MABA Meat Sheet – Q2 2026
Comments Off on MABA Meat Sheet – Q2 2026Happy Saturday MABA Members:
The first issue of the MABA Meat Sheet is ready!
Check out the content we pulled together to recognize all of the great things happening in the Mid-Atlantic region and some great people who are part of our association.
Your feedback is encouraged. Is there something you would like to see in a future issue? Let us know.
The MABA Meat Sheet will be distributed on a quarterly basis. Look for the next issue in September.
Have a great weekend!
Ron Vasold – Secretary
Mid-Atlantic Barbecue Association
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES MAY 5, 2026
Comments Off on BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES MAY 5, 2026BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026
Comments Off on BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 20262026 MABA State Cup – NC
Comments Off on 2026 MABA State Cup – NCBear-B-Q in New Bern, NC – May 2, 2026
Congratulations to Smokin’ Skullies for capturing the 2026 MABA State Cup for North Carolina.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES MARCH 4, 2026
Comments Off on BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES MARCH 4, 2026BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Comments Off on BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 2026BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 4, 2026
Comments Off on BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 4, 2026Jacob Artz – Director
Comments Off on Jacob Artz – Director
I’m the pitmaster and owner of K-Town Pit Que, a competition BBQ team and in-home cooking school based in Kensington, Maryland. We compete on the KCBS circuit and regularly host community cooking classes and demos designed to make competition-level barbecue approachable for everyday cooks. My team’s motto—“When we practice, you win”—sums up our philosophy: we use competitions and public cooks as a way to educate and connect.
Beyond the circuit, I’ve built strong relationships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to bring barbecue to new audiences. Whether it’s running a rib masterclass for a local PTA auction, serving smoked brisket at community fundraisers, or teaching backyard cooks how to control airflow on a Weber Smokey Mountain, I’ve seen firsthand how BBQ can bring people together.
John Shirey II – Director
Comments Off on John Shirey II – Director
I’ve spent the past seven years fully dedicated to barbecue—competing in over 170 competitions across the country as the Pitmaster of Chunky BBQ. My experience on the road, cooking against top teams nationwide, has given me a deep understanding of what makes contests successful and what teams truly need. I’m proud to have earned KCBS Team of the Year, and that competitive drive gives me a balanced, well-rounded perspective that I believe will be a real asset to MABA.
Beyond the technical skills, I’ve spent years building relationships throughout the Mid-Atlantic barbecue community—connecting with teams, judges, organizers, and volunteers. I’ve learned what makes contests run smoothly, what members value most, and where improvements can make a big impact.
Richard Rybak – Director
Comments Off on Richard Rybak – Director
I currently compete in the KCBS Masters Division as Ain’t That Rich across the East Coast. Likewise, Ain’t That Rich provides catering and other services throughout the NJ-NY-PA area. As many of our members know, I volunteer to run Wild Child at every event at which I compete. While many consider me very persistent (you love it!) in ensuring the biggest possible jackpots, I see it as an opportunity to walk around and meet teams and make new friends. I have no qualms about talking to people and learning all about them. That is how we ensure this love (obsession!) of ours for BBQ continues to be rewarding for us and welcoming to future generations. As such, I know that I can help secure the best possible experiences for all of our members by listening to them and help curate fun and rewarding BBQ competitions.
