Presented by the Somerville Arts Council's ArtsUnion, check out happenings this weekend and next weekend.

Somerville Moped-Scooter Rally and Concours
An It's Mod Motors and Mayhem! Sunday, September 13, 6 to 10 pm (raindate Sunday)
School may be back in session, and at the Somerville Moped-Scooter Rally & Concourse, we're celebrating the 3R's- riding, racing and reducing your carbon footprint. Moped Maestro Todd Sargent takes a cue from this past summers's ArtBeat and presents an event highlighting alternative transport and the coolest urban rides.

The evening will feature a rally of two-wheelers (up to 250cc), all vying to become king of the road. Crowds will be entertained by short films on scootering and clips from Quadrophenia, the film that put mod mopeds onthe map. The Sharp Darts, The Broken River Prophets, the December Sound will perform at the rally. So if you've got your own set of wheels, come out to join the mania. Bikers and non-bikers alike are welcome to ride or just enjoy the spectacle.

Union Square Revisited Walking Tour: Yesterday into the 21st Century
Sunday 14th 2 to 4 pm
Explore the nooks and crannies of Union Square including Victorian churches, industrial buildings and Queen Anne homes. Learn about its rebirth through Union Square Main Streets, rezoning, adaptive reuse of buildings and the Green Line Extension.
Led by Ed Gordon. Refreshments at Bloc 11. Meet at the Independent Restaurant on the plaza.

Urban Country Fair
Saturday, September 20 from 3 to 7 pm (Rain date 9/21) Union Square Plaza
Country Fairs are about sharing knowledge with neighbors, showing off your creations and having a good time and this event celebrates that spirit. This specialty market combines exhibitors, craft and art sellers, Boston SkillShare workshops, old- time musical entertainment and dancing country-style.

It's back to school at the marital arts studios too.

Shobu Aikido, the new dojo over at 34 Allen Street will being a new 8- week audult Aikido program on Saturday September 27th from 10 am to 11:30 am.

Designed for people new to Aikido, the beginner class series meets three times a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 11:30 am. The class will be taught by Sensei William Gleason 6th Dan and other well qualified teachers.

The goal of the course is to introduce beginners to Aikido basics and martial art fundamentals. At the completion of the program, students will be prepared to enter regular Aikido classes and to train with the general membership of the dojo.

The cost for the 8 week Beginner's Program is $200. A heavy white (judo style training uniform is also required - available for $50 from the Shobu dojo or any martial arts store. Class size is limited and pre- registration is required.

Villari's Self- Defense Center at 54 Union Square is also offering a special class for new students this fall. For those who aren't sure if marital arts are right for them, they're making it easy to have a little taste. For just $35 you can receive a spanking new uniform and can try out two weeks of classes. it's so easy you can even sign up right on-line.

This Saturday marks the first Annual Prospect Hill Picnic & Neighborhood get together. Bring-your-own-picnic. They neighborhood organizers willl have grills and lemonade. Hang out, meet neighbors, enjoy the sunset. There will be music and games. And shhh! The tower will even be open!

Takes place Saturday, September 13th from 4 to 8pm on Munroe street near the tower. (Rain date is Sunday the 14th, at 3pm.)

Methok (Tibetan word for flower) is a new store at 62A Summer Street featuring costume jewelry, rugs, furniture and other docorative items. While the name is Tibetan you'll find imports from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Morocco and Kenya too.