The Gingerbread House

01/28/2026

John C Riley

01/06/2024

Dear Friends,

Today, 904 Broadway was sold! The home of the unforgettable West Long Branch Bakery, owned and operated by our parents Rose and Frank Notaro for 25 years. Followed by the Gingerbread House Daycare, where love and learning abound l, for 34 glorious years. Miss Rita and I loved each family and always gave 100% to every child walking through our doors.

It has been an amazing ride. As I walked through the building for the last time with my husband by my side, I was overwhelmed with tears-so many emotions. My parents have passed, Miss Rita has passed; they have left me with such beautiful memories. I miss them, THEY ARE 904 BROADWAY.

So goodbye to all of you who allowed all our dreams to come true! I thank you all for six decades of wonderful times and lasting memories. The Notaro Family, the Simonelli Family, and the Cittadino Family thank you all. It has been our blessing to share these years with you!

Always in my heart,

Miss RoRo ❤️

07/28/2023

Today I say goodbye after 34 glorious years of loving, teaching and sharing your beautiful children with you. Thank you for all the amazing messages on FaceBook. I had no idea that Miss Rita and I touched so many lives. I have loved every minute of this journey. The Gingerbread House has been my life, my joy, and has had my total commitment. I’m so sad but I leave with pride knowing that we ran this school from our hearts. A few thank yous are in order. To my loving husband James, my beautiful daughters Jenna and Cara, and my six angels my grandkids. Thank you for your love and constant support throughout this amazing journey. To my mom and dad, Rose and Frank Notaro, who taught us how to love and nurture all throughout their example. I miss you so much. To my sister, Miss Rita, thank you for convincing me to open a school! Tita, all our love and all our heart came into this building everyday. We shared something so special. Rest in peace sister, you are missed so much, never to be forgotten. To my staff, you have made The Gingerbread House into a legend. You are the heartbeat of this school. Finally, to all our families, past and present, thank you for trusting us with your precious jewels. It’s been an honor to be apart of all your lives. As I close the doors today, I walk away with such pride, knowing that the story of The Gingerbread House began and ended with so much love and so much learning. The Gingerbread House ends today, we became a family. We are a daycare and preschool like no other, our days have been filled with magic. This building has so much love and memories, and I will take them all with me. I love and cherish each one of you.

-Love, Miss RoRo & Miss Rita

FOREVER THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE

07/13/2023

Today was summer hot dog day for the 2s. We loved our hot dogs and had a great time. Happy Summer!

07/13/2023

07/07/2023

Today was hot dog day. We grilled, had chips, ice cream and juice. Happy Summer!

07/07/2023

06/28/2023

Today’s dance party was so much fun with ERICH The DJ Guy. We danced, made balloons, and enjoyed popcorn. We had a great day as we kicked off summer.

06/27/2023

Congratulations to our graduates! You will be missed.

05/30/2023

Yesterday our one year old Gingerbread House patriot honored Memorial Day with his red, white and blue hat and flag. Go USA!

05/26/2023

Our heroes, always in our hearts.