Using part of a $10,000 donation from SEMASS, Selectmen awarded two groups with funds to bolster community events.

A representative from the waste to energy facility appeared before the board Monday night. He said the donation would be given annually for various community groups to use.

“It’s a privilege to support the town of Rochester. You’ve always been very supportive of our project, and we appreciate that,” said Richard O’Connor, waste manager for SEMASS.

Selectmen approved a request from Rochester Country Fair organizers for $5,000 to offset costs associated with the August event.

The Rochester Lions Club was awarded $700 for the group’s Leprechaun Race, scheduled for March 12. That event raises money for summer programs at Plumb Library. Those funds will pay for a police detail.

O’Connor also presented Selectmen with a $10,000 check to defray the cost of a new firetruck, purchased last year.

O’Connor noted that of the four Covanta-operated plants in Massachusetts, Rochester’s is the largest, processing 1.2 million tons of refuse a year, which is enough to power 75,000 homes annually.

“We definitely appreciate SEMASS being in town and all your company does for us,” said Town Administrator Mike McCue.