Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna’s annual Women Build event raised roughly $50,000 this year, according to the organization.

Eight teams fundraised for and volunteered at a duplex that was being built in Elkton, raising the amount through peer-to-peer fundraising and additional contributions from people who aim to bring affordable housing to the community.

“Due to the weather and vacation plans, we typically experience a drop in volunteer numbers during July and August,” said Michele Louderback, community engagement manager, who coordinated this year’s Women Build event. “The dedication and energy of our Women Build teams have created a momentum, something that we would love to sustain. We invite groups and individual volunteers to roll up their sleeves and join us in completing this duplex.”

Since 1991, Women Build volunteers have come together to build safe and strong communities and give women a bold step in serving their communities.

This year, the Janney MACWIN team raised the most money as a team for the fifth consecutive year, according to the organization, raising $15,979 in total. Damarys Ayala, a member of the Stellar Home Group team, raised the most as an individual for the second year in a row. Ayala raised $4,710 this year. Donations continue to pour in following the event from people who are eager to contribute to the Women Build campaign.

Through the fundraiser, other sponsorships and volunteers that help build the homes, Habitat Susquehanna can keep construction costs low and create opportunities for people who can’t afford a home the conventional way.

“We are so thankful for the Women Build teams, donors, and other volunteers who have come together to build a decent and affordable place to live,” said Louderback.

During the homeownership process, each homebuyer serves 250 hours working at the construction site alongside volunteers. They must also attend home maintenance classes and take six classes specifically geared towards building their financial independence. Home buyers purchase their Habitat home with a zero-interest rate mortgage, ensuring that their monthly payments are affordable and don’t exceed 30 percent of their gross monthly income, according to Habitat Susquehanna.

Lourderback added that the work they put in goes beyond the walls of the home, but they are creating a foundation for the families to build a life they choose on their terms.

To volunteer at this year’s duplex or be involved with their next project, residents should contact Michele Louderback at mlouderback@habitatsusq.org. To donate towards the duplex, contributors can visit habitatsusq.org/donate and indicate “Women Build” in the comment section. For prospective home buyers, they can apply to the Homeownership Program at habitatsusq.org/our-programs/homeownership.

Dr. Eugene Protzko retires after decades of service to the eye care community

Dr. Eugene Protzko announces his retirement from the eye care industry following a 40-plus-year career.

Protzko, co-founder of Seidenberg Protko Eye Associates, committed himself to excellence to help shape the practice into a leader in comprehensive eye care. Throughout his career in ophthalmology, he became respected in the field for his expertise, compassionate care and advocacy for patient-centered medicine.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve my patients and work alongside an extraordinary team,” said. Protzko in a news release.

Throughout his tenure, the practice expanded to multiple locations, Havre de Grace, Bel Air, Elkton and Chestertown and introduced advanced technology that raised the standard of eye care.

The practice was founded in 1998 and specializes in ophthalmology that includes cataract, refractive surgery and therapeutic optometry.

“As I step into retirement, I do so with immense gratitude for the trust placed in me over the years,” he said.

New member of Harford Community College Board of Trustees Appointed

Gov. Wes Moore appointed a new member to the Harford Community College Board of Trustees, Elissa Halloran, the school announced in a news release.

Halloran is a practicing attorney and a partner at Love, Fleming Bearsch & Halloran, LLC law firm. She’s been practicing law since 2006 within the family law area, with experience in courtroom litigation and advocacy.

Her education includes receiving a Bachelor of Science in Law and American Civilization from Towson University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Within the Harford County community, she’s been a past board member of the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, a current member of the Harford County Bar Association, and a past president of the Harford County Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association. Halloran has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Carroll Community College.

Halloran was sworn into her position on July 22. Her term ends on June 30, 2030.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.