Readers Write (Dec. 26): Millennials, Cuba, civic engagement, senior care, Michele Bachmann, generosity

I know every generation thinks they have invented everything, but you've got to hand it to these millennials: Now they've invented healthy eating ("Hunger for fresh foods is eating into profits," Dec. 21). We'd previously learned how they're not chasing the American dream of consumerism and cubbyhole jobs ("Younger workers thinking outside the cubicle," Dec. 14). Who would have thought such a thing is possible? Also, I read an article a bit back about artisanal toast cafes. They invented toast and the word "artisanal," too. Where do all these ideas come from?

Although I preferred when we were "the younger generation," we baby boomers who grew up in the 1960s had some similar ideas. I guess they really weren't sustainable. Until now I had no idea that Cocoa Puffs were neither organic nor locally grown. Thanks millennials, and thanks to the Star Tribune for the enlightenment. Keep it up and you might actually get a millennial to read a newspaper. Maybe if it were a fair-trade newspaper.

A Dec. 20 letter writer makes a strong argument against lifting the embargo against Cuba ("The president's path is unwise"). He, like my Hungarian-born husband, who holds the same opinion, has experienced the oppression and terror of a communist regime. Nevertheless, I can't help but think of the position the United States took following World War II, extending aid to our archenemies Germany and Japan to help rebuild their societies, when we could have applied justifiable punishment. That generosity prevented both the re-emergence of militarism and a communist foothold in those countries. I also think of Nelson Mandela's counsel to his followers, once they came into power after decades of oppression and suffering. He advised against justifiable retribution. Peace, he said, is more important than justice. That is the lesson of the Marshall Plan, and I believe it now applies to Cuba.

A Dec. 18 letter writer stated that today's teenagers do "not exhibit any political efficacy whatsoever" and care "more about fantasy football and Twitter than the activities of our armed forces." This statement is sadly true, though I do not agree that the fault lies solely in the hands of these teenagers.

In schools, the importance of grammar, scientific evidence, understanding history, comprehending pieces of literature and being able to solve a mathematical equation are emphasized every day, but how often do you hear current events being discussed in a school classroom? It was not until 11th grade that current events were ever emphasized in one of my classes, and that class was not required for graduation. Does this generation of teenagers really choose to be uninformed slackers, or were we just taught that political efficacy wasn't an important aspect of our education?

This is in response to the gentleman who just wanted advice as he sought respite from 24-hour caregiving for his wife (Readers Write, Dec. 21). In fact, there is such a service available. It's called a "long-term care consultation" and is provided free through county public health or social service departments. The consultation assesses a senior's health, finances, physical and emotional needs, and the caregiver's needs. Families are left with recommendations for services and possible providers.

Although this consultation is most often done to assess someone's eligibility for state-funded home-based services, it is also available in most counties for the exact purpose the gentleman requested — with no regard to income. Simply to provide information to seniors and families.

We would like to thank the Dec. 21 letter writer for highlighting Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis. As he suggested, finding resources for senior caregiving in the Twin Cities can be challenging and overwhelming when you don't know where to start. JFCS, a nonprofit that serves people of all backgrounds, provides professional staff to meet with families to help define their specific needs, develop a plan, provide support and identify resources to care for elderly family members.

For seniors who are able to live independently at home, we can provide case managers who serve as the primary coordinator for delivery of services such as homemaking, shopping assistance, showering and transportation. Our case managers will individualize and adjust services when needed and connect with clients' family members, friends and clergy, as well as outside agencies and community professionals.

For the letter writer and others facing similar challenges, we understand the frustrations. At JFCS, we work to support the dignity and independence of all seniors. If you are seeking help in caring for a senior and don't know where to start, call us at 952-546-0616.

The writer is CEO of Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis.

I see that Michele Bachmann ("Bachmann's bow segues to next act," Dec. 20) left out "where the women are strong" in her reference to Garrison Keillor during her farewell speech in Congress. (Minnesota is "where all the men are good-looking and the children are above average," she said.) Let's give credit where it is due! Although, I like the version I received on a Christmas card a few years ago: "Minnesota: where the parents are strong, the children are good-looking, and the dog is above average!"

My grandfather was a butcher. During the Depression, many families could not pay for their meat. He accepted the clock in barter. I remember the clock on my grandparents' mantle, and hearing it tick and chime. It does the same in my home now. And reminds me of my dear grandpa. And of the bedroom set and all of the items he accepted in trade rather than deny a proud family some meat. Eventually, he was financially bankrupt. But never morally. The clock reminds me daily about what is important.