Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Greenville, SC

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Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions

Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.

Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.

We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Greenville or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.

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Guiding You Through The Confusion of Medicare!

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What is Medicare?

If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.

There are four parts of Medicare:

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Greenville, SC

This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.

This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.

This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.

Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).

The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:

What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.

Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Greenville

Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.

Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.

Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:

Deductibles

Copayments

Coinsurance

Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance

To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:

As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:

To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.

Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.

For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Greenville is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Greenville, SC

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:

Preferred Provider Organizations
Special Needs Plans
Private Fee-for-Service
Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
Health Maintenance Organizations

In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work

Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).

Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.

When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.

Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules

Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Greenville. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.

Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:

If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor

Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.

Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance

How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.

We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.

The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment

Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:

Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.
Listening to your specific needs.
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude.
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.

Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Ice on Main: Live Out Your Winter Dreams On The Ice In Downtown Greenville, SC

Ready to skate at Ice on Main in Downtown Greenville? You heard that right; you can go ice skating outdoors in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, on natural, actual ice this holiday and winter season. One of America’s favorite winter traditions, open-air ice skating outdoors is a rare treat. You can celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Greenville at United Community Bank Ice on Main. So bring your perfect balance, all your grace, or just your two left feet, and have some fun. Rent some skates, enjoy a hot chocola...

Greenville’s 2023/2024 skating season will begin on November 15th, 2023 and run through January 15th, 2024. So grab your family and find out what you’ll need to hit the rink this winter! We have all the details on rink hours, special promotions, advanced tickets, and more.

Looking for more fun winter things to do in Greenville, SC? Be sure to check out our Winter Guide to Greenville!

Scenes from Ice on Main

Want to see what skating at Ice on Main looks like? Here’s a video from our visit to Ice on Main with all the sights and sounds of outdoor skating in Downtown Greenville.

Greenville, South Carolina, may not freeze over often, but the city has a skating rink during the winter months just waiting to test your skills.

Ice On Main in Greenville, South Carolina

There is something so special about Ice on Main in downtown Greenville. Maybe it’s the beautiful location right in downtown or maybe it’s the overhead lights or maybe it’s just knowing that you can make those fantastic memories with your family right here in Greenville.

It doesn’t even matter if you’re a horrible skater. We’re in the South! It’s not like we have frozen lakes everywhere to practice on. Even if you’re hugging the side of the rink, it’s still really fun. Or you can hold hands with your kids or significant other and just hope you both don’t go falling over together.

Either way, I think Ice on Main should definitely be on your to-do list for winter in Greenville.

Ice On Main is Great for Beginners: Skate Aids

One of the unique features of Ice on Main, over other local rinks, is the skate aids that they offer. The plastic walker-shaped aid has handles and gives children 12 and under something to hold on to instead of the railing on the side of the rink. These are first-come, first-served, and is an additional $3 rental fee. Be sure to arrive early to secure one, as they sometimes run out during peak times.

Skating is open to all age skaters. However, the smallest rental skate is a children’s size 8, and the largest adult size is a Men’s size 13.

Skate Rentals Are Included, But You Can Bring Your Own

Bringing your skates won’t save you money on tickets, because rental skates are included in the admission price.

But for those who skate regularly or plan to, bringing your own skates is definitely an option.

If you think you or your child will be on the ice all winter long, purchasing them a pair of skates might be a good idea. You could continue the fun at The Pavilion in Taylors after Ice on Main is done for the season.

Out On The Ice

Each session is an hour long, and while they accept walk-up skaters if space allows, making a reservation is recommended. There’s a restroom right next to the rink and a concession shed with drinks and snacks. To make the most of the hour, try and take care of potty breaks before your session begins. There’s no place to secure your belongings while on the ice, so only bring what you can carry if everyone in your party will be on the ice.

If skating works up an appetite, here’s a guide to restaurants in Downtown Greenville to check out this winter.

2023/2024 Season Ice On Main Info

Sessions are hour-long and are non-refundable. Check Ice on Main’s Facebook page before heading out, as sometimes the weather will close the rink.

Advance Ticket Purchases are not required but encouraged.

The 2023/2024 Ice on Main season will begin on November 15th and run through January 15th, 2024. Operating hours vary on Holidays. For the Holiday Hours, check the times on the Ice On Main website.

Birthday Parties

Did you know you can rent the ice rink for a birthday party or other special event? You can! You receive $2 off per ticket and must purchase 30 tickets to receive the discount and rent the rink.

Private bookings are available Monday through Friday (2 – 5 pm), with blackout dates for discounted rink rentals being November 24 – 26, December 17 – January 2, and January 17.

Check Ice on Main’s Facebook page for other themed and promotional night announcements.

Parking and Location

Ice on Main is located in the courtyard in front of the Courtyard Marriott at 206 South Main Street. The hotel has a parking garage, and there are other Downtown Greenville Parking Facilities available nearby.

Skate on the Big Ice in December in Greenville, SC

Love ice skating and want to have a fun winter experience doing the winter sport in Greenville, SC? We’ve got just the place for you at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for Skating on the Big Ice.I love ice skating in Greenville, SC and honestly, I can ice skate and not fall (often). I just can’t stop, which means I’m eternally grateful for all the space at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and the sideboards. I had plenty of opportunities to practice though and teach my kids a little about how to hold t...

Love ice skating and want to have a fun winter experience doing the winter sport in Greenville, SC? We’ve got just the place for you at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for Skating on the Big Ice.

I love ice skating in Greenville, SC and honestly, I can ice skate and not fall (often). I just can’t stop, which means I’m eternally grateful for all the space at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and the sideboards. I had plenty of opportunities to practice though and teach my kids a little about how to hold their own on the ice at Skating on the Big Ice, which happens in December at the arena.

Scenes from Skating on the Big Ice

What will you see when you head to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for some ice skating this December? Take a look at this video for a little sneak peek.

Skating on the Big Ice

The Bon Secours Wellness Arena has been offering Skating on the Big Ice for several years and I’ve always had such a great time with my family there. The ice rink is enormous – the same size they use for the Swamp Rabbits hockey games – and there is plenty of space no matter how many people are skating.

The atmosphere is quite festive as Christmas music is pumped into the arena. Feel free to sing along to the tunes – it’s fun! Even if you are awful at ice skating, you can use a complimentary ice walker that you hold onto and push along in front of you as you skate. Or you know, cling to the sides as you test your skating skills.

There are also fun sleds to pull younger kids along the ice. I tried this solely for the reason of writing it about it. It looked hard because you have to not fall yourself while dragging a kid along with you. It wasn’t exactly easy but it wasn’t hard either. The sled slid easily along the ice and the hardest thing was trying to make sure I didn’t hit anyone else while dragging it along (mission accomplished).

Two Hours of Skating + Skate Rentals

You get two hours of skating time with your admission and your skate rentals are included in the ticket price. The employees at the arena are so incredibly kind and helpful. We had to switch out our skates a few times to find the right size and they were accommodating and patient.

The woman at the rink helping people with the ice walkers was totally on top of her game, switching them out quickly and helping people on and off the ice. And I had cut my finger while tying the skates onto one of my kids and an employee quickly got me a Band-Aid. Everyone was wonderful and I want to give a shout-out to all the employees helping to make that experience a good one for all the people participating.

Parking at the Arena: Bon Secours Ice Skating

You get to be a VIP when you go skating at the arena because you can park in the VIP lot right off Church Street. It’s exciting, I promise. And parking is free so even better.

When you pull into the lot, park all the way to the left near the fence and look for signs pointing to the back entrance to the arena. Don’t go up the stairs as you would for an event at the arena. You’ll walk down a ramp on the left into the back entrance to the secret door and begin your adventure.

Skate Roll & Stroll ADA Sessions

The arena again usually offers Skate Roll & Stroll ADA sessions for 2023. These are totally free and equipment is provided. 2023 dates are December 19th and 27th from Noon-2 pm both days.

Santa at Skating on the Big Ice

Not only can you go ice skating during Winter Break but if you weren’t able to get Santa photos, you can do so at your session before Christmas. Santa is there ready to pose for free photos (bring your own camera) with a pretty Christmas tree. Santa’s Wonderland will be open December 16, 17, and 21 from Noon-2 pm and 3-5 pm.

There are also concessions available for purchase like hot chocolate and soft pretzels. Yum.

Tickets and Skates

Tickets are $15 per person and include your skate rentals. You can also bring your own skates. We saw plenty of expert skaters whirring past us who definitely knew what they were doing and brought their own skates.

You can purchase Skating on the Big Ice Tickets online or just buy them when you get there. You’ve got two full hours of skating per session so there’s lots of time to enjoy the ice. Ice walkers and sleds are first come, first serve. They have plenty of ice walkers though. Tickets are card only, cash is not accepted.

The smallest size skate the arena has is 7 little kids. We saw kids as young as maybe four years old skating. It was impressive.

Tips to Enjoy Skating on the Big Ice

Here are a few ways to get the most out of your time skating on the big ice:

2023 Skating on the Big Ice Dates

Need other ideas of things to do over winter break in Greenville? See our winter break things to do list of more than 50 ideas!

Bon Secours Wellness Arena650 North Academy Street, Greenville

The Ultimate Guide to Day Trips Near Upstate, SC

Are you looking for day trips near Greenville, SC? You have found our official Kidding Around Day Trip Headquarters! We have compiled our ever-expansive list of day trip offerings to one page, where you can easily find your desired trip, fuel your wanderlust, and still have the kiddos back by bedtime! Happy adventuring!Where Would You Like to Take A Day Trip?SC Day Trips...

Where Would You Like to Take A Day Trip?

SC Day Trips

Upstate, SC Day Trips

Columbia, SC Day Trip Ideas

Charleston, SC Day Trips

NC Day Trips

Western North Carolina Day Trips

Charlotte, NC Day Trips

Georgia Day Trip Ideas

Tennessee Day Trips

Educational Day Trips

Day Trips By Season

Holiday Day Trips

South Carolina Day Trips: Day Trips Near Greenville, SC

Looking for a day trip in South Carolina? Start with our South Carolina Day Trips list or view all our SC day trip content by city below!

To get you started, try this list of Easy Day Trip Towns. If you just want to explore a town, grab some coffee, maybe visit a park, or do some light hiking, this is the list for you. Check out these day trip-worthy towns near South Carolina’s Upstate area.

These Upstate, SC day trip destinations are all very close to Greenville, SC. Getting your day trip feet wet with getting out and about with the kids? Or even scarier…first time AWAY from the kids! Baby steps are where it’s at. Stay close to home with these great nearby options that are easy to get to, and you can be back by nap time! We have local ideas like Table Rock State Park or the South Carolina Botanical Garden, in addition to places that are only a 45 minute drive from Greenville.

Home of the Riverbanks Zoo, State Capitol Building, the natural beauty of Lake Murray, the Columbia Museum of Art, and Edventure (and all of the other great spring break day trips you’ve ever wanted to try, but didn’t have the time)! It is considered the largest city in SC, and has so much to offer. A quick hour and a half drive down the interstate, Columbia has it all within your reach!

Charleston is one of the most popular day trips near Greenville, SC. The lovely low country…home to beautiful historic downtown Charleston for the grown-ups, and so many awesome options for the kids! The South Carolina Aquarium, Children’s Museum, and the beaches make this dreamy destination a hit any time of year. Here’s our Travel Guide to Charleston: Where To Stay, Eat, And Play! so you don’t miss any of the fun. Or, check out some of these favorite places in Charleston, SC to spend the day.

North Carolina Day Trips: Day Trips Near Greenville, SC

Venturing a little further? You need to check out our Western North Carolina Day Trip Guide! The mountain views are SO stunning…especially if you plan a trip in the fall! Peep those leaves on the Blue Ridge Parkway while you’re at it!

This trip is one of our reader favorites! You do not want to miss this Driving Tour: Stunning Waterfalls in NC That Involve No Hiking that are nestled in the blue ridge mountains throughout SC and NC.

But WNC is a great place for a day trip any time of year. Don’t miss the “Secret Season” in Western North Carolina for Budget-Friendly Family Adventures

Here are some destinations that make great day trips in the Western North Carolina area:

Day Trips in Asheville, NC:

Brevard, NC Day Trip Ideas:

Day Trips in Cashiers, NC:

Flat Rock, NC Day Trips:

Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC:

Visit Linville, NC:

Rutherfordton, NC:

Waynesville, NC:

A little over an hour and a half from the Upstate, Charlotte is the perfect day trip destination. The charming city is lively, with a fun downtown area equipped with great restaurants and shopping! Added bonus: there is no shortage of activities in the Queen City for both adults and kiddos alike! Check out our list below:

Georgia Day Trips

World of Coca Cola, The Atlanta Zoo, The Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain, Fernbank, the World Series Champs, the list goes on! Is there anything Atlanta doesn’t have? We have even included surrounding suburban and North Georgia areas that are jam-packed with options to make your day trip just peachy!

Tennessee Day Trips

Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, the Queen of Country’s Dollywood, and The Great Smokies…let’s just say that Tennessee is a must-see!

Chattanooga, TN

Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville, TN

Educational Day Trips

Learn On The Road Any Day, Any Time!

Check out these awesome educational day trip ideas near Upstate, SC that are great for kiddos who are not yet in school, and perfect for our homeschooling families! We’ve compiled great options throughout Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee!

Day Trips By The Seasons: Day Trips Near Greenville, SC

Brrr! Baby, it’s cold outside! Enjoy the great outdoors and discover the magic in the mountains!

Spring has sprung, and what better time to get outside?! Check out these 26+ Fun Spring Day Trips full of all the best picnic, hiking, and gardens throughout the Carolinas!

Summer, Summer, Summertime! The summer is a state of mind, so when all else fails…take a little vacay! Here’s our HUGE list of Awesome Summer Day Trips from Greenville, SC to get you started. Or, check out some of these favorites:

Happy Fall, Y’all! For so many of us, this begins our favorite time of the year! Between apple picking, pumpkin patches, farm trips and the cooler temps, we’re big fans of fall because it is a truly happy time of year to venture out and about! Our Fall Day Trip Guide is full of great ideas. Or, just pick one of these fall favorites.

Holiday Day Trips Near Greenville, SC

‘Tis the Season for holiday day trip guides! From the start of Spooky Season all the way to Christmas, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Boo! Our spooky day trips will put a spell on you! Click below to see why we’re so glad we live in a world where there are Octobers, because this post includes all of the happy hauntings that the Carolinas have to offer!

Christmas in the Carolinas and Beyond! Click below for all of the merriment you can muster while you make memories in Western North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and the Upstate of South Carolina.

SC's largest Nativity Scene is located in Taylors. Here's the story behind its design.

For a long time, Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors had searched for a larger Nativity Scene for Christmas, when the church's patronal feast takes place. The new Nativity would replace the smaller one they previously owned.Pastor Christopher Smith credits parish secretary Maria Rauch as "the mastermind" behind the church's seasonal decorations. Rauch, who helps decorate the church, came up with the id...

Pastor Christopher Smith credits parish secretary Maria Rauch as "the mastermind" behind the church's seasonal decorations. Rauch, who helps decorate the church, came up with the idea of the Nativity scene after her husband unexpectedly passed away.

"She wanted to honor his memory and got many of our parishioners excited about getting a beautiful Nativity while COVID was going on as a sign of hope in the midst of the pandemic," Smith said.

The church commissioned ALBL Oberammergau in Germany to design the life-size, hand-carved Nativity scene. They have been known for doing fine craftsmanship for churches since 1556. The request would become the single largest commission done in their history.

On the afternoon of Dec. 23, 2021, the life-sized Nativity was unveiled to the public. Hand-carved figures feature an angel and Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, Joseph, the three wise men, a lamb, camel, ox, donkey, shepherd and sheep.

"It is, as far as we know, the largest indoor Nativity in a Catholic Church in South Carolina, and we have tried to discover a larger one in any church and have not found one yet," Smith said.

Smith said the Nativity was made possible through private donations.

The church wants to share the extraordinary blessing of the Great Nativity as a new classic masterpiece of artistic beauty to lift the hearts of all who come and visit with joy and hope through the visual representation of the story of Christmas, Smith said.

"The message of Christmas is that God loves each one of us enough to come into our lives and that His presence brings joy and hope even in the darkest of times," he said.

Visitors are welcome to see the Nativity at Prince of Peace Catholic Church between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Feb. 2, which is the Feast of the presentation of the child Jesus into the Temple and the close of the Catholic Christmas season. The image of the Christ Child is enshrined in the Great Nativity during a procession after the Masses at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and midnight on Christmas Eve. The church is located at 1209 Brushy Creek Road in Taylors.

Smith hopes the Nativity continues to inspire families for many more Christmases.

"It is a sign of hope and beauty, and it is wonderful to see so many people light up with joy when they see it," he said.

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

List ranks SC No. 1 state for US movers in 2023. Greenville a Top 5 city. What to know.

In 2023, South Carolina remains the No. 1 hotspot for American movers, with Greenville placing No. 5 when it comes to top cities for incoming residents.MoveBuddha analyzed post-pandemic trends and patterns to determine popular states and cities and why they chose to move there.South Carolina, North Carolina and Montana led moves out-of-state for 2020 through 2023.In addition to the allure of ...

In 2023, South Carolina remains the No. 1 hotspot for American movers, with Greenville placing No. 5 when it comes to top cities for incoming residents.

MoveBuddha analyzed post-pandemic trends and patterns to determine popular states and cities and why they chose to move there.

South Carolina, North Carolina and Montana led moves out-of-state for 2020 through 2023.

In addition to the allure of warm weather and proximity to sandy beaches, the report also states South Carolina is 11.5% cheaper than the national average in terms of cost of living. When it comes to the great outdoors, remote workers looking for an escape in nature can enjoy activities such as sailing and hiking.

Urban areas like California, New Jersey and Connecticut had significantly more outbound moves than inbound. When it comes to the most searched states with at least 10K mover queries, North Carolina, Florida and Colorado attracted the highest proportions of inflow in 2023.

From Crybaby Bridge to Gassaway Mansion:9 haunted spots in Greenville, Upstate SC

Areas like Greenville are experiencing growth due to affordability, a steady climate and better access to outdoor activities, while expensive areas drive Americans away when cost of living becomes a challenge. Greenville's strong job market also makes it a desirable city to live in, with many work opportunities in healthcare, tech and manufacturing industries.

Nearby Asheville (No. 1) and Myrtle Beach (No. 3) were also in the Top 5 for most popular cities for movers.

Here is a closer look at the most popular and least popular states:

Most Popular States of 2023

? No. 1: South Carolina, 2.11

? No. 2: Hawaii, 1.91

? No. 3: Alaska, 1.82

? No. 4: North Carolina, 1.74

? No. 5: Montana, 1.74

? No. 6: West Virginia, 1.69

? No. 7: Tennessee, 1.62

? No. 8: Arkansas, 1.49

? No. 9: Maine, 1.49

? No. 10: South Dakota, 1.43

Least Popular States of 2023

? No. 1: California, 0.54

? No. 2: New Jersey, 0.64

? No. 3: Connecticut, 0.54

? No. 4: Ohio, 0.77

? No. 5: Maryland, 0.77

? No. 6: Illinois, 0.79

? No. 7: Nebraska, 0.79

? No. 8: Massachusetts, 0.81

? No. 9: Louisiana, 0.81

? No.10: Pennsylvania, 0.83

See where we rank:Greenville in Top 5 on Conde Nast list for best small cities in US.

Top Cities to move to in 2023:

? No. 1: Asheville, North Carolina, 3.01

? No. 2: Ocala, Florida, 2.94

? No. 3: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 2.87

? No. 4: Dillon, Colorado, 2.46

? No. 5: Greenville, South Carolina, 2.28

? No. 6: Saint Augustine, Florida, 2.15

? No. 7: Wilmington, North Carolina, 2.02

? No. 8: Franklin, Tennessee, 2

? No. 9: Pensacola, Florida, 1.99

? No. 10: Kissimmee, Florida, 1.98

Exit Cities of 2023

? No. 1: Bakersfield, California, 0.48

? No. 2:Bronx, New York, 0.49

? Oakland, California, 0.51

? Stamford, Connecticut, 0.53

? San Mateo, California, 0.55

? Sunnyvale, California, 0.55

? Pasadena, California, 0.55

? Fresno, California, 0.56

? San Jose, California, 0.57

? Columbus, Ohio, 0.58