YOUR COMMENTS

Although completely unaccountable, (other than for the extraction of a portion of the proceeds from the sales for the enhancement of their personal wealth), John Lynch and Kelly Ayotte are absolutely responsible for the continuing widespread distribution of Alcoholic Beverages to underage drinkers in New Hampshire!
- Mark S. Fuller, Brattleboro, VT

Thomas Oliveira (and any of the other young adults involved),

Don't speak with anyone about the incident, you'll only weaken your chances at a successful defense. Any statements you make, including those posted online, can be used against you by the prosecutor. You should delete all posts/comments immediately.

You may wish to resolve this matter and "move on", but even a simple misdemeanor plea can stick with you for the rest of your life. Don't be so quick to waive your constitutional rights.

St. A's has a reputation for hard workers that like to play hard. I am proud to be a St. A's grad (that thoroughly enjoyed my time there). Don't let all your hard work be overshadowed by a mistake that carry over for years to come. Sometimes the hindsight of those that have matured blinds them of their own indiscretions. We were all young once. Don't jeopardize your future by compromising your rights in the present.

Spoken like a lawyer, maybe. But it's the truth.

We wish you the best of luck.

Christopher B. Coughlin
- Milligan Coughlin LLC, Boston, MA

This event was an overreaction by the police that was further sensationalized by a news reporter. I’m not saying the police were wrong for responding, clearly they were just doing their job. But in my opinion over a half a dozen police cars responding to a single house party seems a bit excessive. And I’m sure the people responsible for waking up the neighbor in the middle of the night are sorry for the inconvenience it caused the neighbor. At the same time, it was an accident, and please let me apologize for whoever woke you. I cannot imagine it was the intent of the partier’s to waking up the neighbors by causing a ruckus.
As Tom said the party was in the basement for a reason. Not just because the keg was there. Although I would be ignorant to not to say this does have an effect on where people tend to congregate at parties. But that is besides the point, I believe the reason people were asked to go to the basement was for noise purposes, to keep the noise down so the police would not show up.
I would really like to address the fact that many who have commented are upset there could have been a drunk driver. I for one made 5 trips to and from this house. There was nobody driving who was intoxicated. For some of you it might be hard to believe, but we are responsible, we care about one another, and we look out for one another. Nobody at the party would have let a drunk person get behind the wheel. They keep a very close watch on who is going in what car for this reason. So please stop trying to fit every college age kid into this mold of an irresponsible, reckless, individual only concerned with themselves. This is not who most of us are and I find it utterly insulting to be stereotyped as such a person.
- DD, Manch

scott there is no need for you to look up information of these kids, this whole situation is really none of your business. I know this is about all you have to look up to in your life but its kind of pathetic when you go to the lengths of looking up 22 minors on facebook. It's people like you that have the problem, not these kids who had alcohol a little prematurely.
- Mark, Goffstown

Just because you PLAN on not driving drunk doesnt mean its gonna happen that way. Getting a Summons to court IS getting arrested. If the music could not be hear outside you throw crappy parties. Hope the fines are worth it... But so long as no one was driving drunk then its ok. Right... So glad No medics were called to ANOTHER teen found in someones lawn the morning after... all to common of a story to be honest. But yea... let the kids drink.

Good bust guys.
- Chris, Goffstown

This is ridiculous, they were all adults none of whom was driving, all had DDs

lower the drinking age to 18!

what ever happened to live free or die!
- Joe, manchester

Some things never change. This battle will never be won. How about all the kids who did not get caught at the numerous other events like these that take place week after week, month after month, year after year.
- Meshugas, Deerfield

"Thank god the police didn't bother to do this stuff when I was a student at SNHU (NHC then) in the 70s-we partied and boozed ALL the time-even buying pitchers of beer in the student center b/t classes. Can't count the number of times I went to class buzzed! Oh-I graduated with a 3.98 GPA,,,HA!
- 70s Phi PSi girl, Manchester"

And what is your job now? Your comment brings disgrace to your university and your drinking club that you are a part of. If you received a 3.98 you probably should have not gone to those English classes "buzzed."
- Matt, Concord, NH

To Mike,
I committed a sin by searching for these names on the web? That's laughable.
I merely looked them up because there were comments here that the people arrested were from a variety of geographic locations.
I don't appreciate being called a creep. Would the reporters have been called the same thing if they did it? And to equate searching for their names with shooting someone is ridiculous.
Furthermore, I can assure you, my understanding of privacy issues is quite extensive. I can also assure you that privacy is pretty much dead in this country. Anyone can find out pretty much whatever they want about anyone else. It becomes a lot easier if the information being put out there is the person himself.
- Scott, Bedford

Thank god the police didn't bother to do this stuff when I was a student at SNHU (NHC then) in the 70s-we partied and boozed ALL the time-even buying pitchers of beer in the student center b/t classes. Can't count the number of times I went to class buzzed! Oh-I graduated with a 3.98 GPA,,,HA!
- 70s Phi PSi girl, Manchester

Thank god the police didn't bother to do this stuff when I was a student at SNHU (NHC then) in the 70s-we partied and boozed ALL the time-even buying pitchers of beer in the student center b/t classes. Can't count the number of times I went to class buzzed! Oh-I graduated with a 3.98 GPA,,,HA!
- 70s Phi PSi girl, Manchester

1) if you don't hit a party once and awhile and drink yourself silly than you're a loser and need to live a little 2) If they caused a ruckus and were drinking illegally than they need to pay the piper. It's not that big of a deal, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have consequences.
- J Paige, Manchester

Lame Scott, worse because your understanding of privacy issues didn't prevent you from committing the same sin. By your logic, you would shoot someone in the face to show that it's possible to shoot people in the face, all the time crying "those people shouldn't have been standing in front of my gun!"
- mike, manchester

What a useful use of police resources.
- Jeremy J. Olson, Grafton

Hey James at least the young adults at the Bedford party were over the age of 18...which is why their names did appear in the paper
- Stacy, Manchester

For those talking about how bad it would've been if they'd gotten behind the wheel of their car, may I point out that they -ahem- *didn't*. That's an irrelevant point. Maybe we should ban people from sleeping becuase we don't want them doing that while driving either. Seriously, people. If the stupid law was different, you'd have a different opinion. Think for yourselves.

Also, regarding the people who demand strict compliance with the law, give me a break. You haven't even read all the laws, so why do you now preach blind obedience to something you've never even read? Right and wrong exist separate from words written on magic paper. Unfortunately, now days, the law has very little to do with right and wrong. It's not wrong to break the law if the law is wrong. Just ask our Founders.
- Jack, Concord

College kids will party. However there is definitely too much high school underage drinking. The alleged Central kids should do community service or an alcohol awareness program.
- Bob, Manchester

Hey Jim at least the north end kids were able to keep their names out of the paper
- james, manchester

This has been a known Saint A's frat house for the past 7 years, and as someone who lives down the road from it--THIS IS A WELL BEHAVED and resposible groups of college students living there now. There are minimal cars outside of their tiny 2 car driveway and on Thursday night house guests arrived in taxis and by out-of-state cars dropping off the kids (obviously their DDs). There was no noise coming from the home, which is surprising for the number of party-goers, and police only arrived after a fight broke out--which the boys tried to stop and from the looks of it, was finding the boy a ride home. In comparsion to the previous partys from the past 7 years, these boys are responsible angels.
- Roxanne, Bedford

To John,
I am the "creep" who looked up the names on Facebook. If people don't want their personal information looked up on the web, they shouldn't put it out there. I did a quick search and found them. What do you think is going to happen when one of the students goes to get a job and the prospective employer does a background check? (Like my company does) This information is now out there and it never goes away.
- Scott, Bedford

Robert Tarr, read the comment from Thomas below. Not every partygoer drives home drunk. Maybe you aren't familiar with the concepts of "designated driver" and "stay the night." I've been out of college for several years and still keep an inflatable mattress in my trunk for impromptu sleepovers at friends' homes.
- Matthew, Manchester

Robert Tarr always has a negative comment, but please think.... Um, college ages kids from out of state with-in a few miles of either St. A's or SNHU. Did you really think they were going to drive back to CT or MA?

College kids have done this and will continue to do this...... but before parents let their kids live off campus, they really need to look at not providing them housing in a residential setting.
- Greg, Manchester

Rober Tarr, do you even read the comments? Yes, they were out of town...they were college students. All took taxis to the party, so there was nobody driving. Why take their license away? Their license has nothing to do with their actions. Why not take away their library card, too?

Seriously, this is the silliest overactions on lords of the boards have in quite some time. And, this isn't new to Bedford, either. 25 years ago, several of us got hauled to the station in a bus. We paid our fine and moved on. It's roullette, sometimes your number comes up, sometimes it doesn't.

I'd rather see a controlled party where nobody is driving than to see a hundred people bar-hopping.
- sam, bedford

This is a slanderous, sensationalist article. Look at the title, "Dozens of Minors Caught at Drinking Parties," then look at the reality: only 9 minors were arrested and nobody at the party in Bedford was under 18.

As a documented party goer, I can attest to the fact that the fight on Donald St. was not large. In fact, the fight was broken up almost immediately and order was restored by the hosts of the party, long before the police arrived.

What happened on Donald St. was not an out-of-control drinking party, it was a halloween party where 99% of the people (all adults) were just trying to have a good time. The police response was over the top, and ironically, it did not address the fight at all. The people who were caught at the party were the ones who were not fighting.

It is sad that some believe the way this article characterizes the Donald St. party. Think about it: if so many people were fighting in the street, then why was it so easy to "arrest" all of us? I feel bad for Bedford tax-payers who paid for the half-dozen squad cars that showed up and I feel worse for anyone who might have been victimized by a real criminal at that moment. Also, I feel like I live in Saudi Arabia. The drinking age should be 18.
- Thomas Morgan, Greencastle, PA

Reduce crime. Lower the drinking age.
- Bill, Moultonborough, NH

aaahh North end kids going to their summer house at the beach for a little R & R...

This too will pass......
- Jim, Manchester

They should protest by drinking booze in the town square every afternoon. That'll change things.
- DM, Hampton

Some posters and readers have missed the point. All of those arrested were underage and from out of town. So this readers point is this. How did they get to this place? Surely they 'drove' there. Many are from Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusettes, do you really want these people driving back to their homes with the possibility of them killing themselves or others while driving intoxicated?? Surely to say 'Kids will be kids' and other non-sense is truly missing the point. What do you think they families must think, if they do at all? What should be done and must be done is their licence be taken away for a year and that they be subject to community service in thier city or town for a year as well. How would you feel if you son or daughter(s) were killed in a car accident by one of these people? You would post a different comment for sure.
- Robert M Tarr, Manchester

Many of the sound like wayward college students...officially with a rap sheet. That will give them sometime to ponder what they did and how to better their lives and follow the law.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

It's going to end up being a few fines for the kids, no big deal. The crackdown was announced, so nobody should really be surprised this occurred. The town needs money, so collecting a few extra fines where they can is a way to do that. The police in this town have been great, so don't slam them for doing their job. Nobody's life is going to be ruined. Maybe the party's planners can keep a closer eye on things next thursday and keep the party inside the house. I commend these kids for having the smarts to ensure people weren't driving.
- Frank, Manchester

I find it interesting that people keep saying "future leaders" or stuff of that nature. NEWS FLASH: one of these kids is an elected official of New Hampshire. I believe if you look it up you will see Mr. Poznanski is a state rep, maybe the ethics board should look into this?
- Jim, Nashua

Good job on the arrests. Large booze party = responsible drinking?!?!?! NOT.
- Deb, Pelham

Paul, who are you to judge the merit of these kids? People throughout the world can legally drink at the age of 18 or younger, but young adults in America aren't deemed responsible enough to drink, but their mature enough to go to war and die for their country. A summons being misreported as an arrest is not going to be the end of the world for any of these individuals considering we've had plenty of presidents with far worse rap sheets. College kids drinking is no new news and I think there are far more important matters we should be tackling, rather than beating a dead horse.
- Al, Nashua

The only trouble was caused by one individual who started a fight outside. Other than that, the drinking was in the basement with no one causing any disturbances outside or upstairs. Rides had already been arranged for everybody ahead of time. Despite what some out-of-touch old geezers might think, college kids, or at least most of them, have at least some brains. We like to drink but we're not criminals and I don't see how this is even news. I understand that the Police were doing their job but I don't believe that "arresting" (aka taking 4 hours to summon) every person there was necessary.

And for those so critical of the underage drinking, get off your high-horse. I know the law is the law but thats not what upsets me. Its "tools" that think that the minute somebody turns 21 years of age they magically inherit responsible drinking habits.

Oh and one more thing...who's the creep that looked up all the names on facebook? Honestly.
- John, Manchester

Meh, big deal. A bunch of 'kids' get arrested after a party in Bedford and/or a college town. Shoot, I paid enough fines growing up to personally build at least two police stations in this state.

No DUIs, very, very well-paid job and happy, healthy family. Let's concentrate the drama elsewhere.
- sam, bedford

Nice try Thomas. Everyone who was ticketed was still below the legal age to consume and possess alcohol. Like it or not. That's the law. Just because no one drove doesn't excuse that simple matter. Whether it's wrong or right is another matter entirely.
Peace.
- Joel, Nashua

Hey Thomas have your lawyer do your talking!

When you say "handled by us"? Did you also take care of the neighbor whom you woke up with your disturbance?
- james, manchester

Well what did you think was going to be the message sent to kids when you've got a school board allowing alcohol to be served on school grounds for "special events"? Stupid is as stupid does.
- Jonathan, Bedford NH

Thomas,

Good for you to come on and give your side of the story.

Two questions:

1) How many other people live in the house with you (were they arrested)
2) Are you the only person on the lease?
- Bill, Bedford NH

The owner of this property has had other incidents in which police have been called to his properties and arrests have been made.

Time to go after the property owner; there are laws on the books in Bedford that need to be enforced here (he adamantly opposed them but I believe they were enacted because of him).
- Bill, Bedford NH

I did a little research because I thought the name Brian Poznanski sounded familiar. He is in fact a State Rep for New Hampshire. The rest of the kids I can understand underage drinking, but an elected official? That is despicable.
- Jeffrey McMahon, Boston, Mass.

I don't know who is worse: Saint Anselm or the Bedford PD....Kids will be kids. No one was driving.
- Mike B, Massachusetts

Being as I was actually arrested for the incident I would like to post my side of the story. First of all, thanks to those of you who understand and acknowledge the situation as it is. 20 people weren't actually 'arrested' per se, but were all given summons. I however, as a lessee at the house, was arreseted. In regards to all of those who commented on the possibilty of drunk driving accidents should know that those who were in attendence at our event did not drive to the house and explicit instructions were given to everyone to only take cabs to and from the party. As far as the party went, it was contained to the basement of the house, with little to no audible noise outside of the house. The fight which caused the police to arrive was handled by us and by the time the police arrived both offenders had left the scene. The rest as they say, is history.
- Thomas Oliveira, Bedford NH

Partying all night?! The cops got called at 12:30, they didn't have a chance to party all night. Most parties don't really get goin until 10pm at the earliest so by my count somebody got in a fight and ruined a good time early on. Whoever wrote the article with the wording "all night" obviously ain't no pawtiah!
- DTanc, Manch

tony-manchester...thank you!! it's people like you who DON'T go through bedford, that make it a great place to live!
- fpc, bedford

The article does not say they are college students, it says collage age. Although a quick check of Facebook shows that quite a few are students at St. Anselm.
- Scott, Bedford

Hey Tony, guess u did not read the article. The cops were CALLED to the residence. And if you have such a problem riding through Bedford maybe you should start obiding by the traffic laws. Check their logs on their page it shows how many motor vehicle complaints they get dailey on drivers like you. But maybe they should just let those go too.
- RG, merrimack

You people need to stop criticizing the police. Nobody ever said cops didn't drink before they were 21. If you don't like the drinking laws, get elected and change them or if you want to prevent kids from getting arrested and charged for unlawful possession, become a NH Supreme Court Justice. Until then, go and educate yourselves and read Weldy versus the Town of Kingston.
- Bob, Bedford NH

it doesn't make a difference if a 20 yr old drank and drove and hit your mother or if a 40 yr old drank and drove and hit your mother. what DOES make a difference is that i saw this invite to this particular party, and it strictly enforced that all partygoers took a cab, otherwise they would not be let in.

and to Tom from manchester, is drinking really a sin? I mean, Jesus drank wine.
- LEL, manchester

For all of you who cry for these poor kids, that can't have a 'good time'; volunteer to pay damages, when one of them drives and kills someone after 'having a good time'. Everybody, but the drinker, is held accountable in today's society (the bartender, the cop who let an underage drinker go, the landlord that rents the space to a bar, the manufacturer of the gun used by a drunk to kill someone). Yeah, excellent job officers, for stopping the stupidity. I don't think all of the drinkers came on a chartered bus or had designated drivers.
- Phil, Concord

These kids are not going to war, they are in college or working. Secondly, you notion that they are almost 21, they should be able to drink is like me saying, hey, Im almost 60 and eligible for social security so you should give it to me. Oh, Im almost 18 you should let me buy cigarettes. Stupid! almost doesnt count! think about it.....
- Jack Dyer, Bedford

CDR Lebanon, How do you know the reason "no one was hurt" was because the PD did come? You never know what may have happened if just one of those kids drove a motor vehicle. could have been one of your loved ones that died!
- john, bedford

no one was really at risk of getting hurt considering the fact that everyone was using a taxi service for rides to and from the house. so if safety was the real issue they should have focused on the people who were fighting outside. no one in that house deserves what they are charged with.
- matt and lindsay, manchester

In the article the reason the police got involved was because of a reported fight on the lawn at 12:30am after partying all night. They went there over the fight not a party. Once on scene and seeing the alcohol consumption they had an obligation to uphold the law, wether for or against it. If they drove away and didn't cite them for the underage drinking and one of the party goers drove, or got themselves or someone else seriously injured then wouldn't these comments change.
- Ray Hood Jr, Lebanon NH

Don't these cops have something better to do like bag someone who's actually committing a crime.. Give it to Bedford PD the worst harassing police department in the state, I won't even drive through Bedford anymore because these jerks have nothing better to do. They really had to arrest all 22 people, must've been the busiest night for them in a year.. Sad, kids can't even have a good time anymore
- Tony, Manchester

The point is that 21 is the legal drinking age, not 20 1/2. I wonder what would be said if one of these 20 1/2 year olds left the party intoxicated and got in an accident and someone was injured. These comments would be why aren't the police trying to stop this. This is a proactive method and I applaud the efforts of the local police departments for keeping young adults safe.
- Al, Nashua

I agree with some posters here. This type of behavior has been happening since people have been going to college. Are you all so naive that you think students don't drink while in college before the age of 21??? I'm sure most of the respected people of this country at some point in time drank before it was legal. Please get your heads out of the sand!
- Lynda, Manchester

Their biggest mistake wasn't underage drinking... it was being stupid while underage drinking. Next thing maybe those concerned with the law can start tapping a keg on the common in Keene between 4:18 and 4:21 every day? Yikes.
- Steve B, Derry

To all u idiots defending these UNDERAGE drinkers, so if these same kids got in their car and killed your mother, your father, or better yet one of your sons or daughters, I am sure you would still have this moronic attitude, and still defend them, RIGHT?? CDR, Kevin, Bill?? RIGHT??
- D, Manch

Oh to be young again!!!
Hey, be glad it was Thirsty Thursday and not Whip em out Wednesday!!
People, it's not the end of the world...what do you think goes on at Campus...where did you guys grow up...in a cave???
- Dee, Manchester

To everyone who says the negitive about "these kids being our future". Seriously, grow up! I'm sure you people pointing the finger have NEVER done an illegal thing in your life, right? They are kids, college kids at that! Let them enjoy themselves, and if they caught, so be it!

@Tom- Sinners? Like Jon M from hookset said...they can be sent to war at 18 to KILL people but "god" forbid if they decided to get a hangover. Think about what your saying....geez!
- Jami, Rochester

JC from New Boston: did you read that they're in college? They don't have to get up for work the next day, only for class, which usually starts late. Are you saying they should be thrown in jail simply because you're bitter you can't drink on Thursday nights?

No, I wasn't at that party, unfortunately. I was asleep to get up for work today. That doesn't mean I think these adults should be thrown in a cage for drinking a beverage I save for Friday night.

When you look at how many good people are charged with crimes for doing nothing but breaking silly, arbitrary laws, it becomes clear that the violent crime problem could be solved, not with more cops, but with fewer laws. How much time did the cops waste booking these poor people?
- CDR, Lebanon

The important thing to think here, is not one of the hypocrites enforcing the law, or condemning these young adults, ever took a sip of beer before the age of majority. What did you all do in college on Thursday's???? Drink milk and eat cookies, study and call home- I doubt it!!
- mnx, andover

Oh no 20 year old college students were drinking! Good thing the police were on the scene to teach those kids a lesson. I'm glad in 6 months they will know better when they can legally drink.

And spare me with the "and this is the future" comments! The people who are in charge now (and doing a poor job) were the hippies who rode around in VW vans protesting wars not working and went to Woodstock to trip out on drugs and listen to old fashioned music. Kids will be kids.
I'm sure none of the people posting on these boards would have ever considered tasting alcohol before they legally could.

Hasn't there been a rash of violence in the area? One would think that the cops would have better things to do...
- Bill, Manchester

Sixteen of the 22 are within months of being 21. Doesn't that help show how ridiculous the arbitrary age line is?
- Kevin, Lancaster

Wow an off campus college party gets broken up and 20+ kids get citations for underage drinking... big surprise there. I think its amusing that the writer actually took the time to post each individuals name at the end. Give them all 2 weeks before they're drinking again, hell, its college, be safe, live it up and enjoy your 4 years before you get dumped into the real world when things really matter. These are an every night occurance all over campusus around the nation, when will people stop being so naive to underage drinking. Whether people want to believe it or not, its part of the college culture, right or wrong.

John m, hooksett... couldn't agree with you more
- John, Manchester

*Gasp* In Bedford, you say? Inconceivable! Thank God they weren't smoking pot...

That was sarcasm in case anyone didn't catch it.
- Tim K, Jaffrey

Why do some people think that the imaginary state line is some sort of mystical zone were things suddenly change?
- Jeff, Manchester

Sounds like a slow night at a frat house. And these are the leaders of tomorrow? Man, we're in trouble.
- Paul, Londonderry

To Dave, below-

Regarding your comment about 'patroling the borders of NH', I have a hunch, based on these kids' hometowns, that these are either St. Anselm or SNHU students. They come to school here, spend lots of money-at least the parents do-, generate skilled jobs for the NH economy-think college professor and other professional staffers-this isn't the Latin Kings' Bedford posse...
- Jim B, Manchester

These sinners will pay! The were all underage and drinking against the law. They need to learn how to behave so they can grow up and be good goys and girls! : )
- Tom, Manchester

This is our future? Time to grow up and get a life. No respect for others, themselves or the law. Time to patrol the borders of NH.
- Dave, Mnchester

Born in the USA. 18 yrs. of age...old enough to be sent off to war... to young for a sip of beer. And it goes on and on and on........
- john m, hooksett, nh

CDR are you sure you weren't at that party too? It's Thursday night. Most of us work the next day. These tools were partying most of the night and are now drunk and fighting in the front yard. We all learn some how.
- JC, New Boston, NH

Wow, so what school are these folks attending since they're all from out of town pretty much. Or is it just a coincidence or by mutual association that they meet Thursdays here? Their biggest mistake was leaving the part all at the same time.
- Dick, Manchester

No CDR, You're ridiculas. They knew the risks, they were caught. It's people like you, who minimize violations of the law, that make this generation disrespect the Law. People who everyday have some complaint about people being arrested for breaking the law. It's very simple. If you don't like the law, do something to change it. Until such time, if you're under 21 yrs of age, and you choose to drink, you risk being arrested. Risk vs. Reward. Simple, not ridiculas.
- Bill, Ashland

Too bad these adults will have to go through the criminal process having done nothing wrong and having not hurt anyone. It's ridiculous.
- CDR, Lebanon

Thirsty Thursday lives on
- Harry, Atkinson