Rita Dube, left, executive director of the Franco American Heritage Center, receives the results of her free cholesterol screen from clinical research nurse Marissa Tardif of Maine Research Associates at July’s La Rencontre at the Franco American Heritage Center. Dr. Dervilla McCann, cardiologist at Androscoggin Cardiology Associates and investigator at Maine Research Associates, spoke about the genetic connection between high levels of cholesterol in the high percentage of Franco Americans in the Lewiston-Auburn area. McCann provided information to the audience about familial hypercholesterolemia and the link to the original French families who founded Quebec. To learn more about the work of Maine Research Associates or to volunteer in a clinical research trial, contact Maine Research Associates at Two Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, at 782-9835 or visit www.maineresearchassociates.com.