Lisa Josephsohn went to LA for more cancer treatment and tests last week. Everyone knows that having to go somewhere to deal with cancer is the pits, but Lisa wouldn't have missed this trip for the world. Here's why: When she and her friends were leaving Orso's after lunch Friday she heard a familiar voice behind her. She turned and there he was, her idol Mel Brooks, the very talented comedian, actor, producer and director. Lisa fired off an e-mail to me: “;Now, I've met more than my share of celebrities over the years ... but Mel Brooks! I went crazy and said, 'I sleep with you every night.' “; Lisa said that after Mel recovered, she told him about her cat, Mel Brooks Josephsohn, and her second of three cats, Harrison Ford Josephsohn. “;He was delighted. He introduced us to Alan Ladd Jr. (I resisted yelling 'Come back Shane').”; He pointed to his other friend wearing a big hat and said, “;You know him from 'Harry and Tonto.' “; Lisa could not ID him. Lisa said she was thrilled that Mel touched her face. While all this was going on, Amanda Schull took photos of Lisa and Mel. Others from Hawaii at the luncheon were Natalie Parker and Rebecca Davis ...

Oahu resident Richard Chamberlain will have the role of King Arthur in the national tour of the musical, “;Monty Python's Spamalot,”; when it plays Chicago's Auditorium Theatre, Jan. 20-Feb. 1. The Broadway production is scheduled to close Jan. 18. It won three Tony Awards ... Chamberlain will give readings from his memoir, “;Shattered Love,”; and from Martin Rabbett's new book, “;Forever Buster,”; starting Saturday at Borders Books & Music at Kahului, Maui, at 11 a.m. Readings follow Dec. 6 at Borders at Ward Centre at noon, and at 3 p.m. the same day at Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange. The windup is Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center ...

After reading about the Christmas tree lighting at the Kahala Resort in Saturday's Wood Craft, Kapiolani Health Foundation's Lynne Woodell sent word that the resort, for the third year in a row, is helping Kapiolani Women's & Children's Hospital pay for its holiday memorial service at Central Union Church. The service allows local families to mark the memory of babies and children who have died. It will be held at the church Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. ... The Kahala Resort's tree lighting Dec. 5, at which I get to switch on the lights, will support the Hawaii Food Bank. Resort GM John Blanco will present a check to the charity at the tree lighting and guests are urged to bring canned goods for the less fortunate ... Ed Wary is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Auntie Pasto's on Beretania Dec. 7 with a benefit for Kapiolani Hospital. It features a four-course all-you-can-eat meal with a glass of wine or a soft drink for $35. Seatings are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Call 591-9733 ...