Today is fellow beer writer Don Russell’s 57th birthday. Don writes a beer column for the Philadelphia Daily News under the nom de plume Joe Sixpack. He also writes a blog online, Beer Radar, and is the Executive Director of Philly Beer Week. His most recent book, What the Hell Am I Drinking?, was published last year and can still be ordered directly from the author. Don is a fellow Pennsylvanian, a crack card player, and one of my very favorite people to share a beer and discuss the issues of the day with. Join me in wishing Don a very happy birthday.

Don (center) with me and Lisa Morrison at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich during a press junket to Bavaria a few years ago.

Don, with fellow Pennsylvanians Lew Bryson and Jack Curtin at GABF.

Me and Don at the kick-off for the first Philly Beer Week in 2008.

Don with Pete Slosberg, signing books at GABF a couple of years ago.

Today is fellow Pennsylvania beer writer Jack Curtin’s birthday. You can read his writings and rantings on a variety of subjects at his Liquid Diet Online, Curtin’s Corner, I Have Heard the Mermaids Singing and The Great Disconnect. If you think I don’t know when to stop, check out Jack’s voluminous output. Plus Jack is one of my favorite people to kvetch about politics with, over a pint, of course. Join me wishing Jack a very happy birthday.

Jack, at right, with fellow Pennsylvanians Don Russell (a.k.a. Joe Sixpack) and Lew Bryson. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, too. What is it about the Commonwealth and beer writers?

Jack and me at Nodding Head during Philly Beer Week a few years back.

Tomme Arthur and Jack.

Jack with Sam Calagione, Ed Friedland and Nodding Head’s assistant brewer.

Today is the 41st birthday of Jennie Hatton, who does P.R. for Philly Beer Week and several craft breweries in the tri-state area. She cut her teeth working for Tom Peters at Monk’s cafe. Jennie and her business partner Claire Pelino are responsible for many, many beer books being published as literary agents to a number of beer writers, including yours truly. Also, Jennie is one of my favorite people in the industry and she’s so much fun to be around that people refer to her as “The Wonderful Jennie Hatton.” Also, few people love tater tots like I do, and she’s one of them. That’s enough for me. Join me in wishing Jennie a very happy birthday.

Jennie and me on the floor at GABF in 2008.

Jennie wielding the Hammer of Glory during this last year’s Philly Beer Week.

Jennie and the Reverend Kirk T. Berlenbach, Rector of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church, at the Sam, Tomme & Old Beer event at Nodding Head Brewing during Philly Beer Week.

Jennie with some of the best tater tots ever, at North Lanes Lounge in Philly.

Today is the 48th birthday of Tom Keohe, founder of Yards Brewing, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tom’s been a fixture of the Philly beer scene as long as I can remember, at at least since 1996. He’s one of those people that you feel like you’ve known for years, even when you first meet him. And he’s a terrifically talented brewer, too. Join me in wishing Tom a very happy birthday.

Toasting the Class of ’96: Greg Koch, Mark Edelson, Bill Covaleski, Tom Kehoe, Gene Muller & Sam Calagione.

With Philadelphia Mayor Nutter and Tom Kehoe handing out glasses of the ceremonial beer to the assembled crowd at the opening ceremonies of the first Philly Beer Week in 2008.

Tom explaining the beers he created for the colonial themed City Tavern.

Tom clowning around with the Hammer of Glory during last year’s Philly Beer Week.