I was introduced recently to a woman whose name made me pause, then chuckle.

She is Kelly Kelley, a teacher at Leeds Central School who helped organize a celebration of reading with students and special guests.

“Kelly Kelley?” I asked.

“Yes, blame my husband,” Kelley said.

In news stories a person is referred to by their last name on second reference. In this case it doesn’t matter, except for the second e.

She’s been Kelly Kelley since 1992 when she married Peter Kelley.

When meeting other people, they are often puzzled by her name, she said.

“They hesitate politely, get that paused look. I say, ‘Yes you did hear right, and yes it is my husband’s fault.'”

She has it down to a routine.

— Bonnie Washuk

From Brazil to Oregon, er, Maine

What’s the difference between PWM and PDX? About 3,000 miles.

Last year, at the invitation of Art Moves’ owner Debi Irons, a troupe of dancers from Natal in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Norte traveled to Norway to participate in an ongoing cultural exchange of ideas and art.

The Art Moves Dance Ensemble and the Alberto Maranhao Theater Dance Company worked together for weeks to choreograph a joint dance performance of music from the 1940s, celebrating the big-band era.

This year, a number of the Brazilian dancers decided to return to Maine and booked flights to Portland. Unfortunately, among the group, three dancers booked flights to Portland, Ore.

The code for the Portland International Airport in Oregon is PDX. The Portland International Jetport in Maine is PWM. 

When the mistake was realized, it took a number of travel agency visits in Natal and phone calls from Irons to the airline — plus $500 — to rebook the flights.

In talking with the airline, Irons was told the booking confusion to the respective Portlands is not usual.

The dancers will be in Norway from March 6-16 for classes and public performances before returning to Brazil.

As for Portland, Ore.? They’re not going there.

— Judith Meyer