Zawońskie Babeczki - sweet, energetic and diverse

They noticed that people were closed off, not talking, but simply passing each other by. The Rural Housewives' Circle was formed to change this situation for the better. We spoke with the Zawońskie Babeczki about the circle's origins, activities, and plans for the near future.

Zawońskie Babeczki (Zawońskie Babeczki) has been operating since May 2023. The group was created with the goal of integrating residents and promoting the commune. The girls are full of energy, creative, and committed to their work.

- The idea of ​​creating the circle was initiated by the mayor, who invited us to a meeting with Mrs. Jarczewska, who presented the opportunities offered by our activity in the circle - recalls Marta Domagała.

"It was completely new to us, and we were very scared, but we wanted to try it, " adds Patrycja Łopyta. "At the first meeting of the group, we elected a president, and Marta was chosen. We hit the ground running. The first event we threw was a fluo party. It was colorful, joyful, and full of fun."

There was no shortage of volunteers. Currently, the group has 48 Babeczkas of various ages, but age is completely irrelevant.

So the group was formed, and a name had to be invented. Brainstorming sessions followed, and Zawońskie Babeczki won. Probably because the name evokes femininity and Zawonia herself (after all, Zawonia is also a woman).

"When choosing the name, we had a real storm of ideas. So we ended up with Zawońskie Babeczki. Because we're sweet, energetic, and diverse. And then we had to create a logo—a cup of coffee, a cupcake, a smile. Perfect, because that's who we are, " Marta says.

Babeczki emphasize that there's no division between the women's association and the village council. They inspire residents with their ideas, who take advantage of Zawońskie Babeczki's suggestions and also offer assistance in implementing their plans.

"There are no divisions here. The chapter is the village council, and the village council is the chapter. There's a great sense of community. We meet regularly, work together, and participate in various events, including themed ones. Today, our chapter has 48 members, and there are others who want to join. We're very happy about that. Although not everyone can always attend every meeting, as household chores are also important, the community spirit and willingness to get involved constantly attract new faces ," say Babeczki.

But we've never had a shortage of volunteers for any project. The girls collaborate with the community, the Community Cultural Center, the school, the Volunteer Fire Department (OSP) – anyone who wants to organize something fun. Whenever a great initiative comes up, Babeczki is always the first to act.

"One person comes up with something, the other adds something, and we have something great, " Patrycja explains . "It's been like this from the very beginning, ever since we first made a harvest wreath. It was just the beginning, no experience."

"Because when we do something, each of us commits 100%, " says Marta. "Whenever there's an initiative, everyone gets to work and puts their whole hearts into it. There's a plan, but we also leave room for spontaneity and fun."

Zawońskie Babeczki (Zawońskie Babeczki) is a group of women who work with passion and heart. They participate in culinary competitions, organize trips, and participate in numerous activities in the community for adults and children. They organize team-building events and intergenerational events for residents. Currently, intensive work is underway on the harvest wreath. Last year's wreath took first place and was very well-received. This year, the women are working on another one, hoping it will be another unique and beautiful one. The girls have imagination and artistic sensitivity, and everything they create is beautiful and refined in every detail. Each has their own "plot" where they feel most at home. Divided tasks and working together are a pleasure for them. The result is not only harvest wreaths. They pay attention to every detail of the initiative. Harvest festivals, meetings with residents, events for children – all of this requires well-thought-out planning and careful preparation.

They're working hard. Zawo's Fluoparty and Potato Day are slowly becoming traditions. Babeczki, in collaboration with the Biedronka Foundation, organized meetings for seniors in the "Danie Wspólnych Chwil" series. And these were unforgettable moments for everyone.

"We had six meetings. Each one was a feast. We made pierogi, and there were all sorts of wonders: khinkali, pelmeni, with fruit, with pumpkin—savory and sweet. We got so carried away... The women in the village said they hadn't made it, that they must have bought it. Where else could they have made them... " recall the Babeczki family.

At recent meetings, tables had to be prepared for 50 people, and the tables were overflowing with delicious dishes. The project aimed to bring the community together, and the women who participated truly bonded. At the last meeting, there were tears of emotion and dishes prepared by the invited seniors, who wanted to give back in some way.

Babeczki says that residents are generally eager to get involved in the preparations. It's enough to ask for help, and sometimes you don't even have to ask. People offer to help themselves.

"Now we'll need cakes for the harvest festival. And we know that once we announce it, people will be happy to do so. There will be no shortage of baked goods. This is how residents will give back, because they know it's all for them. They'll get involved and help."

The women from Zawonia also helped with the wreath. Now all the elements are ready, and their friend, Mr. Chmielewski, is building the frame. The girls emphasize that they can always count on him – he's a firefighter, and the group cooperates with the Volunteer Fire Department, so if there's anything that needs doing, they help each other out.

"We can always count on the firefighters. When we were organizing a Fluoparty, they came and put up a water curtain because it was incredibly hot, " say the Babeczki family.

"It's also worth mentioning integration with other clubs, " adds Marta. "We participated in a project financed by the Trzebnica County. It was about Potato Day, and we organized a team-building event for five clubs in the form of a culinary competition."

"We made Silesian dumplings and handed them out to everyone who came, " Patrycja adds. "There are always dumplings and pierogi." The girls laugh that the participants no longer want to eat pierogi, and now they'll have to come up with other dishes. They don't really have the facilities to cook, but they emphasize that they enjoy working with the Community Cultural Center and can always use the center's equipment. They dream of a place where they could cook, as cooking is a very important part of their business. The community has even commissioned catering services from them.

In August, the Babeczki will participate in the Battle of the Regions – a nationwide culinary competition for rural women's associations, promoting the richness of regional flavors and culinary heritage. This is an important event. The competition will be fierce, and thorough preparation is required. The dish has already been chosen, but for now, it remains a secret within the association. The girls only say that the ingredients and tableware have been provided.

"The tableware on which we will present the dish was kindly provided by Helena and Bronek Auguścik. Bronek is actively involved in the hunting club; it's his passion and a big heart," they say.

The residents appreciate their work, so they'll help in this regard as well. Everyone wants the Zawonia KGW to be the best it can be. The Babeczki promise that on August 2nd in Bagno, they'll prove they can compete with the best in culinary competition.

When asked how the girls find time for it all, they reply that it varies, with periods of intense activity. They somehow manage to juggle it all. Although household chores are also important, they try to find time for joint initiatives.

Yet they know no other way. Everything they do, they do for Zawonia and its inhabitants, but above all, for themselves.