Check out our Dec newsletter!
Louisiana Trial Attorneys
New Orleans • Covington
www.ScottVicknair.com (504) 500-1111
December 2022
The Season of Giving Has Arrived
You Will Gain by Donating Time and Money
The days between Thanksgiving and the new year are commonly referred to as the season of giving. We spend these days scouring through our favorite stores, searching for the perfect gifts to give our loved ones. But there’s more to the season of giving than giving and receiving gifts from those we know and love. This time of year provides us with an opportunity to give to those less fortunate than us. Many local and national organizations need money, volunteers, and resources to further support their causes.
to find a cure. Dress for Success helps women achieve economic independence by providing a support system, professional attire, and necessary development tools to help them thrive in work and life. Both of these organizations are worth looking into if you’re looking for a charity to support. We also try to help out by using our profession to assist those in need. We participate in pro-bono projects, which allow us to provide legal services to those
that otherwise would be unable to afford them. We also support and give to Solace, which Judge Zainey runs. This organization connects lawyers with other lawyers who need help. Sometimes we’ll even help out the family of the lawyer in need. For example, if a lawyer participating in the program had family affected by Hurricane Ian, we would donate clothes and gift cards to help them get back on their feet.
The team at Scott Vicknair is always looking for new charities and organizations to support. Over the years, both the business and I have been strong supporters of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana. I first learned about this organization after I graduated from law school. I attended a breakfast they were hosting and was amazed when I learned
about all of their services — from providing housing to helping others with job reentry to adoption services. They offer life-saving services to children and families, the elderly, veterans, and persons with disabilities. It’s an amazing organization that’s always in need of volunteers and resources. Another organization that Brad and I have supported for several years is Nicholls State University. We obtained our undergraduate degrees from this university and have tried to give back whenever possible. We fully support this institution and have even sponsored a yearly scholarship there for a student who is interested in studying law. Knowing that we’re helping individuals accomplish their dreams feels great. Other charities that our team donates time and resources to include Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Dress for Success New Orleans. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is all about supporting and providing help for those with breast cancer. They also fund research into the causes and treatments of breast cancer as they work
Giving to and volunteering with charities humbles us, as it helps us become more aware of how lucky we are. We’re in a position to help. This idea of helping those in need reminds me of the Bible passage from Luke 12:48, which states, “To whom much is given, much is required.” We’re all busy with our personal and professional lives, but we need to be cognizant that if we’ve been given success, there’s a moral obligation to help others where we can. You don’t have to give money either. Most of these organizations desperately need volunteers and will gladly accept donations of time instead. If you’re looking for a new charity to donate to and support during the holiday season, check out some of the organizations listed above or find a cause you truly believe in. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll gain by giving back to the community.
-David Vicknair
www.ScottVicknair.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Melanie Shaha is currently fighting her third brain cancer battle. For 15 years, she’s been suffering from a benign tumor on her pituitary gland. Although she doesn’t mind being sick, going to her appointments, focusing on her treatment, and talking to loved ones about her cancer, she doesn’t like looking sick. If you didn’t know Shaha, you wouldn’t realize she was battling cancer. But this suddenly changed once she lost all of her hair. She had two surgeries, in 2003 and 2006, in hopes of removing the tumor on her pituitary gland, but they weren’t successful. Then, when she began radiation therapy in 2017, the treatment caused her hair to fall out. “Not having hair [makes] you stick out like a sore thumb, and well- meaning people can say things that break your heart,” Shaha told TODAY. She didn’t like all the attention and the looks people gave her in public. So, her 27-year-old son Matt had an idea. At first, Matt joked about cutting all of his hair off to make his mother a wig. But the joke soon became a plan, and Matt followed through in 2018. Locks of Love Son Makes a Wig for His Mother
him from cutting it, but Matt wanted to help her feel confident and comfortable in her skin. So, he chopped it off and sent his locks to Compassionate Creations, a hair company in Newport Beach, California, that created a wig for his mother. Now, Shaha has a piece of her son to take everywhere with her beautiful new tresses. “The color is spectacular, and we had it cut and styled with a hairdresser. Matt said it looked great on me. It sure fills your emotional cup,” Shaha says. If you — or someone you know — would like to donate your hair to cancer patients, you can donate to Locks of Love, Wigs For Kids, Chai Lifeline, and Children With Hair Loss. Research donation centers in your area if you would like to give back locally. Holiday Shopping Scams Businesses boom during the holiday season because more people buy their products and services. But this means potential scams can also increase, but you can do a few things to ensure your personal information and banking details are safe. You may see products online or advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok that pique your interest. But before you click “buy,” ensure the website is legitimate. Search for the product on a search engine to see if the same links appear. Carefully read reviews, look for website security credentials, and research unknown retailers before purchasing. It’s better to take extra precautions to ensure your information isn’t compromised. In addition, never use public Wi-Fi when purchasing items online. You’re more likely to be hacked when the Wi-Fi connection isn’t protected or in a secure network. Hackers tap into public internet sources and intercept your data through techniques like eavesdropping. Although it’s appealing to use public Wi-Fi because you think it’s free, it’s not. You pay with your personal information and data. If you or someone you know is a victim of fraud, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by phone at 1-877-382-4357. For more information on scams, fraud, and identity theft, go to USA.gov/scams-and-frauds to learn how to protect yourself better.
After graduating from college, Matt began growing his hair out. In no time, he had long and luscious hair. His mother tried to dissuade
... continued from Page 4
emails like these are all too common; unfortunately, millions of people’s data is compromised as a result. Understandably, when you first receive these scam emails, you panic because you think they are legitimate. But remember, USPS, UPS, Amazon, and FedEx won’t ask for personal information over email. A good rule of thumb is never to click on links in emails — even from the actual company. Scammers are very good at making their emails look authentic. Instead, go to the delivery company’s website and log in to your account. If action is required, you should see a notification in your portal. Alternatively, you can call the business’s customer service line to check if their email is authentic.
2 | (504) 500-1111
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
What’s New Scott | Vicknair is proud to provide a $1,000 annual scholarship to one undergraduate student at Nicholls State University who has an interest in law as a professional career or who has a unique academic interest in law. In addition to being a current Nicholl’s State University student, the applicant must originally be from Lafourche Parish.
We’ve all felt anxious, guilty, fearful, and sad — it’s a part of life. Perhaps you’ve tried to avoid or suppress these emotions, but you’re not a rock. As humans, we experience these feelings all the time. Trying to control them may only make matters worse. So, instead, focus on something you can control — your actions. That’s the central premise of Mark Freeman’s mental health book “You Are Not a Rock.” He aims to teach readers how to build emotional fitness and overcome their struggles and hardships with different techniques. The book is divided into two sections titled “The Basics” and “The Transformation.” The first half is about learning basic mental health skills and unlearning ways of thinking about mental health that cause us challenges. The second half focuses on how to create and build what you want to see in your life instead of trying to avoid and control what you can’t see. As you read, you’ll learn how to recognize your problems, practice mindfulness, prioritize and follow your values, and understand your fears. The strategies in “You Are Not a Rock” are the same tactics Freeman used in his personal life, and he shares some of those stories in the book. There are exercises at the end of each chapter that Freeman highly encourages you to complete. By TIRED OF FEELING ANXIOUS AND FEARFUL? Read ‘You Are Not a Rock’ by Mark Freeman
Both founding members of the Scott | Vicknair Law Firm, Brad Scott and David Vicknair, are originally from Lafourche Parish and both received undergraduate bachelor’s degrees from Nicholl’s State University. They are honored to be able to give back to aspiring
students and future leaders in the legal community. The 2022-2023 scholarship has just been awarded; if you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity for the 2023-2024 school year, please check back often at www.ScottVicknair.com/reports/scholarship.cfm for application deadlines. Good luck!
WINTER VEGETABLE SHEPHERD’S PIE
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
performing these exercises, you can
Ingredients
better understand the book’s contents and implement Freeman’s tactics in your life. Before Freeman helps readers begin their journey, he states that strengthening your mental health is like working on your physical health — you won’t see instant results. “Changing your brain takes time
• 6 1/2 cups potatoes, cut into large chunks • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, sliced • 1 tbsp flour • 2 large carrots, cut into rounds • 1/2 cauliflower, broken into florets
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced • 1 sprig rosemary • 15-oz can diced tomatoes plus liquid • 1/2 cup water • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas • Milk, to desired consistency
Directions
1. In a pot, boil potatoes until tender. 2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots, cauliflower, garlic, and rosemary and stir until softened. 3. Pour tomatoes into mix and add water. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, then remove lid and cook for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and simmer. 4. Drain and mash potatoes. Stir in milk to desired consistency. 5. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spoon hot vegetable mix into pie dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until top is golden brown.
and effort … I’m not going to share with you any magical supplements or special mantras. This is simply a book about actions,” Freeman says in his introduction. If you’re interested in reading “You Are Not a Rock,” you can purchase your copy wherever books are sold online or in bookstores.
www.ScottVicknair.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(504) 500-1111 www.ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 2025 New Orleans, LA 70112 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Helping Others During the Season of Giving
1
2
What Started as a Joke Became Reality
3
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie Tired of Feeling Anxious and Fearful?
Protect Your Personal Data From Scammers
4
We get busy shopping for Christmas gifts online and in-store during the holiday season. It’s the season that keeps on giving — but not for all. Scammers will devise clever ways to con you out of your hard-earned money. Some will take advantage of your generosity. So, as you scroll through shopping websites and wait for your gifts to come in the mail, be sure to protect yourself from scammers. Here are some tips. Holiday Mail Scams Shipping companies will give you updates and status on your items when you order something online or ship a package off. Although this tool is excellent for tracking where your orders are, scammers will send phishing emails pretending to be these shipping companies. These emails claim your package is lost or more information is needed to process your order or shipment. Some may have a webpage link for you to submit personal information. Phishing How to Avoid Holiday Scams ’Tis the Season for Giving — Not Stealing
Continued on Page 2 ...
4 | (504) 500-1111
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator