If you stepped off the ferry onto Peaks Island this summer, chances are you were greeted by something unexpected—and unforgettable.
Perched on the hill above the dock stood Abbott, a 13-year-old islander, beside a customized wagon and one (or two… or three) of his beloved chickens: Strawberry, Raspberry, and Blackberry. For the second summer in a row, Abbott and his feathered friends became a daily welcome committee for ferry passengers, sparking smiles, laughter, and more than a few surprised double-takes.
“I position my chicken cart on the hill so people see us as soon as they get off the ferry,” Abbott explains. “It’s funny watching city folks who’ve never seen a real chicken before.”
What started as a fun summer routine quickly grew into something much more meaningful. One afternoon, a visitor snapped a photo, handed Abbott five dollars, and walked away smiling. By the end of the day, Abbott had earned $30.
“That’s when we realized this could be something,” he says.
Turning Chickens Into Change
Abbott didn’t keep the money for himself. After raising his first $500, he donated it to a local Peaks Island school program he attended as a child. From there, Abbott set his sights on a cause close to his heart: Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation.
Abbott’s connection to Maine Adaptive began through the school-based adaptive program at Pleasant Mountain (formerly Pleasant Mountain Adaptive), where youth with disabilities learn to ski and ride. While Abbott was not a student in the program, he became closely connected to Maine Adaptive through longtime volunteer and snowboard instructor Glenn Yale.
“My first snowboarding lesson happened to be with Glenn,” Abbott says. “He was available that day to take on an extra lesson, and we became friends. We’ve stayed connected ever since.”
Abbott affectionately refers to Glenn as his “snowboard grandpa,” and the two can often be found riding together on the mountain.
Island Celebrities With Feathers
Back on Peaks Island, Abbott and his chickens quickly became local celebrities. Each chicken has a personality all their own.
- Strawberry, a Buff Orpington, is “like the golden retriever of chickens—easy-going and sweet.”
- Raspberry, Abbott’s favorite, is social and affectionate.
- Blackberry, a Rhode Island Red, is a little more independent but still loves attention and snacks.
The chickens’ charm has led to countless memorable moments. “A little girl once asked if she could pet my dog,” Abbott laughs, “and then realized it was a chicken!” One visitor even asked if he could buy one.
Giving Back, the Abbott Way
Inspired by the joy his chickens bring—and the impact Maine Adaptive has had on his life—Abbott decided to give back in a big way. Through his summer efforts, he has already raised $1,300 for Maine Adaptive’s Ski-A-Thon, scheduled for March 22, 2026, at Sunday River Ski Resort.
For Abbott, the motivation is simple.
“It just feels good to help,” he says.
A Spirit We’re Proud to Celebrate
“Abbott’s story captures the spirit of Maine Adaptive perfectly,” says Amy Bannon, Co-Executive Director of Maine Adaptive. “We love seeing young people connect with our mission in such unique and heartfelt ways. His enthusiasm, kindness, and desire to give back give us so much hope for the future.”
So next time you arrive on Peaks Island, follow the sound of laughter up the hill. You just might find Abbott, Strawberry, Raspberry, and Blackberry—ready to welcome you, brighten your day, and remind us all that even small gestures can create a powerful impact.
Photo credit: Heather Wasklewicz
