BY SOFIA MONTAGNA

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a horseback riding center right here in Queens? Lynne’s Riding Center brought this dream to life by creating a space where riders feel supported and seen, having a variety of programs to include riders of all ages, and marketing the center across multiple platforms.

Lynne’s Riding Center is a horseback riding school and training center located at 88-03 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY. Established in 1960, the riding center was originally founded by Stanley Holzhauser, Lynne Holzhauser’s father. Lynne Holzhauser started running the business in 1982 and renamed it to “Lynne’s Riding Center.”

Lynne’s Riding Center offers beginner to advanced riding lessons for both children and adults. Their programs even include a “tiny tots” program, in which children ages 4-6 get the chance to work with an instructor to learn beginner phrases while on horseback and get a hands-on grooming experience with miniature horses.

Located in the heart of Forest Hills in Queens, Lynne’s Riding Center also has access to the trails in Forest Park. All together, there are five miles of riding area in the park, including two formal trails that riders can enjoy.

Lynne’s Riding Center is currently the only surviving riding center in Queens.

 

 

If you ever wanted to know how to turn a passion for horses into a viable business, Lynne Holzhauser, the co-owner and operator of the equestrian center, explains, “Right now, the key to our success is Cowboy Eddie’s work at marketing and getting out there and letting people know we’re here. Nobody knew we were here. Now we’re getting school groups in, Girl Scouts, etc.” Cowboy Eddie, the co-owner and president of the riding center, explained that the riding center’s main marketing tools are Facebook, Instagram, and the equestrian center’s website.

Lynne also emphasized the importance of having different types of horses for different riders. For example, the riding center uses very quiet, gentle horses for beginner riders. Lynne explains, “As the riders get better, we might bring them up to another horse.” If a rider is advanced enough, the equestrian center might use one of its retired thoroughbreds for their lessons.

The riding center’s 16 horses (i.e., two ponies) come from all over: some horses come from the horse sale, some are donated, etc. According to Lynne, the center pays anywhere from $2,000-$6,000 per horse. She explained that how much they pay per horse is dictated by need: if they have a specific type of horse that they need and they find that horse, they’ll pay closer to $5K or $6K.

 

 

“The way we turn people into returning riders is by the way we make them feel. It’s about the level of care,” Office Manager and Riding Instructor Ambrosia (Amber) Vick said. “We make them feel welcome, like family. When they walk through the door, we make them feel like they’re in a whole other world.”

The riding center has also become a meaningful resource for children with autism, as the kids are calmer after their riding lessons. Lynne explained, “The parents find that it’s a different child when they go home.”

When asked about her riding lessons with kids with autism, Amber emphasized that each child is unique, so she does something different with each of them. Cowboy Eddie commented, “Amber is an expert on going to their level of understanding and lifting them up from there. We have children who speak to us that don’t speak to their parents. She knows how to make them come out of their comfort zone.”

This past weekend, the Maspeth Lions Club presented their 2025 Student Awards for
Outstanding Service to 8 th grade graduates from St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy of
Queens, St. Adalbert’s Catholic Academy and Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy. The
awards were presented to graduating students who displayed exemplary service to their local
communities – both within their school communities and to their greater local communities – by
volunteering in various service projects, with local community groups and other service-oriented
activities. The award recipients received a certificate of merit and a $600 check toward their
education.

The St. Stanislaus recipients were: Raymond Coyle, attending Archbishop Molloy HS
and Noah Myles, attending Martin Luther HS. The awards were presented by Lion President Dr.
Ellen Marchese along with Lions Dr. Robert Marchese, Joseph A. Papavero and Joseph B.
Papavero along with Principal Catherine Mangone.

The St. Adalbert’s recipients were: Jet Martinez, attending Archbishop Molloy HS and
Jayden Duffy, attending St. Francis Preparatory HS. The awards were presented by Lion
President Dr. Ellen Marchese along with Lions Dr. Robert Marchese and Joseph B. Papavero.

The Our Lady of Hope recipients were: Emma Rafferty, attending Dominican Academy
HS and Rose Regula, attending Mary Louis Academy HS. The awards were presented by
Lions Joseph A. Papavero and Joseph B. Papavero, along with Principal Kara McCarthy.

Christian Spencer

On a balmy June evening, a small but spirited group of Yelp reviewers stepped inside Tootles & French, a queer-owned wine bar on Ditmars Boulevard, for a Pride Month gathering that mixed subdued elegance with subtle celebration.

Organized as a private event by Yelp Queens, the occasion was open exclusively to members of the app’s Elite Squad, a handpicked group of its most active reviewers.

The turnout was modest—just a few invited guests—but the atmosphere inside the cozy bistro pulsed with the warmth of community and the sparkle of curated detail.

Among those in attendance was Alice Wu, a Yelp Elite member for five years.

Though she now works at a startup, she previously held a sales role at Yelp.

Wu said the Yelp event was her first Pride event of the season.

“I wanted to support the Queens community and LGBTQ-owned businesses,” Wu said. “This felt like the right place to do that.”

For Wu, a self-identified lesbian, Pride is about visibility, strength, and the resilience of living authentically.

“I honestly wouldn’t be myself without it,” she said. “I’ve known since I was a kid, but I was bullied a lot growing up… I didn’t want to live untrue to myself, and I’m really glad I came out—even with the hardship. It’s made me stronger.”

That sense of refuge is why she was drawn to an event like this, especially in a venue like Frenchies.

“Just knowing it’s queer-owned makes me feel safer,” she said. “And Yelp helps with that too—you can tag a place as LGBTQ-friendly or queer-owned, and that can mean everything if you’re unsure about where to go. It signals the space is open and welcoming.”

Also at the event was Hannah Lieberman, a local comedian and owner of the neighborhood comedy venue QED. Her story brought a more entrepreneurial lens to the evening’s themes of identity and community.

When she learned her favorite performance space was in danger of closing, she bought it herself.

“QED has always been my favorite spot to perform,” Lieberman said. “The vibes are just immaculate… It was actually the first club where I was passed as a comedian and the first one I headlined.”

Lieberman’s presence, too, was rooted in personal connection.

“I met Samantha, the organizer, at our Booze and Builds night—our grown-up Legos-and-drinks event. She invited me to this and I thought, ‘Free food? Say no more.’”

Though the event was light on numbers, the space felt meaningful—a reminder that Pride doesn’t need a crowd to be profound. That was echoed in Wu’s reflections on LGBTQ life in the city.

“When I first moved to New York, it felt hit or miss,” she said. “There are strong queer communities, but I’ve also faced harassment—people yelling slurs on the street. So yeah, we’ve made progress, but it’s uneven.”

Each June, Wu takes part in both the Dyke March and the Queer Liberation March, grassroots events she sees as keeping Pride grounded in its original protest roots.

“Pride started with Stonewall—it was always about protest. These marches remind us of that and push for real change.”

On the nuances of language, Wu was clear-eyed.

“Words like ‘dyke’ or ‘queer’—they’ve been reclaimed by many in the community, but context matters. If you’re not part of the group, it’s best to be cautious.”

By the end of the event, guests lingered over rosé and charcuterie, swapping stories and recommendations for local queer-friendly spots. It was not a bash but a subtle celebration.

The event is a demonstration that Pride Month can flourish even without extravagant celebrations.

 

Conley Takes Command of Post 1424

MOHAMED FARGHALY

Mfarghaly@queensledger.com

After years of service to his country, city, and community, Pat Conley has taken on a new mission: leading American Legion Post 1424 in Forest Hills as its newly elected commander.

“I’m happy to do it. I’m going to give it my best. I’m going to devote more time to it, and just to make it better than when I first stepped in,” said Conley, who officially assumes the role this July following a unanimous vote of support from fellow members.

Conley, a Suffolk County native born in September 1960, enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17. “I saw an opportunity to take advantage of something. I said, let me grab it now, thinking it was the right thing,,” he said of his decision to join the military early. He trained as a 31 Mike radio operator at Fort Gordon and spent nearly three years stationed in Germany with the 26th Signal Battalion, 7th Army.

After completing his military service, Conley went on to a 21-year career with the NYPD, serving in a variety of roles including anti-crime and robbery units. He retired at 44 and has spent the past two decades working at Yerman’s Irish Pub in Glendale, where he developed close ties with the community — and ultimately, with the Legion.

“Being a bartender in the local community, you get involved with a lot of stuff. Hence how I got involved here,” Conley explained. “Approximately 14 years ago, I joined the American Legion here in Forest Hills… and fast forward to 2017… a few of the members came to me. They asked if I could help. At that point, I came back and got more active in the Legion then.”

In 2018, under the previous commander, there were plans to sell the building, but Conley filed an injunction to stop and overturn the sale. He believed that losing the space would have been a major blow to both the community and the organization, potentially leading to its downfall. Although it was a difficult and dark time for the Legion, Conley felt it was important to take a stand to preserve its future. With that chapter now behind them, the focus is on moving forward with a positive outlook.

Conley has been instrumental in revitalizing Post 1424 since 2019. “We’ve completely revitalized the post, not just myself, but the whole board. We have a great team in place,” he said. The group has tackled long-overdue infrastructure issues, raised funds, expanded membership, and transformed the post into a vibrant hub of community activity.

“We got the word out there that there was a new regime in here, and that it wasn’t the same old stale, cigarette-smoking, depressing atmosphere,” he said. “We started having activities — fishing trips, golf outings, ball games through Citi Field… barbecues… and we definitely brought younger members in.”

The annual Memorial Day Parade remains the post’s signature event. “It’s to remember those who gave all and it’s important to the community and the Legion that we interact with the community,” Conley said. “Without strong support from the community and the business community, American Legions wouldn’t exist.”

Conley steps in for outgoing Commander Michael Arcati, who served since 2020 and is stepping back due to new work responsibilities and family commitments. “He’s done a tremendous job. And I think it’s his time,” said Conley. “He’s not going far. He’s staying on the board as a judge advocate.”

Conley’s vision for the post is rooted in outreach, modernization, and continuity. “To make sure I dedicate more time and getting information out to the current members and spending more time on getting a digital newsletter out to members,” he said of his goals. He also wants to expand partnerships with local youth organizations, including the Junior ROTC, Scouts, and Boys and Girls State programs.

Looking ahead, Conley is preparing for the post’s Fourth of July barbecue, an event designed to welcome families and foster engagement. “We encourage members to bring their family, specifically kids and grandkids, to the Legion to see what it’s about,” he said.

Beyond celebrations, the post continues to serve veterans in need. “We do try to provide some financial support, We do referrals to other agencies to see what assistance they can get. Mental health, same thing, we definitely know the referrals where to send them and how to help them.”

Conley’s proudest moment so far has been restoring the post’s appearance and dignity. “The big thing was getting the building lit up, getting it refreshed, getting it look, you know, shining on the avenue.”

His message to the Forest Hills community is clear: “The Legion can and should be a big part of the community, without a strong community involvement, you never have a strong Legion.”

As for why he took the role now, Conley says it’s about setting an example. “To show people that are going to be coming up behind me — and they will — that you can do it.”

FARE Act Shifts Broker Fees to NYC Landlords

MOHAMED FARGHALY

Mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A sweeping new housing law has taken effect in New York City, shifting the financial burden of rental broker fees from tenants to landlords — a change that is already reshaping the city’s rental landscape and causing a stir among renters and real estate professionals alike.

The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, which officially went into effect on June 11, requires that whoever hires a real estate broker — in most cases, the landlord — must cover the cost of their services. Broker fees, which often amount to 12% to 15% of annual rent, have long added thousands of dollars in upfront costs for New Yorkers signing leases.

Under the new law, if a landlord uses a broker to market their apartment, they alone are responsible for the commission. Tenants are still allowed to hire brokers for their own apartment search, but in those cases, they would pay the fee themselves. 

The FARE Act also requires that all fees — including charges for background and credit checks — be disclosed “clearly and conspicuously” in listings and rental agreements, aiming to make the process more transparent for prospective renters

Tenant advocates have hailed the law as a long-overdue reform. In a city where median rents have surged — with Manhattan’s median asking rent reaching $4,200 in late 2024 — many have decried the practice of renters having to pay fees to agents who represent landlords.

Nick E. Smith, Executive Director of Communities Resist, expressed strong support for the FARE Act following its passage by the New York City Council. Communities Resist, a housing legal services organization led by people of color, focuses on preventing gentrification and displacement in low-income communities.

Courtesy Freepik

“For far too long, renters across this city have faced exorbitant broker fees. With rents soaring, these fees are another obstacle to New Yorkers trying to find an affordable place to live. The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act is a critical step towards combating our housing crisis and helping New Yorkers find a place they can afford to call home. I applaud Council Member Ossé for introducing this critical piece of legislation. I look forward to seeing the FARE Act become law as soon as possible,” Smith said.

Not everyone in the real estate world is convinced of the law’s benefits. Critics warn that landlords may respond to the new financial obligation by raising rents on market-rate units to recoup broker costs — potentially spreading the fee’s impact out over a year, rather than eliminating it altogether.

“From the other side, their position is that the rents will just go up to cover the cost of the agency,” said Ryan Walsh, Esq., of Walsh & Gilad PLLC, a law firm specializing in real estate.

Walsh also warned of a possible “cooling effect” in the real estate profession. With landlords hesitant to shoulder added expenses, agents may be less inclined to represent tenants — especially if renters are increasingly opting to avoid brokers entirely to save costs.

“I spoke to someone renting out a condo in Long Island City,” Walsh said. “He said there were plenty of interested renters — but none of them came with agents.”

Thomas Chimber, a licensed agent with the Corcoran Group, said he views the FARE Act as an opportunity. “This change could actually increase trust and confidence in the market,” he said, noting that reduced upfront costs may encourage more renters to explore their housing options

Despite months of debate and a 42-8 City Council vote approving the law, some renters remain unsure about what the FARE Act actually changes.

Landlords who violate the new requirements can be fined up to $2,000 by the city and face an additional $2,000 in state penalties. Complaints can be filed with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

Until now, New York City and Boston were among the few U.S. cities where tenants regularly paid the broker fees for landlord-hired agents. With the FARE Act’s implementation, the city moves closer to standard practices elsewhere in the country.

Still, the long-term impact of the law — on rents, broker participation, and housing access — remains to be seen.

Walsh emphasizes that real estate agents still provide significant value in the rental process, even under the new FARE Act. He compares them to a concierge service, helping clients identify suitable listings in specific neighborhoods, navigate online platforms like MLS and Zillow, and complete rental applications. Beyond simply finding listings, agents assist in presenting tenants in the best possible light to landlords and can sometimes negotiate better terms. Walsh argues that despite changes in how fees are paid, the expertise and support agents offer remain important.

However, the FARE Act could offer meaningful relief to prospective tenants in New York City, where the high cost of living has left many lifelong residents feeling trapped in their parents’ homes. In a city where upfront costs — including first and last month’s rent, security deposit, and broker fees — can easily surpass $10,000, eliminating the requirement for tenants to pay broker fees could lower a significant barrier to entry. For young people and working-class New Yorkers, this change may provide a more attainable path to independence, making it slightly easier to secure housing in a market that often feels out of reach. By reducing the financial burden at the start of a lease, the FARE Act could be a step toward addressing the broader affordability crisis that continues to push many New Yorkers out of the neighborhoods they grew up in.

“Only time will tell if this will be good or bad,” Walsh said. “Think about it this way: a landlord can now list their apartment for rent on a variety of free platforms without using an agent. At the same time, prospective tenants might avoid using an agent too, because they’ll assume that if they come with one, the landlord might choose another applicant to avoid paying the broker fee. So, I think it’s another way to cut the agent out of the transaction.” 

Courtesy Aaron Sousa