The Sherlockians By Invitation Only Society (SBIOS for short) is a refreshingly different Sherlockian group. The Society has no dues, no tiresome regimentation, no by-laws, and no officers. However, just prior to the time of this writing, the single quasi-official position of Administrative Coordinator Ad hoc was created because someone had to do the paper work. The position of Administrative Coordinator Ad hoc is currently held by Don Izban. (Anyone interested in applying for the position Administrative Coordinator in Perpetuity is cordially invited to e-mail his/her resume.)
SBIOS aims to honor Sherlock Holmes in an unprecedented, perhaps even unique, fashion that really has to be experienced to be appreciated fully. In the Society's relatively short history, gatherings have usually not been officially designated as being SBIOS meetings until after adjournment. Subsequent to any assemblage of Sherlockians, The Administrative Coordinator, upon direct application from any member of the candidate gathering, performed a post hoc analysis of the activities and the general atmosphere which permeated the gathering and has, or has not, proclaimed that an official meeting of SBIOS has, indeed, come to pass. It is forecasted that this established procedure will continue to be policy until such time as it no longer is. This procedure attests to the zestful and spontaneous character of The Society. People have asked, "Does SBIOS strive to keep green the memory of 'The Master'?" Such a query can best be answered with, "You betcha . . . !" Except SBIOS members feel that their efforts extend far beyond the routine keeping of "green." It is The Society's aim to keep the memory of "the world's first consulting detective" emerald in the most verdant possible sense!
Introducing the Sherlockians by Invitation Only Society
The Sherlockians By Invitation Only Society (SBIOS) began at Lawry's Prime Rib restaurant in Chicago's chic Gold Coast. In spite of its neophytic status among Sherlockian societies, SBIOS has made a significant impression on those Sherlockians who have had the privilege of actually participating in one of The Society's innovative programs.
At its inaugural meeting in June, 1997, the exquisite wine, Montrachet (VEIL), was featured as the aperitif to a succulent roast beef dinner presented from rolling, silver (SILV) serving carts, quite reminiscent of Simpson's in the Strand where Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson dined (DYIN, ILLU). After dinner those assembled were privileged to hear Allan Devitt's learned and insightful discourse on Sherlock Holmes' alleged reputation as an oenophile.
On October 24, 1997, the Sherlockians By Invitation Only met in Genesee, Wisconsin, where they wined and dined in Victorian fashion on a rare sherry (GLOR, NOBL) and superb lamb steaks (WIST). The post-repast discourse on this occasion was presented by the famous Canonical magician Elliott Black, who bedazzled all present with his "disappearing lump of sugar."(SHOS)
A distinguished gathering of such literary luminaries as Dr. George Vanderburgh (of the Battered Silicon Dispatch Box fame), Susan Z. Diamond, ASH, BSI and Marilynne McKay, ASH (both of the editorial management of "The Serpentine Muse") graced SBIOS's third meeting, which was held in New York City on January 8, 1998. A memorable gourmands' experience consisting of several out-of-this-world dishes (e.g., baked trout, crusted with flaked apples (SIXN), prepared at one of NYC's most honored restaurants, Shun Lee Palace. Ms. Kay Price, a 1990's "consulting detective," put Holmes' profession in perspective in terms of its challenges, risks, and rewards, in her astonishing and insightful after-dinner discourse. (Unfortunately, no photographic records are available for the first three SBIOS meetings.)
On Independence Day 1998, the fair city of Toledo, Ohio provided the locale for SBIOS's first birthday party . . . and a fitting and proper celebration it was! Distinguished Sherlockians, and their guests, thronged to Tony Packo's famed Hungarian restaurant, the conference meeting site, from various parts of the country. First, those assembled enjoyed an ample serving of a spectacular Hungarian chicken dish (the name of which was never quite manageable by the non-Hungarian-speaking tongue).
Sherlockian revelry abounded with eight hours of continuous gala festivities highlighted by traditional American sonorous offerings provided by a cadre of no fewer than five musical ensembles. The euphonious renditions were enhanced by the vocalizing of a remarkable young chanteuse, Ms. Nicole Heitger (daughter of maestro Raymond A. Heitger). Ms. Heitger, in keeping with the theme of the occasion, rendered a medley of appropriately Canonical selections exemplified by "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" (a salute to Mrs. Ferguson, The Sussex Vampire) and "Amazing Grace" (to honor the memory of THOR's Grace Dunbar).
Here we see Carolyn Senter, SBIOS Charter Member joining the "second line" during the festive portion of SBIOS meeting IV. The "second line" is a phenomenon commonly seen associated with New Orleans marching bands. 
Spectators will often fall in behind the band to march and dance to the time of the music. "Second liners" often adorn themselves with decorative items commonly festive hats, flags, or umbrellas. Here we see founder Don Izban, BSI posing with a fellow "second liner" who is sporting a proper accoutrement; a lavishly decorated umbrella.
The spirit to join in the "second line" also overtook SBIOS Charter Member, Tom Biblewski. Notice, please, that in lieu of a proper umbrella or hat, Tom expresses his musical enthusiasm by vigorously waving a handkerchief!
The most recent meeting of SBIOS took place during the weekend of September 25, 1998 in contemporary juxtaposition with the Tenth Annual (and final) Canonical Convocation and Caper in Door County, Wisconsin. The meeting was kicked off with a memorable morning repast managed under the auspices of the most hospitable staff of The Waterbury Inn in Ephraim. This keynote event was skillfully coordinated, in terms of timing and logistics, by Harriet and Jerry Bauman and Georgianna Izban. The abundant feast included pastries and a fruit medley (suggested from the pages of PRIO, SIXN, REIG, and HOUN) topped off by a rich, full-bodied special coffee blend (coffee was, as you know, the Mr. Holmes' favorite breakfast beverage, contrary to popular conception). At this kick-off gathering members were treated to Paul Smedegaard's (BSI) presentation of a short history of Irregularity in which he traced the steps of the development of the Baker Street Irregulars from its embryonic stages set in motion by Christopher Morley, to the literary period of Edgar Smith, through the expansion years of Julian Wolff and Tom Stix, and concluding with a cursory treatment of the present-day era of Mike Whelan ("cursory" only because Mike Whelan has only recently taken over the reins of the BSI).
For the second phase of the 1998 fall SBIOS gathering, the Sherlockians by Invitation Only Society sponsored a golf (GREE and BLAC) exhibition.
Here are three participants in the SBIOS golf challenge. Left to right we have Carolyn Senter, Joel Senter, and SBIOS Founder, Don Izban. Those participants who "made the cut" and were, hence, eligible to participate in the first annual Sherlockians by Invitation Only Society golf classic, gathered at the beautiful, scenic Schaumburg Golf Club in Schaumburg, IL to enjoy friendly competition. After a rousing and heart-stopping round of exceptional golf, net scores were calculated (taking into account appropriate handicaps) for the competing athletes. When the returns were finally announced, the following contestants emerged as the victors:
Winner, Women's Division. Carolyn Senter was the winner of the women's division first annual SBIOS golf classic. (Ms. Senter had also been the winner of women's division of the Canonical Convocation and Caper's golf competition for the past three years.)
Winners, Men's Division: When the the complicated handicap scoring procedure, involving a unique combination of the modified Shackleford, USGA, Pinehurst, and Peoria handicapping systems, was completed, it was announced that Joel Senter and Tony Citera had turned in tie scores!
After a brief reception in the club house, the entire cadre of SBIOS golfers adjourned for an absolutely splendid awards brunch at the nearby Walker Brothers restaurant. Walker Brothers is known, in the Chicago area (and indeed, worldwide) for its service of abundant quantities of truly excellent foods (in the mode of SIGN, ENGR, and VALL) and the brunch was relished by all!
Of course, these SBIOS meetings were not totally completely dedicated to capricious frivolity! Far from it! In addition to the conducting of Society business and the assimilation of learned discourse, other serious and thought provoking affairs were undertaken following the traditional and established patterns honored by of the past generations of Sherlockians, i.e., cum dignus et classis.
Should any reader be attracted to Canonical uplifting, as only the SBIOS can offer, e-mail Carolyn and Joel Senter here at Classic Specialties and we will see to it that Don Izban, BSI, of SBIOS, is made aware of your interest. Also, please keep in mind that there can be no finer gift for a loved one that to present that person for membership in SBIOS. So, remember, for Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary, Arbor Day, or any other special occasion – think SBIOS. We thank you for your attention.