished product, whether it’s food, drink or plants,” Wickart said.