Page, 5 Joe Thompson is in his first year as Mountain View High’s principal. Classifieds, Page 6 Classifieds, v Entertainment, Page 4 v ‘I Knew I Could Opinion, Page 8 Make a Difference’ A+, Page 5 ‘It Could Have Happened to Any of Us’ News, Page 3 5-16-19 in home home in Requested Requested material. material. Time sensitive sensitive Time Postmaster: Postmaster: Joy Prom at Centreville Attention permit #322 permit Easton, MD Easton, PAID Baptist Church Postage U.S. News, Page 2 STD PRSRT Photo by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection Photo May 15-21, 2019 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com News Andrew Valentine (center) escorts Gracie Craun and Andrea Cappello Photos by Steve Hibbard/Centre View down the red carpet at the Joy Prom. The buffet table at the Joy Prom. Joy Prom at Centreville Baptist Church taken with their buddy. Then they entered About 50 people with the dance area that was decorated with an Enchanted Forest theme. special needs dance The Joy Prom was organized by Co-Di- rectors Lauren Beggs and Becca Trainor. The the night away. idea originated with Pastor Dr. Josh Daffern whose former church had a huge success ights, cameras and Paparazzi on by hosting Joy Proms in Mississippi where the Red Carpet. About 50 people he used to work. Lwith special needs, ages 13 to 80, According to Nicole Martinez, Director of got the Hollywood treatment Satur- Sponsorships: “It dovetailed beautifully day night during the Joy Prom sponsored by with a new ministry that we’re launching Centreville Baptist Church in Centreville. Guests at Centreville Baptist Church called ‘Em- who came from as far as Leesburg and brace,’ which is for special needs families Fredericksburg started off the evening by get- so they have a way to connect here and find ting their shoes shined (for the guys), and hair purposeful ministries here for the special and makeup done (for the gals). The guys re- needs member of their families.” ceived boutonnieres; the ladies got wrist cor- Martinez added: “I will tell you the Joy sages. Each guest arrived with a chaperone, a Prom is aptly named because we are just parent, sibling, or teacher, and they were paired spreading joy in our community and we with a buddy from the church or community. In hope to develop a relationship with special all, there were about 200 people. needs families in the area and really sup- The guests then walked down the red port them with joy in our hearts.” carpet where the emcee introduced each The catering was provided by Chick-fil-A, participant one by one and had a cheering Wegmans, and Giant Food, which provided paparazzi section complete with the Chick- cookies, veggies, cheese, chicken, and gift fil-A cow. Photographers snapped their pic- bags as well as party decorations. It was a tures and adoring fans lined up to add to magical evening for those with special needs. Jessica Braaten and Christopher Johnny Curtis of Centreville dances the excitement. Greeters took them to a Kranz walk the red carpet at the with Julia Kettell at the Joy Prom photo booth where they had their pictures — Steve Hibbard Joy Prom. at Centreville Baptist Church. Lena Johnson, Andrew Rosenberg, and Tamera Toney pose for a photo at About 50 people with special needs participated in the Joy Prom Satur- the Joy Prom photo booth. day at Centreville Baptist Church. 2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ May 15-21, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection From left, Vicky Armel’s sisters, Betty Chase and Sandy Munday; her From left, Mike Garbarino’s daughters, Natalie and Katie, and widow Sue. mother, Betty Owen, 89; and daughter Masen, 18. ‘It Could Have Happened to Any of Us’ When the shooting began, Armel, Sully District police remember their a 17-year police veteran, made her presence known to Kennedy to fallen officers. held in that same lot and began draw fire away from Garbarino. She with an invocation by Chaplain Jim and Kennedy exchanged gunfire, By Bonnie Hobbs Hepler. and a bullet from his 30-06 rifle The Connection “Today we gather to honor Mike pierced her ballistic vest and en- tered her chest. Garbarino and Vicky Armel and photos File ay 8, 2006 is a date etched assure their families of our continu- She made it back inside her into the very being of Fairfax ous support,” said Hepler. “Our sor- cruiser, but was shot again in the MCounty police officers — es- row remains great because our grief legs. Yet even though mortally pecially those with ties to was. But, rest assured, we haven’t wounded, Armel still fired four the Sully District Station. It was on that day forgotten their families, and we MPO Mike Garbarino Det. Vicky Armel more rounds, trying to stop the as- when Det. Vicky Armel and MPO Mike pray for their strength and resolve.” sailant. She was later pronounced “Gabby” Garbarino were fatally shot in the “We rejoice in the time we had with Mike ues the good fight, each and every day. May dead at Inova Fairfax Hospital. parking lot of the Sully District Police Sta- and Vicky, and we’re confident that God is God bless you.” Garbarino also displayed bravery under tion. with us in our sorrow. We hold their deaths fire that day. Although he’d been shot five And every May 8 since then, a special re- deep in our hearts. And we pray that God ON THE DAY OF THE TRAGEDY, 18- times and was gravely wounded and in pain, membrance ceremony is held for them at will bring a deep peace to us all and to each year-old Michael Kennedy carjacked a van the 23-year police veteran used his cruiser’s the station. This year’s event, the 13th, was member of law enforcement who contin- around 3:40 p.m. Responding to the call, radio to alert other officers to the danger. Armel went outside to the police station’s He provided suspect information, told the rear lot. But as she reached her cruiser, police helicopter where to land and warned Kennedy – armed with five handguns, an other officers to approach from the front of assault weapon and a high-powered rifle – the building so they wouldn’t walk straight drove into that lot. into harm’s way. There, an unarmed Garbarino was tend- He also prayed to God and told his fel- ing to things inside his cruiser before leav- low officers, “I’m not going to die here.” He ing on vacation. Standing just a few yards didn’t; but after nine days in the hospital, away, Kennedy ambushed him, firing more he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on than 20 rounds at the officer with an AK- 47-type rifle. See Fallen Officers, Page 8 From left, Sandy Munday and Betty Owen are about to place flowers at Police officers and others bow their heads during the moment of silence. Vicky Armel’s memorial. At far right, in suit, is Deputy County Executive Dave Rohrer. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Chantilly Connection ❖ May 15-21, 2019 ❖ 3 Entertainment Submit entertainment announcements at exhibits, carnival rides and nightly fireworks. www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The Among the festival’s highlights are more than deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork en- 120 performances on seven stages, including couraged. Better Than Ezra and Smash Mouth. Call 703- 324-3247 or visit www.celebratefairfax.com. FRIDAY/MAY 17 SATURDAY/JUNE 15 Bike to Work Day 2019. Pit stop times vary, all over the region. Join more than 20,000 area Live Music: Andy & Judy. 2-3 p.m. at commuters for a free celebration of bicycling as Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain a fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly way Drive, Centreville. Enjoy live folk music with to get to work. There are 115 Bike to Work Day Boston-based musical duo, Andy & Judy. They pit stops to choose from.The first 20,000 to will perform traditional and folk music with register and attend will receive a free Bike to influences of country, gospel and blues. All ages. Work Day T-shirt, enjoy refreshments and Free. Call 703-830-2223 or visit / chances to win prizes. Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/ www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. 4534779 or www.andyjudysing.com. Clifton Homes Tour and Silent Auction. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Clifton Community Woman’s ONGOING Club hosts the 47th Annual Clifton Homes Tour and Silent Auction on Friday, May 17. Proceeds Fitness for 50+. Daytime hours, Monday-Friday are distributed to local scholarships and at Sully Senior Center, 14426 Albemarle Point charities. This Clifton tradition offers guided by Ginny Ax Photo Place, Chantilly. Jazzercise Lite, Zumba Gold, tours of four homes and two historic churches: Hot Hula Fitness (dancing Polynesian style), Clifton Baptist Church (1910) and Clifton Strength Training, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and more. Primitive Baptist Church (1871). The silent Membership is $48 a year, and waivers are auction (free admission) is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. available. Email [email protected] or at the Clifton Presbyterian Church. Tickets are call 703-322-4475 for more. $30 in advance, $33 online, and $35 the day of History Volunteers Needed. Fairfax Station the tour; $10 to tour a single home. Tour tickets Railroad Museum needs history buffs. The may be purchased in advance at local shops, Museum offers a variety of volunteer online at www.cliftoncwc.org, or purchased the opportunities in Museum events, programs and day of the tour at the Clifton Presbyterian The Jasien home is one of four homes on the 47th Annual Clifton Homes administration.