Put on a happy face

If you happen to get in your car and drive through Sun City, most likely you may only see a couple of cars, an empty parking lot at the Lodge, and a few people walking.

But you also might see resident Todd Kane, sporting a rainbow top hat to match his Skittle-colored beard, smiling and holding a sign that says, “Don’t Worry Be Happy.”

Kane was in Utah, hiking with his wife, when news hit that Illinois was closing schools and asking citizens to stay at home. He said, “Karen and I cut short a 12-day hiking vacation to Utah on day two.”

Kane, like many residents, wanted to keep busy so he put on this ‘Thinking Top Hat’ and created his message on the sign he carries for the residents of Sun City.

Kane said, “I decided to make the sign and stand at different intersections in Del Webb simply to brighten people’s moods. We can all benefit by smiling more during these uncertain times. If by doing and I can make someone smile, it’s all worthwhile. It’s fun. Cars will slow down, windows roll down, and I got a thumbs up or a wave or shout out. It’s fun to be a smile on the faces. If I get one smile, it’s worth it. We need a smile during this time.”

Does Kane have a background in entertainment?

“Actually no,” he said. “I was an office manager with a 9-5 job.”

But he does have a little background in the performing arts, nonetheless.

“For many years, I did participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade,” Kane said.

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is the largest art parade in the United States. It takes place each year in June in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. The event celebrates the arrival of the summer season. It began in 1983.

Kane said, “The event is marine-themed so I came up with a nautical costume and participated in the parade while we lived on the east coast.”

Kane says his colorful beard has always helped to lift the mood.

“It’s a great conversation starter. People are compelled to come up to me and ask me about the beard. It’s fun,” he said. “I’ve had my beard tie-dyed for nearly seven years, and I do it myself. I initially dyed it for the 2013 Coney Island Mermaid Parade. I’ve kept it up ever since. I’ve been a parade marcher about ten times with different costumes each year. I hope to go this year in June but will wait and see.”

Kane said, “We moved to Del Webb from New Jersey in the summer of 2018. In New Jersey, I often would put on a holiday-appropriate costume and visit the local hospital brightening the day for both patients and staff. I tried it last Valentine’s Day at Centegra and was asked to leave the premises by security, no sense of humor.”

Kane has hit Sun City running, getting involved with the community.

“I volunteer as a track coach for Huntley High School. I don’t think that will happen for the spring season, even if the schools open up again. I also volunteer as a driver for senior care. It’s a great opportunity to hear some great stories. Everyone has that one story to tell,” he said.

Kane also has initiated the first Turkey Trot in Sun City and started the Walking Club.

Kane said, “We were going to start walking again since the weather conditions have gotten better, but we are going to have to hold off just like all activities here.”

Kane reiterated that for most of his activities, “If I make one person smile, it’s worth it.”

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