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New Orleans Covington Injury & Estate Lawyers
October 2025
(504) 384-7978
ScottVicknair.com
TEACHERS DON’T JUST TEACH They Inspire, Sacrifice, and Shape Lives
When most of us think about the individuals who helped us achieve success, we usually reflect on our relatives, mentors, and coaches, but there’s another group that plays a vital role in our development. The teachers in our country are some of the most selfless and caring people you will meet. Almost every single one wants nothing more than to help their students reach their goals and is willing to do whatever it takes to see them succeed. Once we finish school, we often don’t give our past teachers a second thought, but this month, we get an excellent opportunity to honor them and all of their hard work when we recognize World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5!
I never got to experience my mom as a teacher in the classroom, but I went to her school once after my school day ended. This is where I got an insight into all the hard work and dedication teachers put into their role. My mom and many of the other teachers she worked with were always willing to go the extra mile for their students. They genuinely cared about their students’ education and about helping them find a passion that would propel them toward a future of success and happiness. In my mom’s case, she was just a selfless, big-hearted individual who was willing to put her students first, even ahead of herself or her family when necessary. She made a difference in her students’ lives, and she wasn’t the only teacher in my life. I have many relatives who are teachers, including my sister-in-law, aunts, and other extended family members. One of the things that has become more apparent as I’ve grown older is that there are many misconceptions about teachers and what they do. Many people believe it’s an easy job that anyone could do and that teachers shouldn’t complain because they get summers off. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Teaching is a demanding profession that can be thankless at times. For the most part, teachers are underpaid and work long hours throughout the school year, often getting to school before any students are in the building and leaving long after the final bell. They are also responsible for other people’s children, which isn’t something to take lightly. Teachers frequently foot the bill for school supplies and books to ensure their students have everything they need to succeed. Nearly every success I have had in my life can be credited to my education and curiosity for learning, which was spurred by my mom and many other great teachers. I love teachers and think they play one of the most important roles in our communities. If you have kids in school, trust in your teachers. I promise most are not in it for the money or summer vacation. Instead, they want to help kids succeed and experience a happy childhood!
When I think about the role of teachers, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my mom. In recent years, she’s become a mini celebrity because she appears in all of our television commercials, but she was a teacher before that. My mom taught for 33 years in public schools, primarily working with second graders. I have so many memories of going to the store as a kid and seeing other kids shout out to my mom to get her attention. I didn’t understand the extent of her reach back then, but these days, I have nothing but pride and love for my mom.
–David Vicknair
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From Burnt-Out Van to Fried Chicken Empire What do you get when you buy a busted van from a taco vendor for $3,500? If you’re Anthony Cruz , you turn it into one of the most talked-about fried chicken spots in the city. In this episode, David Vicknair talks with Anthony about building a food brand from the ground up — no loans, no investors, just hustle, a signature rub, and a solid team. They cover everything from pandemic pivots to expanding into Hammond and why staying teachable (and even learning hashtags) made all the difference. Storm Stories and Southern Strength With hurricane season here, David and Brad Scott swap real- life storm stories — from Katrina and Ida to flashlights, looting, and National Guard rescues. It’s a raw, honest look at what it means to prepare, survive, and rebuild. They reflect on the strength of Louisiana communities and the small moments of kindness that show up when the lights go out. This Month on the Podcast: Grit, Growth & Gulf Coast Resilience
We celebrate the late Steve Jobs of Apple and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek as innovators in the world of music streaming, but the true pioneer of how most of us enjoy tunes in 2025 is a man who died nearly a century ago. A lawyer by trade, Thaddeus Cahill (1867–1934) spent his free time as an innovator, a hobby that eventually led him to revolutionize sound. In 1897, he received a patent for the Telharmonium, a 200-ton organ created to turn telephones into what could be considered the world’s first iPods. Looking more like a NASA control board than a musical instrument, the Telharmonium used electromagnetic impulses to create sounds similar to those of modern synthesizers and transmit them over telephone networks, essentially making the “hold music” of its time. Although bulky, the invention captured the hearts of music aficionados, including Mark Twain, who famously said, “I couldn’t possibly leave the world until I have heard this again and again.” The instrument made its public debut in 1906 with the opening of Telharmonic Hall in New York City. Guests could grab one of the phone receivers placed throughout the venue and listen to the synthesized music Telharmonium operators were performing on the floor below. Soon, phone users embraced Cahill’s technology at theaters, eateries, hotels, and homes nationwide. Unfortunately, the system proved glitchy — the organ’s electronic tones interrupted ordinary phone users mid-conversation — and AT&T decided not to invest in Cahill’s impractical invention to expand its reach. That inconvenience, coupled with high manufacturing costs (each Telharmonium cost $200,000, a fortune then) and operational demands (it required 2–4 musicians to play), eventually led to declining popularity and the closing of Telharmonic Hall by 1920. Sadly, no surviving audio recordings of the Telharmonium are believed to exist, and its last known version was dismantled and scrapped in the early 1960s. Receivers and Rhapsodies The Birth of Streaming Sound
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MOVE, MAKE, AND MINGLE Finding Your People Starts With Doing What You Love
Project Backpack 2025 A DAY OF GIVING, SMILES, AND COMMUNITY What an incredible day! We recently hosted our annual Project Backpack event, and it was our most successful one yet. With warm weather, high spirits, and a crowd of excited families, we successfully distributed over 500 backpacks to students from across the New Orleans area. Every backpack was filled with the supplies kids need to start the school year strong, and the smiles on their faces said it all. A big thank you to everyone who attended, and especially to our staff and volunteers who made the day run smoothly. Special shoutout to team members Meg and Tina , who went above and beyond to get backpacks into the hands of even the streetcar driver! We also loved seeing how many people were asking about the T-shirts this year (yes, they were a hit). Project Backpack is more than just a giveaway. It’s about showing up for the community, building connections, and giving kids a strong start.
As life enters a new chapter, many find themselves craving meaningful activities and meaningful connections. Making new friends doesn’t always come as easily as it once did, but shared interests can offer a natural way to meet others. Engaging hobbies offer more than just something to do; they offer a way to belong. Recreational sports like golf, pickleball, or bowling bring people together through lighthearted competition and camaraderie. These games are less about winning and more about showing up, staying active, and enjoying a few laughs along the way.
Events like this are a reflection of our mission and why we do what we do. We’re incredibly proud of how it all came together — and already excited to start planning for next year!
FREE consultation and NO FEES unless we win!* (*PI matters only)
What Our Clients Are Saying “They really helped me out. No phone call went unanswered. No questions went unanswered. It was just a great feeling knowing I could call someone and get the help I needed or have the questions I had answered. I’m glad I went with Scott Vicknair.” –Miguel P. Thank You for Your Referrals! This month, we’d like to thank Patty S., Kameron W., Janice V., David T., Paul L., Ben C., and Landis C. for believing we are the right firm to help their friends and family. Your continued support gives us the ability to reach more individuals and make a positive difference in their lives.
Community theater offers a behind-the-scenes magic all its own. You don’t have to be on stage to be part of the show. Directing, costume design, set building, and ushering are all wonderful ways to get involved and meet like-minded people. Volunteering is another powerful way to connect. Whether you’re walking shelter dogs, preparing meals, or mentoring a young person, shared service often sparks lasting friendships built on purpose and compassion. If you enjoy music and movement, dance classes offer both. Whether ballroom, swing, or line dancing, these settings make it easy to meet new people while staying energized. And group fitness classes like water aerobics, tai chi, or walking groups combine health and community in one uplifting routine. Love working with your hands? Craft clubs bring together quilters, knitters, painters, and other creatives to swap stories and skills. Even amateur or ham radio can be surprisingly social, offering a way to connect across town or the world without ever leaving home. Building new friendships may take intention, but these hobbies make it easy and delightful.
Call us. If we cannot handle your case, we will work on finding someone who can assist you. CALL NOW – OPEN 24/7 (504) 384-7978
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Injury & Estate Lawyers
(504) 384-7978 ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 1225 New Orleans, LA 70112
Inside This Issue
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Behind Every Success Story Is a Great Teacher
History’s Forgotten Music Machine This Month’s Podcast
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We Gave Away 500 Backpacks Hobbies That Spark Connection at Every Stage of Life
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The Surprisingly Adventurous History of the Humble Manila Envelope The Tale of the Mighty Manila Envelope This Envelope Has Traveled Further Than You Think
Ever wonder why those big, tan envelopes guarding your documents like Fort Knox are called “Manila” envelopes? Turns out, there’s a rich backstory behind this office supply staple — and it has roots half a world away in the Philippines. Back in the 1830s, papermakers hit a snag. Traditional materials like cotton and linen (used to make paper pulp) were in short supply. Enter the seafaring solution: Manila rope, crafted from Manila hemp (aka abacá), is a super-strong plant fiber native to the Philippines. Tough, water-resistant, and golden in hue, these fibers became the key to making paper that didn’t crumble at the first drop of rain.
office bin today. Early Manila folders were almost as thick as cardboard, and they soon became the go-to for carrying important papers through thick and thin.
While the name Manila stuck, the actual plant fiber didn’t. Over time, cheaper, easier- to-process wood pulp took over. But by then, the golden hue and reliable durability had built a brand. Even without a shred of real abacá, the trusty envelopes still carried the Manila name like a badge of honor. But here’s the twist: Despite the usefulness of Manila hemp, Filipino farmers barely benefited. During its colonization of the Philippines, the U.S. controlled abacá trade and funneled profits away from the source. So, the next time you grab a Manila envelope to stash your paperwork or mail your wares, know you’re holding a slice of history that stood the test of time (and coffee spills). Who knew your office supply drawer had such worldly flair?
Originally, these envelopes weren’t the lightweight versions you toss into your
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