It seems so quaint by today’s standards: A small group of women in white gloves and dresses meeting for tea to discuss books.

And it certainly harkens back to another era when more Americans seemed to feel that lifelong intellectual self-improvement was a necessary part of a successful, well-rounded life.

The Rumford Book Club will mark its 100th anniversary next month. And while the members now sometimes wear shorts and slacks, their mission is the same: to meet once a month to talk about books and ideas.

We’re sure there’s a bit of fun and socializing on the side. But it’s still a noble pursuit.

In an age when most people are cocooned in their homes watching endless reruns of “CSI Miami” or playing video games, these women are still learning, connecting and growing.

We wonder whether the Rumford Book Club will still be around in another 100 years. Will members discuss good books via the Internet or perhaps by teleconferencing?

Will ideas still be transmitted via printed pages in bound books or on computer screens or in some multi-media format?

Certainly, the world will change. We’re hope, however, that the human desire to share and discuss literature and good ideas will remain.

A prominent corner in Livermore is changing, and for the better.

Geneva Hodgkins saw that Union Park, the gateway to Livermore Falls, was a mess three years ago. The 81-year-old Hodgkins remembered playing in the park as a child, back when there was a gazebo, a waterfall and popcorn was sold for 10 cents a bag.

So, at an age when many people are content to sit and complain, she decided to act. Hodgkins rolled up her sleeves and became the volunteer caretaker for the park.

She gathered donations around town and used them to build a raised flower bed. She had materials donated for two benches and volunteers helped set them up.

She added flowers, a bird bath and some fruit trees. Howie’s Welding & Fabrication sandblasted and painted the flag pole and added a yardarm. The company recently finished refurbishing a cannon which was then placed in the park.

On Saturday, veterans held a flag-raising dedication service.

“When I go by and see people sitting here, I just flutter with joy,” says Geneva Hodgkins, who might now say her mission has been accomplished.

However, she still has big plans… like a waterfall.