Local historian and author Brad Belk and writer Tracy Gentry will be on hand to sign Belk’s latest book “For The Families: Ronald McDonald House Celebrates The First Ten Years.”

The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Ronald McDonald House of the Four States, 34th and Jackson, Joplin.

 “We are honored and proud to have had such a noted author and historian give of his time and talent to put our history together,” said Annette Thurston, Executive Director of RMHC. “His dedication and commitment speaks to the giving character of the people in our area. It is a keepsake for years to come. One can never downplay historical importance. To have had the opportunity for Brad to put it in writing is invaluable.”

Several people in the community and surrounding area are included as part of the story known as the Ronald McDonald House of the Four States and have been captured in the book.

The book also includes a DVD of the history of the house that appeals to nonreaders.

Belk has been a practicing historian for the last 21 years. He is an author, educator, archivist, and historian. He currently holds the position of executive director with the Joplin Museum Complex.
Belk researched, designed and authored four hardbound volumes: “The American Photographic Series: Best of Joplin,” “Orley’s Legacy: The History of Freeman Health System,” and “Murwin Mosler’s Gift to Joplin.” He received the Missouri Governor’s 2006 Missouri Humanities Award.

Gentry, who is also a Ronald McDonald House volunteer, is an aspiring writer who composed the heart-warming stories in Chapter 3 which covers several families’ life experiences at our House.

Books will be available for sale at $34.95 each with proceeds going toward the house.

Ronald McDonald House is a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children being treated at Freeman Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center.