For Donald Christian, 68, a retired printer with chronic lung disease, the donated equipment made the difference between going and staying home.

Mr. Dworkin, a retired printer, explained the local credo as he raked in nickels and dimes from a winning hand of poker.

A retired printer is invited into school to talk to the children.

"The kids absorb the steps very fast and they love the dances," said the instructor, Joseph Iaccarino of Manchester, a retired 72-year-old printer.

But Larry Callahan, a retired printer and market regular, says it is.

Joseph Hivko, 74, a retired printer in Chicago, holds some of these seemingly contrary views.

"I like his stand, but we have more severe problems than wayward fathers," said Edward Jencius, 68, a retired printer from Bay Ridge.

"These mall walkers here are the cleanest people you ever seen," said Harry Beezhold, 81, a retired printer.

"I used to be very resentful," said Mr. Vingo, a retired printer.