Meeting The Need

09/27/2022

Very nice blog article from Accessible Black Hills!

Meet the Need is an adventure retreat specifically designed to accommodate those with mobility challenges. It’s a one-of-a-kind haven that allows everyone to explore the Black Hills without worry.

08/12/2022

Naja Shriner kids having a little fun with Dallas at the Otho Camp last week!

07/27/2022

Here's the latest addition to the Otho camp.
Last August during the Dallas Memorial we had a fundraiser for a permanent picnic shelter and this is the first of two. Turned out pretty good if I do say so myself! Vern

08/29/2021

Thank you to everyone who came out this weekend to honor Dallas and help him have his rightful place in the center of Otho. More pictures and videos to come! If you have any, please tag us .

08/27/2021

Meeting The Need - Otho is gearing up for tomorrow’s festivities! We can’t wait to spend time with our friends and family, remembering Dallas and continuing his life’s work.

08/25/2021

James is the creator of the Dallas Dietrich bust to be unveiled at our August 28 2021 dedication event at Meeting the Need in Otho, South Dakota. And, an accomplished guitarist, he’s also playing music for us!

Sculptor and painter James Van Nuys grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota and has lived there for most of his life. He has created many public art works including the Rapid City Fallen Officers Memorial, the Veteran’s Memorial, several sculptures for The City of Presidents project, and a 100 foot mural in the Rapid City Regional Airport. He also oversaw the creation of 47 life-size figures for the America’s Founding Fathers tourist attraction. He owns and operates James Van Nuys gallery in downtown Rapid City, where he spends most of his time working on painting and sculpting commissions.

James Van Nuys Gallery, 516 Sixth Street in downtown Rapid City, showcases the work of this multi-talented artist and musician who has devoted the past 30 years of his life to creating hundreds of magnificent images of the Black Hills, Badlands and prairies of western South Dakota. The gallery features original paintings, engravings, and sculpture, as well as limited edition giclees, open edition mini-prints, cards, T-Shirts and affordable gift items.

Van Nuys is one of the presidential sculptors, having brought to life Presidents Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce and Andrew Johnson. His final presidential sculpture was of President Barack Obama.

Among the unique features of the gallery, James uses the front window area as his studio, capitalizing on his unusual ability to paint or sculpt while visiting with curious onlookers.

08/22/2021

Wade Evans

“I met Dallas at NCB, he always was so nice! I graduated in 1985 and was back in Rapid City December of 1990. I wanted to look at the NC campus but it was between quarters and no one was around, so I was headed for the exit, I walled past an open door and before got past I heard "Hey Wade!" I can't imagine how he processed who he was seeing so fast and remember my name! He knew so many and sincerely was friends with all. My kids always looked forward to the Rattle Snake Jake stop every summer. So many laughs and practical jokes... I'm blessed to have known a truely great man and hero to so many!”

08/21/2021

From sister, Debra Dietrich:

The first Thanksgiving following the accident, I invited Dallas and Mary to San Francisco to get away from all of it. He could still walk at that time and of course we did all the things in San Francisco. My favorite memories of that trip was walking on the beach with my dog and my brother. That evening we went to the Beach Blanket Babylon Show, a local live show in San Francisco, I remember Dallas saying we need to sit in the back in case I need to stand for a while. Little did he know I had received front and center seated in Don Johnson's reserved seat called Producers Row. He complained all the way up to sitting down. After the show he said, “The past 2 hours were so nice I didn’t think about the kids or the accident, my cheeks are sore from laughing.” Every time I visited him in Otho, he would say “Boy - that was so fun!”

08/21/2021

As we get ready for next week’s event, enjoy some stories shared by those that love Dallas.
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I thought I would write you a short note about my interactions and memories of Dallas. Here goes:

I first met Dallas assisting a lady with MS on an advocate committee in 2002. I then helped organize a camp clean up day with Dallas that year as well. We had a group from Black Hills Works that took part in this "clean up day" that included people supported, direct care staff and even the CEO. Dallas of course was right in the midst of projects with everyone that was there. We stayed in touch and throughout the years I have been involved in supporting a group from Black Hills Works in camping at Otho each year. This began around 2002 and this group of people supported and staff still do an annual camping trip each year. Everyone looks forward to it all year. It is the highlight of their summer. We have made so many great memories and friendships at Meeting the need.

My Husband and I have a very conjoined family. As our children become adults Christmas became very difficult for all of us to get together. So instead of planning family activities around the holidays- We began a new tradition of camping at Meeting the Need over father's day each year. 2020 was our 6th year to do this. This gives the kids and grandkids time to be together and time to just enjoy each other's company. It is my favorite time of year. There are now 26 of us when we are all together. What other location could we do this at and enjoy ourselves so much.

We are so blessed to be involved in "meeting the need" and all it has to offer. I feel very lucky to have shared this experience with my children and grandchildren. I am looking forward to many more years of camping at Meeting the Need.

Dallas knew everyone, and was a true friend to everyone he met. Dallas always took the time to talk to everyone and always had a warm way of making you feel welcome and loved. Dallas never complained about things in his own life. His positive passion for life was contagious! It was impossible to walk away from Dallas without a smile on your face and a joy in your heart.

Thank you for sharing Dallas with all of us. He was a true blessing to everyone.

Kari Thompson
Rapid City, South Dakota.

01/22/2021

This day was made sweeter by the joining of two heroes: Dallas Dietrich and John Paul Dejoria.

Both shinning examples of how to look for the opportunity in life to be in service to others. Brought together by a love of the open road, and great conversations between like minds.

We will be sharing part of one of those conversation, later this week!