Local author Julius Varga believes that what goes around, comes around.
Alongside some local businesses, he’s the brainchild behind Santa’s Circle, a way to shop local and pay it forward. Shop at three business to receive a special treat, er, discount from Santa. Click the image below to see all of them, many of which are located downtown.
If you’ve frequented the Telegraph Tap House, you’ll likely recognize Julius as a regular figure there. Not as a patron, rather serving up some of the finest brews the city has to offer (and vindaloo too).
Julius’ inspiration for Santa’s Circle can be attributed to the Cittaslow movement:
Cittaslow’s goals include improving the quality of life in towns by slowing down its overall pace, especially in a city’s use of spaces and the flow of life and traffic through them. Cittaslow is part of a cultural trend known as the slow movement.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cittaslow
Julius himself has a humble dream, which he includes in his literary works. In short, it’s his goal to “keep raising our social and environmental consciousness for the benefit of all sentient beings.”
I’ve had a chance to sit down with Julius to get to know him, and his works:
Tell us about yourself
My name is Julius G Varga and I am a first-generation immigrant. I am happy to be a Canadian and not only have but always will do my best to show gratitude for accepting me. I am an aspiring writer and a passionate ambassador of the Field of Hospitality. With everything I do, I try to follow my bliss. I firmly believe that to bring more meaning to one’s life while leaving the greatest personal legacy behind is only possible through giving the most to a “Greater Good”.
What brought you here?
My better half (Margo) and I moved to Lethbridge from the ever more hectic Ontario, two and a half years ago, to seek a simpler life. We love this city, its size and refreshing sense of modesty in comparison to…
Tell us about your books. What topics do you write about?
My books (all six for sale now) are written to inspire my readers to reflect and see how they contribute to a ‘Greater Good’. I define this effort as ‘social consciousness enacted’ and believe that our world is in a dire need of it right now.
Where can I buy your books?
All my books are available locally as well as online. In fact, during the Christmas Holidays, I am donating all proceeds to charity in order to inspire others to do their share to ‘give back’ or ‘pay it forward’. (this effort is explained under my Santa’s Circle button, on my www.juliusgvarga.com webpage. I have six options (five of them online platforms) set up for there.)
Anything else you’d like to let us know about?
I suppose, it would be nice to be known as someone who does not shy away from standing up for noble causes. Some say I am stubborn, I say I am rather tenacious to pursue my ‘calling’ and still have plenty of perseverance (look at my 13 marathons and lots of other character-building feats) to achieve my ‘goals’.
I am an inperfectionist. I accept the inevitability of my shortcomings. Indeed, that is the only way I can learn from them while learning the most about my own evolving self.
Lastly…
To learn more about Santa’s Circle, fast-forward to 6:20 in this CTV Lethbridge news story:
I’m a webslinger located in Lethbridge, AB. I love all things nerdy, like cartoons and videogames, and am also a bit of a foodie. When I travel, I always keep my eyes out for hot springs and great places to adventure with my wife, Melissa.