had done the same thing like Fred and Connie Kinnary, and finally shifted over to the State Representative side of volunteerism and has been wearing a ‘Blue’ shirt for 40 years out of a 50-year relationship with NSRA and there’s no end in sight. Charlie found out he was appointed the Southern Illinois State Representative on a Wednesday, and he needed to be in Kalamazoo the next day for the Street Rod Nationals North. He had a quick Friday morning breakfast with Jake Moran, National Field Director of legend, and he was ready to go. Interestingly, Jake asked Charlie what his plans were in NSRA, and Charlie said, “I want your job.” Charlie started cruising to even more local shows and soon he became friends with Dwayne Gaines, the North Illinois State Rep, because they were always at the
same shows. During Charlie’s time as a State Rep, Janie made many friends with people like the late Laura Chrispyn, wife of former NSRA Division Director Mike Chrispyn (subject of a similar article in June of 2025). Since attending the Street Rod Nationals in 1976 the couple have been a regular fixture at NSRA events, and they experienced tons of fun and comradery with new and old friends. Soon after becoming a State Rep, they started going to even more Divisional events and began making friends all over the country. Charlie and Janie quickly realized what they really loved was cruising all over the country, meeting new people who usually became friends, and meeting new challenges. During the ‘90s they were attending five-to-six Divisional events a year. One of my favorite MAY 2026 67
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker