Announcement is made of the engagement of Joyce A. Varner, formerly of Washington County, and Thomas W. Nickel, formerly of Johnstown. They both now reside in Waynesburg.

Her parents are Darlene J. Varner of Upper St. Clair and the late James R. Varner Sr.

His parents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Nickel.

The bride-to-be is employed by Canonsburg General Hospital. Her fiance is a longwall foreman at a local mine company.

Thomas proposed at a surprise birthday party he threw for Joyce.

They plan to be married in the near future.