GATHERDC: WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO DC?
PACEY: I was actually born in the DC area and absolutely loved growing up here—it’s one of my favorite cities!
GATHERDC: AGREED! SO, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND A DREAM DAY IN DC?
PACEY: This is such a hard question, since there are so many dream day scenarios. But I would say I would head over to Georgetown for some window shopping and a stroll on M Street on an afternoon in the fall or spring since those are my favorite times of year here. The day would of course have to include cupcakes and a latte from Baked and Wired and dinner somewhere outside.
GATHERDC: THAT SOUNDS DELICIOUS AND FAIRLY PANDEMIC-FRIENDLY. HOW HAVE YOU HELD UP DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME?
PACEY: I actually have chronic illnesses POTS and ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) so am used to having to stay home when I have a flare up. Having these illnesses has taught me that life is constantly changing. You just have to find ways to adapt. Zoom has been a lifesaver over the pandemic. I’ve used it as a great way to stay connected and make new friends, including those through GatherDC and the different Moishe Houses in the area who have all offered virtual programming!
GATHERDC: SO GLAD YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO PARTICIPATE! WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
PACEY: I love film, TV, and theatre, so anything performing arts related. I either watch a TVshow (Only Murders in the Building on Netflix is my new favorite) or listen to music or an audiobook. I also started volunteering for a non-partisan organization called When We All Vote. I’m one of their Voting Squad Captains and have been hosting virtual events for them during the pandemic.
GATHERDC: VERY COOL! WE HEARD THAT YOU ALSO VOLUNTEER VIA INSTAGRAM?
PACEY: Haha, yeah sort of! My friend Emily Steffensmeier started an organization called Rowe’s Research Runners. It’s a group that organizes community runs to raise awareness and funds for medical research around Dysautonomia, ME/CFS, Long COVID, and related illnesses run by my doctor Dr. Peter Rowe at Johns Hopkins University. I volunteer with them and created and now run their instagram account (@RowesResearchRunners).
GATHERDC: THAT’S GREAT! WE ALSO HEAR YOU’RE A FAN OF MUSICAL THEATRE?
PACEY: Yes! People are usually surprised when I tell them I sing, but I grew up doing musical theatre and I love to perform! The musical RENT is one of my all-time favorites and for the 25th Anniversary this year I was able to perform at a virtual open mic hosted by New York Theatre Workshop. It was such a wonderful experience and I’m truly grateful I was able to be a part of it.
GATHERDC: GOOD FOR YOU! IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY THREE PEOPLE TO YOUR SHABBAT DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
PACEY: Relatedly, it would be Broadway greats Barbra Streisand, Mandy Patinkin, and Idina Menzel. We would have a fabulous time singing and schmoozing.
GATHERDC: WOULD LOVE TO BE THERE. WHAT’S SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE JEWISH FOOD?
PACEY: Some of my favorite Jewish food memories are eating my grandmother’s kugel for Break Fast as a kid. For Jewish food in the area, I love Bethesda Bagels and Attman’s Deli!
GATHERDC: LOVE IT. AND FINALLY, FINISH THIS SENTENCE. WHEN JEWS GATHER…
PACEY: We have a great time!
