WHAT'S NEW | NOVEMBER 2026
Grateful Hearts, Full Plates & a Whole Lot to Be Thankful For!
Hello, November! The season of gratitude has officially arrived! It's time for family gatherings, delicious food, cherished traditions, and that annual debate over whether pumpkin pie or pecan pie deserves the last spot on your plate.
Here in Mesa, Arizona, we're trading scorching summer afternoons for beautiful fall weather, and I couldn't be more thankful!
I'm Yonni Castillo, your local State Farm agent, and this month I want to celebrate something that means the world to me: YOU!
Behind every policy is a person, a family, a dream, or a story worth protecting. Being trusted to help safeguard those stories is something I never take for granted.
November reminds us that the greatest blessings in life aren't wrapped in fancy packaging. They're found around dinner tables, in unexpected acts of kindness, in the laughter of loved ones, and in knowing someone has your back when life gets complicated.
So pull up a chair, grab something pumpkin-flavored, and let's make this November one to remember!
November is more than turkey and touchdowns!
November is packed with meaningful national initiatives that remind us to appreciate our health, honor our heroes, celebrate family, and spread kindness. Here are some causes especially close to the heart of our community.
Native American Heritage Month — Honoring Our Roots, Celebrating Our Stories
Arizona is home to incredible Indigenous cultures, traditions, and communities. This month, we recognize the history, resilience, and lasting contributions of Native Americans.
Our community is stronger because of the different stories that make it whole. Let's celebrate those stories with respect, appreciation, and a willingness to learn.
National Family Caregivers Month — Not All Superheroes Wear Capes
Some wear scrubs. Some wear pajamas. Some run on three hours of sleep and reheated coffee.
This month, we celebrate the remarkable people who care for loved ones with patience, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
If you're a caregiver, I hope someone reminds you that your kindness matters and that you deserve care, too.
Love isn't always loud. Sometimes it's simply showing up, again and again.
National Diabetes Month — Your Health Is Worth Celebrating
Life gets busy, and taking care of ourselves sometimes lands somewhere between laundry and cleaning out the garage. But your health deserves a front-row seat! This month is a wonderful reminder to prioritize healthy habits, appropriate screenings, and conversations with your healthcare professional. Your health deserves to be a priority, because taking care of yourself means being there for the people and moments that matter most!
National Adoption Month — Family Is Built with Love
Families come together in beautiful and different ways. Adoption reminds us that love isn't measured by DNA, but by commitment, belonging, and the moments that turn a house into a home.
Here's to every family making room in their hearts and lives for someone to call their own.
Because family isn't just who we come from. It's who we show up for.
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month — Love Remembers
Some of life's most precious treasures are our memories. This November, we recognize individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and the families who walk beside them.
Let's lead with patience, compassion, and understanding.
Even when memories fade, the love we share continues to matter.
National Military Family Month — Behind Every Hero Is a Family of Heroes
Military families know the meaning of sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional support.
This month, we recognize the spouses, children, parents, and loved ones whose strength helps make service possible.
To our military families: Your courage doesn't go unnoticed, and your sacrifices are deeply appreciated.
More causes worth celebrating
November also recognizes National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, COPD Awareness Month, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Prematurity Awareness Month, National Long-Term Care Awareness Month, Men's Health Awareness Month (Movember), and National Gratitude Month.
Every one of these initiatives reminds us that compassion, education, and community support can change lives. You never know what someone else may be going through, so whenever possible, choose kindness.
November 2026: Important dates to remember
November includes two official U.S. federal holidays: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day.
NOV 1 Daylight Saving Time Ends
Most of the country turns clocks back, but Arizona keeps doing its own thing! Most of our state stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round. One less clock to change, one more reason to love Arizona.
NOV 3 Election Day
Your voice matters! Make time to participate in our democracy, research the issues that matter to you, and make your vote count.
NOV 11 Veterans Day
Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication deserve more than a single day of gratitude. To our veterans and military families, thank you for your service.
NOV 13 World Kindness Day
A compliment costs nothing. A helping hand can mean everything. And sometimes, a simple 'I'm thinking of you' is exactly what someone needs. Be the reason someone smiles today.
NOV 14 World Diabetes Day
A reminder that knowledge, healthy habits, and supportive communities make a difference. Encourage the people you love to prioritize their health.
NOV 19 Great American Smokeout
Every meaningful change begins with a single step. Today is a reminder that healthier choices can lead to brighter tomorrows. Let's encourage and celebrate those taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle, because every step forward is worth celebrating!
NOV 26 Thanksgiving Day
May your home be filled with laughter, your table surrounded by loved ones, and your heart overflowing with gratitude. And may whoever is in charge of the turkey remember to set the timer!
NOV 27 Native American Heritage Day & Black Friday
Take time to recognize Indigenous history and contributions. If you're shopping, remember that a great deal is only great if you actually need it. Your wallet will thank you later!
NOV 28 Small Business Saturday
Shop small, dream big! Every local purchase helps support a neighbor, a family, and a dream. Let's show our Mesa entrepreneurs some love.
A little November wisdom
As we head into the holiday season, I find myself thinking about how quickly life moves.
One minute we're making New Year's resolutions, and the next we're wondering how Thanksgiving snuck up on us. Seriously, wasn't it just January?
But here's something I've come to appreciate: Life isn't measured by how much we accomplish. It's measured by the moments we share and the people we love. It's the family dinners that run a little too long, the hugs we wish could last forever, the unexpected phone calls that brighten our day, and the people who stand beside us when life doesn't go according to plan. That's what inspires me every day as a State Farm agent. It's not just about insurance. It's about the people, families, dreams, and memories that make life worth protecting. And I'm incredibly grateful to be part of that journey.
Before you pass the gravy, let's talk about protecting what matters!
The holiday season brings plenty of excitement, but it can also bring surprises. And while surprises are wonderful when they involve pumpkin pie, they're not nearly as fun when they involve unexpected expenses.
Here's a little November food for thought:
Home insurance: Are you confident your coverage reflects the home and belongings you've worked so hard for?
Auto insurance: Planning holiday road trips? Make sure you understand your coverage before hitting the highway.
Life insurance: The greatest gift isn't always something wrapped under a tree. Sometimes, it's knowing you've taken steps to help protect your family's future.
Business insurance: Small businesses are the heart of our community. Let's make sure yours has coverage that fits its changing needs.
No pressure. No complicated conversations. Just an opportunity to ask questions, explore options, and head into the holiday season with a little more confidence.
From my State Farm family to yours
This Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to say something that doesn't get said nearly enough. Thank you. Thank you for trusting me, supporting my agency, sharing your stories, referring your friends and family, and allowing me to be part of this wonderful Mesa community. Whether you've been part of our State Farm family for years or are just getting to know us, please know that you're appreciated. My wish for you this November is simple:
May you find joy in the little things, strength in life's challenges, laughter in unexpected places, and countless reasons to be grateful.
May your blessings be bigger than your worries, your memories sweeter than your pumpkin pie, and your Thanksgiving pants wonderfully forgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! With heartfelt gratitude,
Yonni Castillo
Your Local State Farm Agent
Mesa, Arizona
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Let's Head Into the Holidays with Confidence!
Have questions about your coverage? Need a quote? Or simply want to make sure your insurance is keeping up with life's changes?
My team and I would love to help! Call or Text 24/7: 480-761-2417. Protecting what matters most, one family at a time.
About Me
I am a native of Lansing, MI, and have been a resident in the Mesa community since 2013. I have over 15 years of State Farm Claims background and have served in various leadership roles over my career. I take pride in being active and engaged in community service. I hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a Specialization in Chicano/Latino Studies from Michigan State University and an associate’s degree in media technology from Lansing Community College.
Faith, family, community, music and athletics are all strong values of mine. I have been married to my amazing wife Raquel since 1999. We have four adult children (Jasmine, Aliciana, Alexis, and Yonni Jr), four grandchildren (Jasai, Aleia, Ayana, Theori, and our newest addition Jru Julian), and enjoy creating memories and spending time as a family. I am a weekend musician and also love basketball and golf. I am passionate about my Latino culture and devote much of my time to diversity and inclusion community projects and events. I feel privileged to create a safe space where all are respected and have a voice at the table. I work to provide opportunities for everyone to excel, develop, and have opportunities to achieve their dreams. I am not just a work colleague, I am a true friend, mentor, leader, and an ally to those who might not otherwise be heard. I am a man of action. I am honored to open our agency and through our outreach in insurance and financial products for individual and family needs, we pledge to grow the sense of community and belonging in the Mesa area.
About Us
Today as your local State Farm Insurance Agent in the greater Mesa area, our team will provide you the right insurance coverage at every stage of your life. No matter how complex your needs are, my team and I keep one simple goal in mind: to help you get the coverage you need, with the personal service you’d expect from any hometown company.
At the Yonni Castillo State Farm Insurance Agency, we go beyond products to relationships. Whether it’s meeting you and your loved ones on the scene after an accident or simply being available in the grocery store to say hi, I’m here for you day and night. It’s the right thing to do, as your agent—and as your neighbor.
Specialties include: Auto, Home and Business Insurance | Life and Health Insurance |
