Connections and relationships are important to Irving Lyons.

This makes sense, considering what he does. Lyons is the newest director of the Auburn-based Cayuga Community Health Network. And since he describes the network as a conduit meant to help bring the local health community together, those connections become especially important.

“Rules and regulations minus relationships equal resentment and rebellion,” Lyons said last week.

Coming from a background that includes health services and marketing, he is looking to further forge those relationships in new ways with the organization. One way will be through a fundraiser luncheon this week at the Auburn Holiday Inn.

The event, which was organized as a means to celebrate the mind, body and spirit, will feature speakers WSYR anchor Carrie Lazarus and area graphic designer Laura Coburn.

Both women have a history of working to improve the health and wellness of the community members, Lyons said.

This week#'s lunch, which is sponsored by Wegmans and other local businesses, will also feature a silent auction. It is expected to raise awareness in the community about the Community Health Network while raising money for new programming.

Lyons said he would like to see the organization begin a campaign to improve local farmers markets and use them to help promote nutrition and exercise. He also sees a possible health fair in the future.

“This is an opportunity to take a successful organization like this to the next level and have a positive impact on peoples' lives,#” Lyons said.

Founded in 1997, the Cayuga Community Health Network#'s objective is to help improve the health system in a rural community.

Lyons is the former executive director of the Native American Service Agency in Syracuse and has worked as a diversity consultant for Onondaga Community College. He is also the former director of hotel sales and marketing at Jefferson Clinton Hotel in Armory Square.

Auburn and Cayuga County are unique communities, and offer small-town friendliness that Lyons said he especially enjoys. But he said he also expects to meet the challenges unique to a rural community that include residents who don#'t have as much access to coverage or information as more populated communities.

Meeting that challenge, Lyons said, all comes back to connections and relationships.

“Building relationships is the key to building a better community,#” he said.

One of those relationships has been with Savannah Bank's local chapter, which has helped sponsor Thursday#'s luncheon. Joe Vitale of Savannah Bank said the business has had a relationship with the Cayuga Community Health Network for some time.

He said these events are a way for the business to help improve community health, despite the fact that the business works with money not medicine.

“This is a way we can give back to the community that has given us so much,#” Vitale said.

If you go

What: Mind, Body and Spirit Luncheon

When: Noon to 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 4

Where#: Holiday Inn, North Street, Auburn

Cost: $30

Tickets and information: Call 252-4212