They boxed. They wrestled. They danced. But most importantly, about 150 teen-agers from across Chesapeake gathered at the Great Bridge Community Center last Saturday to learn about the dangers of drug and Alcohol abuse.

Ironically, on the same day of this Teen Jam, adults were at the Chesapeake Arboretum for the city's first wine-tasting festival.

The Teen Jam, sponsored by Chesapeake Parks and Recreation, wasalso a first for the city, according to Kim Hancock of the Great Bridge Community Center. She said she hopes there will be more to follow.

And she had support from those in attendance.

``I think there should be more programs to get rid of drugs in society,'' said Erin Hannon, 16. ``Drinking and drugs make it harder for people to feel safe today.''

Organizers sought to get teens talking and asking questions. The incentive was an auction. But to make money to bid on prizes, the teens were required to visit various vendors and ask questions about drug and Alcohol abuse. If the teens answered correctly, volunteers handed out envelopes of Monopoly money.

The most popular auction prizes were a football, a skateboard and a calculator. The restaurant, ice-skating and movie passes also went quick. Loaded with knowledge and a whole lot of cash, the teens bid $60,000 on the skateboard alone.

Between question-and-answer sessions, the teens tried their hand at Sumo wrestling and boxing. The wrestlers were dressed in an oversized, full-body, padded, wrestling costume. The boxers wore large, inflatable boxing gloves and head protection while competing in an inflatable boxing ring.

After the fun and games, it was time to get serious. A moment of silence was held in memory of Chesapeake teen-agers who lost their lives over the past year. Then a young man who is currently in the juvenile court system spoke of the negative impact of drugs and Alcohol on him.

``I'm not here talking to you all about this because I have to,'' said the 17-year-old. ``I'm here because I want to be here. I want to keep you from hitting rock bottom like I did.''

Organizers saved the day's biggest surprise during a dance meant to culminate the event.

The disc jockey was jamming, and the teen-agers were dancing when the music stopped suddenly. Within seconds the crowd was surrounded by agents from Alcohol Beverage Control and the Chesapeake Sheriff's Department. While stunned teens began to whisper amongst themselves that perhaps this was a joke, Deputy Sheriff John Youngblood sternly bellowed out a command to remain quiet.

The ABC agent said he had received a tip that there was Alcohol in one of the drinks and they were raiding the dance to find the culprit. After a few minutes of searching, the agents admitted it was only a demonstration and spent a few minutes explaining what can happen at parties where there is underage drinking. They also told the teens that they could serve up to a year in jail for disobeying state laws governing underage drinking.

``If I get one kid to leave here today with information that will save him, then we've done our job,'' Hancock said.

Meanwhile, at the nearby arboretum, adults were getting a sampling of Virginia wineries.

The Great Bridge Jaycees, who planned the wine-tasting, were unaware and seemingly embarrassed that their event was on the same day as the city's anti-drug and Alcohol message.

``Oh great, thanks a lot,'' said Jaycees member Lisa Herman when learning of the coincidence.

Others in attendance avoided discussion of the link.

``This is a very nice event, too,'' said City Councilwomen Debbie Ritter.

``This is a good wine festival,'' said Anne Bass of Virginia Beach. ``I'm sure it will grow. This is a beautiful setting. I'm a staunch supporter of Virginia wine.''

Organizers did note that part of the proceeds will go to fund a Chesapeake First Citizen Award scholarship, which will go to a teen-ager based on his or her volunteer work in the community.