History, I suppose, could be termed a collection of overlapping circles.

Announcement of an upcoming job fair at Procter & Gamble’s plant is part of one, as is election of the parish’s next new judge.

Bear with me –

P&G has been a coveted job site since it opened in 1969. As it expands it needs 100 new employees, and hopes it will find them among those attending the recruiting event on July 26.

There will be food trucks, children’s attractions and special music at the Randolph Riverfront Center from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. as P&G representatives woo prospective employees.

The plant’s initial manager was Gordon Denker, who actually arrived more than a year before the opening.

His courting municipal and parish officials led to a friendship with Robert Cespiva. “Bob” as he was known to most folks was a Pineville councilman.

He was also a teacher/coach and would become assistant principal at Pineville High and eventually the first principal at J.I. Barron Elementary.

The two had seemingly disparate interests and a common distinction, one that perhaps weaved their bond.

Cespiva, U.S. Navy 1942-45, held the Bronze Star, awarded after saving an aviator shot down in the Battle of Saipan.

Denker, U.S. Army, also held the Bronze Star, awarded for rescues during Korean War’s Battle of Pusan.

That service was perhaps what made them friends of my father, U.S. Navy fighter pilot, WWII, Distinguished Flying Cross.

Or maybe it was Mr. Denker’s interest in fishing and sports cars. My Dad was an ardent angler and never saw a fast car he didn’t covet.

Or maybe Mr. Cespiva’s baseball background was part of it. Both he and my father had a passion for the sport.

Confession — the friendships served me well as a neophyte journalist at the local daily newspaper.

And now we have Judge-elect Brian Cespiva. He’ll take the Ninth Judicial District bench in October, unopposed for election to fill a seat being vacated earlier in the month.

Best I can recall (not that foolproof at my point on the timeline) we’ve never met.

But those who know him tell me he is no doubt his father’s son.

Good enough for me.