Dares Chapter 252
Chapter History
Dares Chapter #252 was chartered on March 9, 1952 and originally met on Horger Street in Dearborn, Michigan.
As the sister chapter of Henry and Edsel Ford #374 Ahepa, both chapters were active in many civic and philanthropic projects in the City of Dearborn.
We are often asked what “Dares” stands for. DARES, according to the Iliad (v. 9), was a priest of Hephaestus at Troy. There existed in antiquity an Iliad or an account of the destruction of Troy, which was believed to be more ancient than the Homeric poems, and in fact to be the work of Dares, the priest of Hephaestus.
Our history and indeed memories of the early days of Dares Chapter bring to mind a Sisterhood well versed in performing the ritual, complete with outfits reminiscent of Penelope and early Greece. Our Junior Order of the Maids was our pride and joy, competing, performing and serving their Order whenever called upon.
Past accomplishments include hosting District Conventions and a 25 year member Banquet, honoring all Daughters of District 10. We were privileged to have Past Grand President Sister Kiki Walker as our keynote presenter.
One of our most successful projects was decorating dolls for the Goodfellow’s Christmas project.
Dares is also home to four Past District Governors, Sisters Fannie Nome, Irene Mellos, Liz Gianismides and Fran Kontos.
Dares meets on the first Monday of the month at the Southgate Public Library at 7:00 P.M. Our brother chapter remains the Henry and Edsel Ford and we look forward to joint activities whenever called upon, especially our annual Christmas party.
Current officers include: President, Liana Golematis, Vice-President, Nota Harris, Secretary, Georgia Stahl, and Treasurer, Frances Kontos.
Dares Chapter was honored recently to have our Sister in blessed memory Stella Polites, named as Penelope of the Year. Sister Polites was one of the most dedicated members of our Chapter and was recognized at the Scholarship Banquet during the 2009 District Convention. Dares also is home to four past District Penelope of the Year recipients, Sisters Fannie Nome, Irene Mellos, Liz Gianismides and Fran Kontos.
This past year has seen our Chapter double in size due to the efforts of our dynamic President, Sister Liana Golematis and our District Governor Sister Olga Tecos. Sister Golematis was honored to receive special recognition for her increase in membership this past year.
Our current activities include our annual oil sale with proceeds going toward philanthropic projects. Dares has also supported the Dearborn Public Library by donating books by Greek authors in memory of deceased Sisters. Other projects include decorating placemats for hospitals and nursing homes and donating useful items to centers for women in crisis. Our goal is to expand our Sisterhood through friendships and good works.