With a heavy heart

Dear Readers,

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the founding editor of Maryland Sip & Savor, Martha Thomas, passed away on May 4 after a brief illness. Martha helped launch Sip & Savor in Spring 2018, and in her introductory remarks, she reveled in the growth of the wine, spirits, and beer industries in the state of Maryland.

Martha was passionate about sipping and savoring through every corner of the Free State and she guided her team of writers and photographers to investigate and share all the delightful nooks and crannies in the pages of Sip & Savor. From St. Mary’s to Baltimore counties, from Garrett to Cecil, Sip & Savor championed Maryland’s bourgeoning food and beverage industry. Centerspreads featuring the state’s impressive cadre of brewers, winemakers, distillers, and chefs were flanked by news bits and detailed itineraries through which travelers could learn about and explore off-the-beaten-path shops, recreational sites, and places of historical significance (and of course, enjoy local wine, beer, spirits, and food!).

Martha was a journalist’s journalist. She knew what made a good story, could write like nobody’s business, and knew precisely how to shape a magazine issue that would call out to be read, cover to cover, in one sitting.

Martha loved connecting people. Her dinner soirees brought together wine connoisseurs, theatre folks, artists, singers, restaurateurs, photographers, writers … events where friendships were forged, and long-lasting connections were made.

She loved literature, ideas, and words as much as she loved wine, food, and people. In the words of her friends, this warm soul was intelligent, a bold inquisitor, a shining light, graceful, and kind. When sharing the news about Martha’s passing, her daughter Mary said that Martha “enjoyed a wonderful life full of adventure and love.”

All of us at Custom Media, Her Mind, and Maryland Sip & Savor are deeply saddened and want to take this opportunity to recognize Martha Thomas’s many contributions in lifting up Maryland’s food and beverage scene.

We will honor Martha’s memory with a Tree Hugger Sponsorship at the Howard County Miller Library. A personalized tree hugger plaque with Martha’s name will wrap a beautiful Kwanzan cherry tree with virtual arms. We can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to Martha and her love for literature.
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