Photo Ops:

South Cape Beach is a family friendly spot that serves as a great area for relaxing, beachcombing, and snapping some gorgeous shots on the clean white sand. South Cape Beach is also part of a state park that includes kettle ponds and salt marshes ripe for exploring. Capture a sunny, timeless picture of your family adventuring in the sun!

Favorite Spots:

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place to shop, look no farther than Mashpee Commons, an open-air shopping center located in the heart of the town. Stop by to enjoy some retail therapy, grab a bite to eat, catch the latest blockbuster, or say hello to the Cape Cod Life family! Explore the beautiful Mashpee River Woodlands, a lovely place for a hike.

Mom & Pops:

Washashore Bakery is a dream business for owner Sandy McPherson that found its home in Mashpee Commons in 2016. Their delicious baked goods are all homemade, as evidenced by the delightful aromas that consistently envelop the shop, and their whoopie pies are sure to satisfy even the most persistent sweet tooth.

Don’t Miss!

Get back to your childhood roots with the Mashpee Lobster Fest, complete with a summer-camp-style bonfire pit, traditional clambake, live music and prizes. For Oktoberfest, enjoy food and drink from local crafters and restaurateurs along with authentic German music on the Mashpee Green.

A day in the life of: Rodney Collins, Mashpee town manager and former chief of police

By Kristina Atsalis

Although he is relatively new to town hall, Mashpee Town Manager Rodney Collins is no stranger to the realm of public service. After 10 years as the Mashpee Chief of Police—marking 35 years in total as a member of a police force—Collins had become well-versed in management, budgeting and leadership.

“I have always enjoyed a greater challenge,” explains Collins. “Ending my time as chief and becoming town manager afforded me that—an opportunity for change, and a chance to utilize my knowledge on a whole new level.”

For this government official, no day goes as planned; he credits his many years in the police department for his ability to maintain the crucial, albeit cliché, persona of one who is calm, cool and collected. According to Collins, a town manager must possess several imperative qualities: a degree of mental toughness, an appreciation for facts and, most importantly, decisiveness.

“You cannot allow yourself to become consumed or stalled by emotions and opinions in a political environment,” says Collins, who stays grounded throughout the day by focusing on the clear-cut data that surrounds the issue at hand.

In an unpredictable workplace, Collins knows one thing for certain: Government functions at its best when it is familiar and connected with the people it serves. At the heart of his government and community involvement is a profound respect for the citizens of Mashpee. Collins describes the community as “vibrant” and is motivated by the selflessness and volunteerism displayed by the residents.

“Mashpee is fortunate to have a local government that operates under both professional and nonprofessional servants, all of whom perform with dedication and accountability. It is not just the full-time employees that make a difference—it’s the volunteers, their teamwork, and the strong work ethics I see on a daily basis that define this town,” says Collins.

For his part, Collins approaches every decision with an attitude that can only be described as vigorous dedication. When he is out of the office, Collins sips Cape Cod Coffee in Mashpee Commons and shows his pride—and his bias—by shopping and dining locally.

Above all, Rodney Collins strives to earn the community’s respect. With every new decision or implemented policy, Collins will take the time to address any concerns and explain the position of the town or the reasoning behind an outcome; such rationale ensures clarity and understanding for all parties involved.

“What matters is that the work accomplished here in town hall is valued,” says Collins. “It may not always be liked, but it should always be dignified.”

After he has responded to emails, administered the board of selectmen, budgeted for 18 town departments or attended a group discussion, Collins can be found fishing, golfing or supporting the New England Patriots. When asked about the Boston Red Sox, he will proudly inform any listener that he watched his team “win it all” in the 2013 World Series.

Collins is a New Hampshire native and grew up with a deep appreciation for the water. Upon finding his “dream job” as Mashpee’s chief of police in 2005, he and his Sea Ray motorboat traded freshwater lakes for salty Nantucket Sound, where he now spends summer days—that is, when he’s not at the tiller of Mashpee Town Hall.

Kristina Atsalis is an editorial intern for Cape Cod Life Publications.