Dearborn, Michigan – If you have any preconceived ideas about people who work as finance controllers, David Kulek likely breaks all stereotypes.
With 30 years in healthcare finance, Kulek has worked at Oakwood Common for 11 years, developing a deep affection for the community’s residents as well as the lush grounds and abundant wildlife on its campus.
In addition to his job as controller, Kulek is an administrator and serves on the grounds and wildlife committees, helping to organize activities for residents.
Kulek is also responsible for assigning residents raised garden plots and helping them plant flowers and vegetables of their choice. The raised plots are easier for residents to tend and are not as easy for the wildlife to devour.
Oakwood Common residents Lillian Darby and John Carver admire spring flowers blossoming in one of the community’s raised garden plots.
“Every year we host a field trip to a local nursery to get ready for the spring planting,” said Kulek. “We have 17 garden boxes and each one is unique—based on the personal preferences of the resident assigned to their plot. Many of our residents are very experienced gardeners, and the gardens look great.”
Roger Becker, a biologist and longtime college friend of Kulek’s from Central Michigan University, assists with a lot of projects. Last year, Becker and Kulek built and installed two wood duck boxes, two bird houses and two bat houses. They have also installed bird feeders and last year, two hummingbird feeders, which have already attracted the tiny, energetic and colorful species.
George Stevens, Oakwood Common’s resident photographer, can be counted on to take pictures of the community’s wetlands, birds and wildlife. During the past three years, Stevens has photographed more than 40 different species of animals at Oakwood Common, including deer, herons, ducks and kingfishers.
Kulek doesn’t limit his interaction with residents to the outdoors, he is also known as a tough competitor in Wii bowling. Once a month, residents and staff square off with a friendly tournament.
“When we play, we ‘trash’ talk with the best, but our residents usually win,” said Kulek.
“David’s not what you think of as a financial controller,” said Mary Granata, Oakwood Common’s director of sales. “With so many unique talents and expertise, he’s one of the reasons that our residents and staff feel very much like family.”
David Kulek adds fresh shavings to the wood duck box at Oakwood Common.
About Oakwood Common
Oakwood Common offers one and two bedroom apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a beautiful 29-acre retirement community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.OakwoodCommon.org.