Winter Speaker Series 2022: Dr. Jack Civic

The Iditarod sled dog race covers approximately 1000 miles of rugged Alaskan territory from Anchorage to Nome. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, the race was started in 1973 to preserve, promote and save the legacy of the Alaskan Husky. Each year 55-75 teams of 14 dogs from Alaska and all over the world take part in this epic and extreme race. We’ll hear a first hand account from the perspective of a two time race veterinarian. Enjoy an inside look at the Iditarod, the tremendous athleticism of the Alaskan Huskies and their unbridled desire to run, and the deep emotional bond between musher and dog.

The lecture will be followed by audience Q&A and continued conversation in the galleries over hot tea, coffee, and scrumptious light fare and desserts, generously provided by Pranzi Catering.

Note: Tickets for individual lectures are available for In-Person and Virtual attendance. In person seating is limited. 

PLEASE NOTE: Proof of vaccination will be required at check in for all IN-PERSON guests. Masks must also be worn inside at all times except for actively eating and drinking. 

A native born and bred Rhode Islander, Dr. Jack Civic, graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1977. During the next year and a half, he worked at a large dairy farm in Oklahoma, delivering calves and milking cows, then going on to attend Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1983. The following two years, he worked at a referral/emergency veterinary hospital in Rhode Island. The next 36 years I owned and operated the Newport Animal Hospital, a primarily small animal hospital with 8 doctors, 3 locations and 45 lay staff. Over the last 3 years I have cut back on my work schedule, finally retiring in May 0f 2021. I have been an Iditarod trail volunteer veterinarian for the last 2 years, the experience of a lifetime for a veterinarian. Now that I am retired, I finally have the time and energy to give back!

Series Sponsors:

Joan Abrams
Lockett Ford Ballard, Jr.
Johanna and Ronald Becker
Angela and Garry Fischer, The Hope Foundation
Island Carpet Tile & Hardwoods
Mary Jennings
Linda McGoldrick
Santiago Neville
Edwina Sebest
Cynthia Sinclair

Supporters:

Linda Jenkins
Susan and Bob Kieronski
Kathleen Shinners

Catering and Speaker Accommodations:

Winter Speaker Series Committee

Johanna Becker, Chairwoman
Cristin Searles Bilodeau, Director of Community Engagement
Eleanor Doumato
Anne DuBose Joslin
Susan Kieronski
Santiago Neville
Kathleen Shinners