BCGREA Events Calendar

Guest Presenter - Travis Melnychuk from Belairdirect

 Wondering about the changeover between Johnson Insurance and Belairdirect?   Travis is here to help explain what's stayed the same and what's a little different in terms of insurance packages and offerings.

There will be a great door prize, courtesy of Belairdirect, along with other draws.

This event is FREE, but the room has a capacity of 30, so we do ask that you pre-register to be assured a spot.  We also have the option of attending by Zoom, you can request a link by emailing Al at pastchair.branch2700@bcgrea.ca

 We are trying out our new in-house reservation system!   Select the next available ticket in the "TICKET" dropdown - you might have to scroll through some "SOLD OUT" tickets - the available ones are listed below.

 You may add additional seats if you are bringing guest(s) - simply select the event again in the drop down menu and add another ticket to your cart. 

 From there, head to check out. Tick the "I am a member" and type in your email - you can then proceed to check out. This system is new for all of us, so if it's giving you grief, just send an SOS to Jodine at Central Support and she'll fix you up!

 If your plans change and you are unable to attend, we do ask that you cancel your reservation by letting Al Coccola know at pastchair.branch2700@bcgrea.ca

Please register to attend this Interactive Peer Workshop. Attendance is in-person only, and limited to 30 members so by registering you are making a commitment to attend, barring emergencies. 

When: April 14th, 1pm. Doors open at 12:45pm  
Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion,  Room A, at 1070 Tillicum Road, Esquimalt

Have you…

• Enjoyed a smooth retirement?
• Struggled a bit (or more)?
• Experienced a mix of both?
• Felt uncertain, lost, or just curious about how others are doing?

If yes — you’re invited!
Fellow retirees Mike Kelley and Tammy Welch will lead this pilot workshop designed for our
community. Come share your story… or just listen and support others.

What to expect:

• Friendly, supportive conversation in a safe in-person space
• Chances to connect, reflect, learn — or simply be heard

Bring your heart on your sleeve — and an open mind.
No pressure. No sales. Just honest sharing & support.

• Brief 1/2 hr business meeting
• Refreshment break
• Guest Speakers: Christina Werry and Melanie Leslie of Boundary Family Services will talk about services for seniors in the Boundary.

They will provide an overview of the following programs:

• Social Prescribing
• Better at Home Services
• Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS)
• Seniors Navigator and Peer Support

BCGREA Cowichan Branch 2600
April 27, 2026, Somenos Room
Cowichan Community Centre
1:30 PM

Topic: Fraud Prevention

We are pleased to be offering a session on fraud prevention for seniors. We’ve hired Berle Zwaan, a retired Saanich Police Officer. Berle has started a nonprofit society called “Outsmart the Scammer, Fraud Prevention Society” focusing on education to seniors on fraud prevention.

Berle was a police officer for the Saanich Police Department for 30 years and recently retired in January 2026. For five years, she provided community education on fraud prevention. For the last two years she has worked full-time in fraud prevention through community engagement. We’re looking forward to this professional presentation. It will last approximately 90 minutes and there will be a break midway. Beverages and snacks will be offered