Successful Sun City clubs often have a history that is lost to the general membership over time. When the Sun City ukulele group was initiated by Mark Baker in 2011, about a dozen people joined.

Roger and spouse Lil Scharenbroich were among the fledgling group who wished to sing and play ukuleles.

Soon, the group decided they wanted club status, so they had to formally organize and elect officers to meet the required club guidelines. Roger was the first club president. Like many residents, he was born elsewhere – in his case, Minnesota.

Upon retirement, the Scharenbroichs moved to Sun City from California. Both, in their early 90s, are still active in the club, participating in the club’s weekly jams and performing on stage at club concerts and open mics.

Roger, who has a great sense of humor, still remembers the first song he was taught: “You Are My Sunshine,” with the chords of C, F, and G7. He smiles and says he finally has that song learned.

Roger and Lil have witnessed the Sun City Ukulele Club grow from about a dozen members to almost 200. Not only do they know the history of the club, they have also lived it.

The Sun City Ukulele Club meets 3 p.m. Thursdays at the Fairway Center. The club offers free lessons open to all RCSC card holders. Visit scukes.org or contact club president Trudy Bryson at 480-276-3780 or trudybryson@cox.net for more information.