Familiar Face - Misha Barrett

You might recognize him as a volunteer at various Niwot Community Association events, such as Niwot Clean Up Day. Perhaps you have seen him on the NCA Road Crew or as a member of the tech team at Rocky Mountain Christian Church. Most likely, you have seen him driving the golf cart offering transportation service at Rock & Rails.

Misha Barrett started providing his transportation services for patrons who parked down the street from Rock & Rails in the summer of 2022. His usage of the golf cart predates that, however, as the concept for this service came from being on the NCA Road Crew. "The ability to move people quickly and safely" was something that appealed greatly to Barrett.

The golf cart with Barrett at the wheel then began helping with transportation for the Niwot 4th of July parade, as well as the Slepicka Tractor Show. Because of his good nature and love of helping people in the community, he says driving the golf cart "gives me the ability to move safely while helping others out at the same time."

Barrett is constantly adding safety features to the golf cart to make both himself and his passengers safer and the golf cart more reliable. These improvements include enhanced rear end headlights, a blinking light on top of the cart, and a newer battery for dependability. He has also added a boom bar to the cart so that he is able to play the same music as the band headlining Rock & Rails when possible.

"Basketball, basketball, basketball," Barrett said when asked what he does outside of his transportation service. "I won my first trophy in third grade through the Longmont Optimist Club Tri-Star Basketball." He says it's all about the passing, dribbling and shooting. "I continued basketball through school and currently play on a recreational men's team." He especially loves practicing his half-court and three-point shots and certainly has a love for the game.

Barrett came to the U.S. from Ukraine in 2009 and graduated from Niwot High School in May 2021. He is currently attending school at the Life Skills Alternative Cooperative Education Services program (LSACE) provided by the St. Vrain Valley School District. This program is designed for students between 18-21 years of age to learn post-secondary education transition services. "After my completion this December, I'll make a great assistant/ helper and will be looking for this type of work," Barrett said.