The classic, always inviting, combination of books and coffee drew 50 people to the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce’s latest Chamber After Hours event Monday at Mornin’ Glory Coffee in downtown Webster City.

John Marvel used the occasion to confirm his acquisition of Mornin’ Glory, briefly outlining his plans for the business. An overarching strategy will see the popular coffee house “look to the past as we look to the future.” Marvel plans to decorate the shop’s interior with Webster City memorabilia, including evidence of his family’s deep Webster City roots. The food and drinks menu will remain the same for now, but slowly evolve over summer and into fall. A full-scale grand opening is planned sometime after Labor Day.

“I’m the only Marvel who’s never lived in Webster City, but I’ve been coming here all my life,” explained Marvel. “This is the town I remember, and I believe in its future.”

Marvel’s great-great-grandfather, Colonel Charles Wesley Marvel, left a big impression on his adopted hometown of Webster City. He owned farms and a livery business, before opening a livestock sales barn which, over time, became the largest such business in north central Iowa. The Colonel’s son, Kenneth, and his son, Jack, each ran the business during their lifetimes.

At the height of its operations, Marvels Sales Barn brought range cattle from Montana and Wyoming to sell in Iowa, held a weekly horse auction — one of the last regularly-scheduled such events in Iowa, and even chartered a private railroad car to transport himself and his best customers to the National Western Stock Show which, by the way, is still held every January in Denver.

A major agribusiness in farm-centric Hamilton County, Colonel Marvel once shipped 50 carloads of cattle to Chicago on the Illinois Central in a single day.

John Marvel left no doubts he understands he’s in the hospitality business as the newest owner of what has been called “Webster City’s living room.” He served an enticing variety of coffees, three varieties of freshly-baked cookies, and at least two renditions of grilled cheese sandwiches to Monday’s crowd. Young women poured prosecco, a sparkling wine from Italy reminiscent of Champagne, which elevated the evening to “special occasion” status.

As the happy crowd noshed away, Dr. Celina Peerman took the microphone to introduce her new book, “49 Chameleons.” The subtitle, “Reflections on Navigating Change and Leading with Confidence,” could serve as a mission statement for Peerman’s business, The Peerman Group. With headquarters in Waverly, it’s a specialized consultancy, advising people and companies on leadership, change and the culture of the workplace.

Peerman demonstrated why she’s in demand as an event and motivational speaker. “Leaders need to be clear in where they’re going,” she said, “and flexible in how they get there.”

She called leadership “a heavy lift.”

A “reflection” in her book reads: “responding to change is a deeply personal journey. No two people experience it in the same way.” A suggested action? “Identify a change you are struggling with, and write about it.” Some pages include a scannable QR code which takes the reader to a more detailed discussion.

Peerman was on familiar ground Monday night. A Webster City native and graduate of Webster City High School, some old friends were present to greet her. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology, a Master’s in business, and undergraduate degrees in psychology and international studies.

Travis Tolliver, senior vice president/Downtown Development for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, served as emcee. Hamilton County and Webster City became members of the Alliance last year.