Suzanne Ballard and The Rev. James Mahan presented the city's Oklahoma Centennial project -- a memorial center at the Altus City Cemetery -- at a meeting of the Altus Lions Club.

Ballard, Centennial Memorial Advisory Committee promotion chairman, said in her PowerPoint presentation, "It is the desire of the committee and of Altus Mayor T.L. Gramling to build a functional center that will be used by present and future generations and stand as a testimony to the mental and physical fortitude of the pioneers who settled southwest Oklahoma. It will stand as a testament to the 100 years of statehood."

According to Ballard, members of the Lions Club hold a common interest -- to make the area a great place to live.

"I am here to ask you as individuals and as a civic organization to help the Centennial Memorial Committee recognize our legacy," she said. "It will be an appropriate centennial project, as well as provide a valuable service for the community. I ask your support for this project."

Ballard said tributes honor the living as well as early Oklahoma pioneers.

To donate to the Centennial Memorial, call City Hall at 481-2202. To schedule a presentation for a civic group or other organization, contact Ballard at 482-8172.

Mahan, Centennial Memorial Committee chairman, visualizes a center "that might be appropriate for a funeral, but it also might be an art gallery. It will become the focal point of the cemetery," he said. "The Lions Club might even want to meet there; we plan a catering kitchen and restrooms."

Mahan said future plans for the cemetery include a memorial garden and a columbarium.