Graham Orzulak has been selling organic blueberries around Greenwich for nearly 15 years. Known locally as "the Blueberry Mayor of Greenwich," Orzulak and his team from Abilis are back at pop-up stands across town through mid-August, offering quarts of just-picked fruit for $14 — and they sell out fast.
A job built around a family farm.
The program, called GrahamBerries, pairs the Orzulak family's Blueberry Hill farm with Abilis' Gardens & Gifts Vocational Skills Training program, giving participants with disabilities hands-on experience in customer service while connecting them with neighbors across town.
"We started our organic blueberry farm in 2011 and decided that extending the blueberry sales to the Abilis community would be a good way to help individuals interact with the community and learn new job skills," said Philippa Orzulak, Graham's mother. "Now after selling the blueberries locally for more than a decade, Graham is often referred to as 'the Blueberry Mayor of Greenwich!'"
A story that goes back to his earliest years.
Graham was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, as an infant and began receiving services through Abilis' Birth to Three Early Intervention program. As he grew into adulthood, Abilis built an individualized employment plan around his family's farm — following earlier jobs running a paper shredding business and servicing two snack vending machines.
Abilis CEO and President Amy Montimurro said the berries often sell out quickly, calling the initiative a way for community members to build confidence and independence through real employment — not simulated work, but an actual small business people count on.
A 75-year-old organization still growing its reach.
Abilis, founded in 1951, marks its 75th anniversary this year, supporting more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families across Fairfield County. The nonprofit partners with more than 100 local businesses for job training, including Gregory's Coffee, Stop & Shop, and The Greenwich Country Club — with GrahamBerries now finding its way into local menus too, including a special blueberry margarita at Boxcar Cantina this summer.
Where to find the berries.
Sales run first-come, first-served through mid-August or while supplies last — no phone orders.
- Abilis headquarters, 50 Glenville St.: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cos Cob Firehouse pop-up, 200 E. Putnam Ave.: Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Old Greenwich Farmers Market, St. Catherine of Siena Church parking lot: Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m.
For more information, call Abilis at 203-531-1880 or visit abilis.us.
