The sun shone brightly and spirits soared Saturday morning in Howard Beach when New York Families for Autistic Children, Inc. joined the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano of Howard Beach and over a thousand residents at its first annual walk-a-thon to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
   The five-kilometer, three-mile stroll began and ended at Our Lady of Grace School, where food, free rides and an information booth about the disease was made available. The walk attracted a legion of dedicated fundraisers and families affected by the disease, including workers from local businesses, students, sports teams, elected officials and even actor Tony Sirico, who played Paulie Walnuts on “The Sopranos.”