There’s not a whole lot that Springs resident Kitty Merrill can’t do—which is important in her current role as an administrator at the East Hampton Food Pantry. It’s a job that relies on a balance of her talents: a razor-sharp wit, a penchant for wry, observational comedy, overt self-awareness, and down-to-earth yet careful consideration for others.
“The more gratifying, though sometimes challenging, aspect of my job is rounding up volunteers,” she says. “Kind of proud that I’ve introduced strangers who’ve become great friends.”
While the vital work of helping the East End community is her current focus, Merrill ranks among the East End’s most revered, award-winning journalists of the past three decades. She flexed her journalistic muscle as news editor at The Independent until 2018. More recently, she was a reporter for the Express News Group, a position she was in until 2023 when she began her work at the East Hampton Food Pantry.
“I used to joke that my last reporter beat was ‘cranky neighbors and convoluted land use.’ Covering cops and government, I felt I was spending most of my days with unhappy people complaining about things. Often rightly so,” she says. When EHFP board chair Vicki Littman told her about a staff opening at the Pantry, her mind began to percolate. “I wondered what it would be like to provide such a sorely needed service to people.”
Her favorite part about her current job?
“I am surrounded by terminally kind people. Our volunteers don’t stop smiling. We’ll be outside during [distribution] in the bitter cold or sweltering sun and they’re just so sweet and happy,” Merrill says. “On the other side of the line, our clients are incredibly lovely. Working here has really given me the chance to see the positive side of people.”
Here are a few more of Merrill’s favorite things:
Favorite part about the off-season in the Hamptons? I love the golden light of autumn and the severe beauty of the beach in January.
Favorite beach to walk? If I wake up too late for sunrise, I do Georgica (219 Lily Pond Lane, East Hampton) west to the cut. If I’m up in time to watch the sun come up, I’ll do Main Beach (101 Ocean Ave., East Hampton).
Favorite special occasion dinner spot? I have dreams about the spicy tuna tartare at the Springs Tavern (15 Fort Pond Blvd., East Hampton, 631-604-6944).
Favorite holiday tradition? Now that all the kids are grown and scattered, our holidays are pretty low key. We generally get together for Christmas brunch, eat a ton of food, then watch HBO comedy specials. It’s super relaxed and I’m all about that.
Favorite gift you’ve ever received? My editor at The Independent, Tom Clavin, made me a hilarious coupon book, that was also full of inside jokes. Those gifts that say “I know you” are always winners. Way better than tires.
Favorite local place to grab a cup? Indy publisher Jim Mackin once said, “If Kitty has another cup, we’re gonna need a safe word.” When I do get a hankering for a cup, I like Montauk Market (716 Springs Fireplace Road, 631-604-6344). Great prices, friendly staff and easy parking. And for one old rocker reason: they have the best music!
Favorite local band? I have to go with Rum Punch Mafia, led by my adopted son Stephen Sylvester.
Favorite cultural institution of the East End? East Hampton Library (159 Main St., 631-324-0222), Southampton Library (91 Coopers Farm Road, 431-527-9480), Riverhead Library (330 Court Road). If it’s free, it’s for me!
