Let me get this straight: Oprah Winfrey sends four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson to Springfield, Missouri to drive his 800-plus-horsepower noise factory of a racecar through a local neighborhood and personally invite an SGFer to the set of her show for the premiere of its final season… and nobody knows about it?!?! Oprah–she’s a f***ing ninja, I tell you.

In fact, so low below the radar was it that the only reason we know is because the gentleman involved, Larry Vaness, has connections to our own Houlihan’s Patio Party guru, Jimi James. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy, Jimi tells us–or to a more loyal watcher, judging from the video of the event. We hear Larry and his family made the trip to Chicago for the show, though there’s no word on whether or not the trusty barber’s chair he keeps in his garage for Oprah and NASCAR watching made it up with him. (She did request it, though.) Note to Larry: Do what the woman says. She bent one of America’s most powerful athletes to her will to hand-deliver you a DVD–in the middle of his season. The mob doesn’t have that kind of pull. When The O wants barber’s chair, you give her barber’s chair. End of story.

The video doesn’t exist on Oprah’s YouTube channel, but we did manage to find a short clip on her website… from which we can’t embed video. That Oprah… Anyway, you won’t hear any specific references to SGF in the clip, but you can enjoy watching one SGFer’s dream come true by clicking these words.

Recycled Fish is the perfect charity for former SGFer Aaron Scott.

Aaron Scott, former SGFer and MORawk founder, is getting ready for a long weekend on the North Fork of the White River. As a member of Team Longboat, Scott will spend 24 consecutive hours – from Friday (Sept. 10) at 6 p.m. until Saturday at 5:59 p.m. – casting and reeling. It’s the fisherman’s version of a marathon.

The Recycled Fish event provides fly fishermen a unique opportunity to raise money and awareness for the streams. “It’s an organization I really believe in because I try to be as environmentally minded as possible, and I also love fly fishing,” Scott said. “Recycled Fish is the perfect marriage of those two passions, so I’m very glad to dedicate some volunteer effort to the organization.”

Last year, the first 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon raised more than $6,000, making it their largest fundraiser. They’ve set a goal of $20,000 for this year’s event. Team Longboat has already almost reached its goal ($1,200), with $1,000 so far, and is leading the 27 team field in money raised. “I’d love to totally smash that (goal of $1,200) and hit $2,000. That’s my personal goal, anyway.” Scott has a personal pledge of $1/fish he catches and has some other creative ways to grab sponsorships, such as the $15 to earn him a 15-minute power nap. The Coffee Ethic is the team’s official “coffee fix.”

The money is good, but awareness is the main issue. Scott said if water quality on the North Fork and other Ozarks streams is not maintained and improved, we run the risk of not only losing the great rainbow trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass fishing, but also the endangered Ozark Hellbender, a giant salamander unique to only a few streams in the Ozarks.

Team Longboat will be fishing in a traditional wooden White River johnboat, handbuilt by Kyle Kosovich, Scott’s teammate. Brian Wise is the third member of Team Longboat.

Donation opportunities available via Team Longboat.

Other media:

Recycling is an easy choice because ...

With more than a quarter of a million people, it would be thought that Springfield might have better options for recycling. (It is your responsibility after all.) Our city has four official recycling centers, which aren’t entirely easy on the pocketbook, while a handful of local businesses accept certain items. Shoot, our friend Steve picks up our cans and drops them off for us. If you don’t have/can’t afford to pay the costly curbside services, you’ve probably got a friend like Steve with a big ol’ truck, too.

Recycling Center Locations:
1. 731 N. Franklin, Follow the signs from Broadway and Chestnut Expressway.
2. 3020 S. Lone Pine, One block south of Battlefield Road.
3. 2525 W. College (Price Cutter parking lot)
4. Adjacent to the Yardwaste Recycling Center: West on Sunshine (Highway 60). Turn left (south) onto Farm Road 115. Turn left (east) on Farm Road 164. Follow signs.Or go west on James River Freeway to Sunshine (Highway 60). Turn right (east) onto Farm Road 115. Turn left onto Farm Road 164. Follow signs.

Story by Tessa Diehl

Funky decor and large variety highlight Charley's

I always hear people complaining that there is nothing to do in Springfield, but I think we just need to find it. Charley’s Flea market is one of the many unknown hot spots in this town. The market offers a clean, organized and funky selection that has been recognized as one of Springfield’s Best for two of its three years in business, but it still seems they have stayed under the radar.

Charley’s has a succotash of the unusual and unique with a surprising amount of 70′s relic; if you are a fan of Elvis’ famed jungle room you may have found your happy place. Or, if you are in the market for a one-of-a-kind picture, this tucked away spot is worth your time.

Charley’s Flea Market
1315 E. Trafficway
831-5588