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Diane Graham

Current Role: Hidden Gems Writer and Researcher
Iowa writer and editor Diane Graham graduated from Drake University and immediately joined the Des Moines Register and Tribune. For more than three decades, she did a little bit of everything there before stepping away as a managing editor to devote more time to family and freelancing. Gardening is her escape along with exploring central Iowa’s parks on long walks. Best trivia fact: She saw the Beatles live in concert. Though an Indiana native, she definitely considers herself an Iowan and loves meeting the state’s Hidden Gems. 

As Donna Hay neared her ninth decade, she discovered a new passion. At age 88, she taught herself to paint by watching classes online. Now almost 92, this Mitchellville woman’s selling her works and teaching classes to others. Meet our February Hidden Gem.
Cedar Rapids lawyer and ventriloquist Dennis Naughton can’t think about retiring. He’s still busy “doing good” and creating smiles. Meet our first Hidden Gem, a monthly Iowa AARP showcase for remarkable Iowans over 50 doing fascinating things. Since he was a boy, Denny and his ventriloquist act have teamed up for a life of adventures. And even in a pandemic, he hasn’t stopped.
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