The Rio Medio Chapter of Daughters of the Republic of Texas met on Jan. 20. The group was treated to a program presented by Diana Braly and Elizabeth Galloway featuring Christmas ornaments from the Capitol Christmas Ornament Program, a sales project designed to raise funds for improvements to the State Capitol in Austin.

It also is providing an additional source of funding for the longtime preservation of the Capitol Collection of historical artwork and furnishings, and for educational services for the Capitol and visitors.

The ornaments feature different views and aspects of the State Capitol building and surrounding areas. Each presenter chose three ornaments from the collection and told about the designer and history of each. Started in 1996, the program has raised $3.5 million for many projects, according to Mrs. Galloway. A new, intricately designed, metal ornament will be available for Christmas 2009.

President Sandra Jones announced that the chapter has made a donation to the DRT library and to Presidio La Bahia. In other business, Mrs. Braly agreed to serve as chairman of the nominating committee, which will present a slate of officers at the March meeting for installation in April.

Guests attending were Carin McNabb, Mary Ellen Ruiz and Libby Spires. Mrs. McNabb and Cathy Jerkins were welcomed as transfer members to the Rio Medio Chapter from the Ferdinand Lindheimer Chapter of New Braunfels. Hostesses were Diana Braly, Elizabeth Galloway and Lena Mary Lacy.