Heroine’s Mystery School · A 12-Month Membership
ACT III
Your Next Chapter. Your Community. Your Year.
A year of seasonal ritual, lunar reflection and sisterhood for women who are ready to write what comes next, together.
Begin My Act III Your place in the circle is waiting, Sister.
The Invitation
A Circle for What Comes Next
Imagine what becomes possible when you surround yourself with women who are just as curious about their next chapter as you are.
You’ve spent years building a life. Perhaps you’ve raised a family, pursued a career, cared for others, navigated significant changes or reinvented yourself more than once.
And now, something is shifting.
Perhaps you’re craving deeper friendships, fresh experiences, meaningful conversations or simply more opportunities to enjoy life on your own terms.
Welcome to ACT III.
A year of thoughtfully curated experiences, personal growth and meaningful connections with women who understand the beauty and complexity of this stage of life.
Your next chapter is yours to create.
Let’s make it extraordinary, together.
ACT III Membership
A Special Birthday Invitation
On , I’ll be celebrating my 59th birthday, and I’d love to celebrate by welcoming you into our ACT III community!
Save $519 when you join by .
Consider it my birthday gift to you, and your gift to yourself.
Yes, Count Me In! Birthday pricing ends .The ACT III Experience
More Than a Membership. A Community to Call Your Own.
Imagine having something meaningful to look forward to every month.
A gathering where you’re warmly welcomed, conversations flow naturally and you can explore new ideas, laugh, reflect and connect with women who may become lifelong friends.
Imagine making space for yourself on your calendar and discovering how much richer life becomes when you do.
I’ve found my community. I’ve grown in ways I hadn’t imagined. And together, we’ve made a difference.
That’s the experience I’m creating with ACT III.
Over 12 months, we’ll explore themes that matter to women navigating their third act of life.
Some gatherings will invite reflection and meaningful conversation.
Others will encourage laughter, discovery, play and new experiences.
And throughout our year together, we’ll have the opportunity to build something particularly valuable:
A sense of belonging that deepens through shared experiences.
I’m Ready to Find My Community!Your Host & Curator
The Difference Is in the Experience
There’s something wonderful about arriving at a gathering where every detail has been thoughtfully considered, where you feel genuinely welcomed and where meaningful connections happen naturally.
That’s the experience I love creating.
Hi, I'm Marlene. As your host and curator, I’ll bring together inspiring people, engaging activities, knowledgeable guest experts and opportunities to explore subjects that matter to women in ACT III.
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Three Hours
Some experiences will be intimate three-hour gatherings.
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Half Day
Others will be immersive half-day workshops that invite us to learn, create, reflect and discover something new.
I’ll take care of the research, planning, coordination and hosting, bringing together the people, places and experiences that make each gathering special.
And throughout it all, I’ll be intentional about helping women connect.
Because while the activities may bring us together, it’s the friendships, personal growth and sense of belonging that make the experience meaningful.
- You bring your curiosity.
- I’ll create the experiences.
- Together, we’ll build the community.
Shaped Together
Your Voice. Your Interests. Our Shared Experience.
One of the things I’m most excited about is that we’ll help shape our ACT III journey together.
At our first gathering, I’ll invite members to vote on the 12 topics and experiences they’d most like to explore during our year together.
I’ve already been collecting ideas that speak to the opportunities, questions and transitions we experience in ACT III.
Here are some possibilities:
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Financial Confidence & Future Planning
Budgeting, estate planning, wills, powers of attorney and interment rights.
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Health, Vitality & Well-Being
Menopause, hormone replacement therapy, aging strong and sleep hygiene.
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Family, Relationships & Life Transitions
Caregiving responsibilities for spouses, aging parents and minors.
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Discovery, Culture & Connection
Nature experiences, cultural outings, backstage access and special tours.
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Community Contribution & Legacy
Understanding the root causes of homelessness, exploring community solutions and discovering meaningful volunteer opportunities.
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And there will be room for your ideas, too!
Once we’ve identified our priorities, I’ll take care of researching, connecting with and scheduling knowledgeable subject matter experts, facilitators and experience providers.
Our calendar will unfold according to expert availability, seasonal opportunities and the experiences we choose together.
You’ll have a voice in shaping the journey. I’ll take care of bringing it to life.
I Want to Help Shape Our Year!Your 12-Month Membership
What’s Included in Your ACT III Membership?
Your 12-month membership includes:
- 12 thoughtfully curated in-person gatherings, ranging from three-hour experiences to immersive half-day workshops.
- Access to subject matter experts and guest facilitators, selected to share knowledge and insights on topics relevant to our ACT III journey.
- A voice in shaping our program, beginning with a collaborative vote at our first gathering.
- Meaningful activities and shared experiences, thoughtfully researched, organized and hosted for you.
- Refreshments and hospitality to make our gatherings welcoming and enjoyable.
- Digital resources and reflection materials to extend the experience beyond our time together.
- Member-only recordings, when appropriate and available.
- Participation in our ACT III legacy fundraising project, supporting The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
- A special welcome gift basket.
- A private 60-minute conversation with me.
Your membership includes the core activities and expert-led sessions offered during our 12 monthly gatherings.
Optional special excursions and enhanced experiences may be offered at an additional cost, with details shared in advance.
Our ACT III Legacy Project
Creating Something Meaningful Together
What if our next chapter could also make a difference in the lives of others?
Throughout our membership year, we’ll have the opportunity to collaborate on a special fundraising initiative inspired by the spirit of Calendar Girls.
Our vision includes creating
- A 2028 calendar
- An ACT III journal
- A collection of women’s stories
Celebrating courage, wisdom, humour, resilience and the richness of women’s lives.
Together, we’ll work toward raising thousands of dollars in support of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the new Ottawa hospital campus.
Along the way, we’ll explore our creativity, share our stories, celebrate one another and experience the joy of working toward a shared purpose.
Imagine the satisfaction of looking back on what we’ve accomplished together.
- A year of friendship.
- A year of discovery.
- A legacy we can be proud of.
From Marlene
Why I’ve Created ACT III
I’ve discovered that some of life’s most meaningful connections begin with a simple invitation.
Since launching Ottawa Women 50+ in , I’ve had the privilege of bringing women together through thoughtfully curated experiences designed to encourage friendship, discovery and belonging.
I’ve watched women arrive as strangers and leave exchanging phone numbers. I’ve witnessed laughter, heartfelt conversations, moments of vulnerability and the wonderful energy that emerges when women feel comfortable being themselves.
Moments from Ottawa Women 50+ gatherings
Connection flourishes when someone creates the conditions for it.
That’s where I come in.
I bring together the people, the place, the purpose and the little details that transform a gathering into a memorable experience.
I welcome, introduce, facilitate and help women connect.
ACT III is the natural next chapter of this work.
It’s an opportunity to move beyond individual gatherings and create a community where friendships can deepen over time, personal growth becomes a shared journey and we can accomplish something meaningful together.
My invitation is simple:
- Come as you are.
- Bring your curiosity.
- There’s a place for you here.
Testimonials
What Women Are Saying
Real Women. Real Connections. Meaningful Experiences.
Since launching Ottawa Women 50+ in , I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming women into thoughtfully curated gatherings that inspire connection, discovery and belonging.
Here’s what women have shared about their experiences.
Finding Connection & Belonging
We began as 12 strangers but quickly connected as women coming into Act III with our unique strengths and gifts. Beautiful afternoon!
I discovered I like the closeness of meeting new women and learning from them. Sharing a common sense of belonging is what stayed with me after the Tea.
A warm and welcoming atmosphere with like-minded women who opened their hearts to meeting new friends and sharing life experiences.
It was a perfect day outdoors to meet new people and share heartfelt conversations.
Experiences That Inspire Personal Growth
I loved the entire experience and I connected with 3 ladies who also share my love of euchre. They actually came to my home tonight to play euchre and we ended up only playing 2 games of euchre because we were enjoying each other’s company and chatting.
It was lovely getting to know the women on more than a superficial basis. The tarot was very interesting.
I would tell them it was a very enlightening experience.
Thoughtfully Curated, Personally Hosted
Best money I’ve spent in years!!
The experience was quite lovely, Marlene is a great hostess and everyone felt at ease and enjoyed themselves.
You are a warm and welcoming hostess, trying to include everyone in the conversation.
This supper was curated, healthy, in a private environment with beautiful women! Well worth the price.
It was magical and light hearted. Amazing!!
For Founding Members
A Personal Welcome From Me
I want you to feel part of this community from the very beginning.
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A welcome gift basket
As a founding member, you’ll receive a thoughtfully prepared welcome gift basket featuring tea, a journal and other special touches to accompany your ACT III journey.
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A private 60-minute conversation
You’ll also be invited to a private 60-minute conversation with me.
This is our opportunity to get acquainted, explore what you’re hoping to experience during your membership year and begin making meaningful connections.
Be Well, You Matter to Me! Marlene xo
I’m Ready to Say Yes to Myself!Birthday Celebration Offer
It’s My Birthday, and You’re Getting the Gift!
On , I’ll be celebrating my 59th birthday.
And because I love a good celebration, and appreciate a good deal, I’m sharing something special with the women who are ready to join me on this ACT III journey.
Your 12-Month ACT III Membership
Regular Membership Investment: $1,118 CAD
Your early-bird investment works out to approximately $50 per month.
That’s a savings of $519 off the regular membership price!
Available through , my 59th birthday
Claim My Birthday PriceYour Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ACT III right for me?
ACT III is designed for women who are ready to embrace their next chapter with curiosity, connection and a sense of possibility.
Whether you’re navigating a career transition, approaching retirement, experiencing an empty nest, exploring new interests or simply looking to expand your circle of friends, you’ll find opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
Come as you are, wherever you are in your journey.
What if I come on my own?
Wonderful! Many women attend these gatherings on their own. As your host, I’ll personally welcome you, make introductions and help create opportunities for natural, meaningful conversations.
You may arrive knowing a few people or meeting everyone for the first time. Either way, you’ll be welcomed into the community.
Do I have to be over 50 years of age to join?
ACT III celebrates a stage of life rather than a specific birthday.
While Ottawa Women 50+ is the community from which ACT III has grown, women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond who resonate with this experience are welcome.
What matters most is your curiosity, your willingness to connect and your enthusiasm for creating a meaningful next chapter.
What exactly does my membership include?
Your 12-month membership includes:
- 12 curated in-person gatherings, including a combination of three-hour experiences and half-day workshops.
- Guest speakers, subject matter experts and facilitated activities.
- Refreshments during our gatherings.
- A voice in selecting our monthly topics and experiences.
- Digital resources and reflection materials.
- Member-only recordings when appropriate and available.
- Participation in our ACT III Legacy Project.
- A welcome gift basket.
- A private 60-minute conversation with me.
I’ll take care of researching, organizing and hosting our experiences so you can focus on enjoying them and connecting with other women.
When and where will we meet?
Our inaugural gathering takes place on
We’ll meet in person at locations in the Ottawa area, selected to complement each experience.
Our gathering dates, locations and other details will be shared with members as the calendar is developed.
Will the gatherings always be on the same day each month?
Our schedule will reflect the topics selected by members, the availability of guest experts and the nature of each experience.
Some gatherings may be scheduled during the day, while others may take place in the evening or on weekends.
I’ll share dates as early as practical so you can plan ahead.
What if I miss a gathering?
Life happens, and your membership is designed to fit into a full and evolving life.
When you miss a gathering, you’ll continue to be part of our ACT III community and can join us at the next scheduled experience.
Digital resources and recordings may be available for selected gatherings, depending on the activity and the privacy preferences of participants.
Will there be additional costs?
Your membership includes the core activities, guest experts and refreshments provided during our 12 monthly gatherings.
From time to time, I may offer optional special excursions, upgraded experiences or additional activities.
Any additional costs will be clearly communicated in advance, allowing you to choose the experiences that appeal to you.
What is the ACT III Legacy Project?
Throughout our year together, we’ll collaborate on a creative fundraising initiative inspired by Calendar Girls.
Our vision includes developing a 2028 calendar, an ACT III journal and a collection of women’s stories, with fundraising proceeds supporting The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
We’ll explore ways for members to contribute their creativity, talents and ideas while working toward a meaningful shared goal.
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Membership payments are non-refundable.
If your circumstances change, your membership may be transferred to another person, or eligible unused value may be applied as a credit toward other offerings within 12 months, subject to the membership terms.
How do I become a member?
Simply click any registration button on this page and complete your membership purchase.
You’ll receive confirmation of your registration and further information about our inaugural gathering.
I look forward to welcoming you into ACT III!
Yes! I’m Ready to Join the ACT III Community!