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LOCAL HARDWARE LOVE: Stevens Hardware on Market Street helped Gwenyfar locate vintage windows for her VW restoration. Photo by Shannon Gentry

Joey Stevens stared at my Volkswagen vent-wing windows for The Argus, my beloved 67 camper-van restoration project. Besides the Stevens Hardware on Dawson that Jock and I frequent, the family has another location up Market Street near the other den of temptation, Sahara Pita and Subs.

How soon do you need this? he asked.

A couple of months? I answered.

I mean, hell, we are three years into the restoration project.

But Joey had other ideas, and I got a phone call the next morning that my VW windows were ready.

Now, before readers roll their eyes at how naive I am, let me explain a little further. The classic no drafts or vent wing windows on VWs are the cute, little triangle windows that kind of turn out at a perpendicular angle from the vehicle. Three years ago, when I started taking the van apart, I pulled the glass out of the metal frames and removed the dry, cracked and nearly dissolved original rubber seals from 1967. Apparently, since I had no guidance, I did this wrong (surprise!). So, I was faced with two metal frames and two pieces of 50-year-old glass I was terrified of breaking if I tried to force it and hit something hard the wrong way.

Sigh.

John Wolfe and I already made an unsuccessful attempt at this in the garage. Then there was the day I waylaid a nice young man who was delivering glass to one of my neighbors. He was polite but definitely convinced I was going to sell him to a group of hippies restoring VWs in small caves somewhere, and he would end his days reinstalling glass on classic vans and bugs at gun point, never to see his family again. He suggested we contact his boss and ran away as fast as his little legs would carry him.

We contacted the boss and were told no-go on VW glass: Try Wolfsburg West!

Ah, the VW parts place Jock theorizes has tracked the progress of this restoration so well, they just send us a random box based on what they assume we must be working on and charge my credit card accordingly.

Well, they dont have the rubber we need (which is shocking because I swear someone could build a VW from scratch from their catalog). But they did offer to reassemble them for me if I shipped them the windowswhich takes service to a whole new level.

But did I mention this was 50-year-old glass? Not sure I want it going through the mail twice.

We tried an auto-glass place. They gave us the run around for six weeks.

Oh, what the hell, I thought. It cant hurt to ask right?

So one afternoon I asked Joey if, since he did window repair, if he might be able to do my VW windows? Oh, and I needed an electric chipper.

Can you show me where mortar repointing supplies are? Teach me how to use the bag for applying mortar before a fine tool? Find this particular size of metric bolt that we lost and match some paint from a paint chip I brought in off the radiator?

Why did I ever go anywhere else? Why?

I remain on a pretty constant high from Stevens. Somehow, they continue to amaze me. I mean, they do screen-door repair! Like many people, I go to the hardware store on a mission and dont really wander around to find out what all is offeredI just focus on the essential item that brought me in that day. One day, while visiting with Beauthe stunningly handsome young canine who works behind the front counter at StevensI learned they offer screen-door repair. (Dont tell my dogs, Horace and Hilda, but Beau is one of my favorite reasons for visiting. I mean, he is a real heart-melter. Sigh.)

In due course, Austin and I dropped off the screen door from the front porch of my childhood home. It had seen better days. For the last seven years, it had been stored in an area that regularly flooded from storms. The screen was ripped, the trim broken. It was a mess.

You know you could just buy a replacement screen door? A well-intentioned neighbor asked while watching us load it.

Well, no. I cant. I could make a replacement screen door, but this is a historic house. Nothing is standard on it. Nothing. After 120 years, nothing is square, either.

More importantly, this is the door that belongs to the house. No, I dont just replace it on a whim. Breakage? Possibly. Destruction? Yes. (Hosana, our Husky-Lab mix, ate three screen doors during the first two years of her life.) But to replace for some sense of convenience or a change of mind? Not me.

Did you know this was originally brass screen? Heather asked me a couple of days later at Stevens.

I shook my head. I guess it just turned black from all the years and dirt. Wow, thats pretty cool.

A few days later, I picked up an almost brand-new door. The screen was repaired, the anti-warping mechanism repaired, the trim replaced, the brass grill behind the lower screen reinstalled, and it looked brand new. All for about $40. But the care and consideration that clearly went into it is priceless.

How long have you been shopping at Stevens? John asked me on our way back to the garage after one of our many trips to Stevens that week.

I guess as long as I have been with Jock? So 14 years? Since they were still on Castle Street. Why? I looked at John in surprise.

Its just unusual to have that long a relationship with a hardware store, John observed.

Jock introduced me to the world of Stevens, and I have to admit I fell in love immediately. But it was when we began the renovation of the new building for the bookstore in 2010 that I began to feel like I had taken up residence. Around that time, they moved to their new location on Dawson, which allowed for an expansion and a more central location. But the important things stayed the same, like the great, knowledgable, helpful staff. Full Belly Project keeps an account with Stevens that gets billed monthlywhich means that when Jock wakes up with an idea at 3 a.m., after five hours in the shop, he can be at the front door when the hardware store opens without having to remember where he put his wallet in the heat of invention.

Ive been thinking about Johns comment, and for Stevens, its not an unusual relationship. Since the 1930s they have been part of life in Wilmington. They continue to do business the same way: with sincerity and decency. Thats why it is not unusual that many people have been shopping with them for much longer than 14 years.

Of course, getting to scratch Beaus ears is also a draw.

castle streetDawson Streetencore magazineFull Belly ProjectGwenyfar RohlerJock BrandisLive Local Live SmallStevens HardwareThe ArgusVolkswagenWilmington NCWolfsburg West

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LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Falling in love with the local hardware store, Stevens - encore Online

Come See Sonoran Living Live!

Sonoran Living is looking for LIVE studio audiences! Reservations are available for FREE via e-mail: slviewers@abc15.com.

Taping schedule:The show airs live daily. Currently we are only booking audiences for the first Friday of the month. Sign up for our audience!Please send us an email with name(s), date you would like to be in the audience, contact person, e-mail and contact phone number.

What are the age requirements?You must be 18 years or older to attend a taping of Sonoran Living Live.

Should I bring my ID to the studio?Yes, you must have a valid photo ID to enter the studio.

How many seats can I reserve?Group tickets are available.

How long will the taping last?The show will air live for one hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

What time do I need to arrive for the taping?8:30 a.m. Late-comers will not be admitted.

Where is the studio?ABC15 Studios,515 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ

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Renewal by Andersen discusses the biggest misconception about replacement windows - ABC15 Arizona

BM Windows, an independent replacement window and door company in San Diego, California, reported recently that the first quarter of 2017 was the best first quarter in company history. What is more, it was also one of the best quarters ever for the growing company, having worked with more than 100 San Diego area families for replacement windows and doors during that period.

BM Windows has seen steady growth in the past several years, even moving into a new facility last year with a larger warehouse, more office space, and a larger showroom to accommodate the increased business. They have also hired additional office staff and installation teams to handle the additional volume of work and to make sure all of their customers receive the exceptional level of service for which the San Diego company is known.

Michal Bohm, owner and founder of BM Windows, had this to say about his companys growth, We are very pleased with this years first quarter sales numbers. Typically, the summer is the busiest time in the replacement window industry in Southern California, but this winter was one of the best quarters weve had in terms of the number of replacement windows and doors sold and the number of San Diego households we served.

Bohm continued, We attribute our companys continued success to the hard work and dedication of our employees, as well as to our loyal customers who are constantly referring our company to their friends, families, and neighbors. As an independent, locally owned replacement window company, we appreciate each and every referral and work hard to maintain our high standards of service, even as our business continues to grow. As the owner, I make sure to stay intimately involved in the companys operations and constantly provide my staff with training in the areas of window and door installation and customer service.

BM Windows also recently reached the milestone of having received more than 100 five-star reviews on Yelp, the popular business review site. Many of the customer reviews cite the companys excellent customer service, quality products, and competitive pricing as the reasons for their high ratings.

About BM Windows

BM Windows is a San Diego replacement window and patio door company specializing in vinyl retrofit products that perform well in coastal climates. The company was established with an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and follows a simple philosophydeliver high-quality products and service at affordable prices, without the hassle of high-pressure sales presentations. BM Windows has completed thousands of replacement window and door installations throughout San Diego County and was recently named one of the Fastest Growing Dealers by Door & Window Market Magazine. BM Windows was also named Dealer of the Year by Window & Door Magazine for excellence in customer service. Learn more about BM Windows at https://www.bmwindowsca.com/.

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BM Windows in San Diego Reports Best First Quarter in Company History - Broadway World

Dwain Livengood can save money on his home renovation project by doing the work himself. But he also knows that do-it-yourself projects in historic homes like his 100-year-old farmhouse require extra planning and research, and that mistakes can be costly.

Self-awareness is pretty huge, says Livengood, who grew up in the house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is the third generation of his family to own it. Saving money isnt worth it if in the end it looks like an amateur did it.

He is planning the first major renovations to the property, including a new kitchen, hardwood floor restorations and window repair.

DIY fails in historic homes can do more than look bad; they can seriously damage a homes structure and character, says Jody Robinson, historic preservation officer for the city of Bellevue, Kentucky. DIY has a place in historic home renovation, she says, but it needs to be well-researched.

If your home or neighborhood has a historical designation, there probably are restrictions on what you can do, particularly to exteriors. Consult with local authorities before initiating projects or hiring contractors.

The difference with a historic home is the materials used and how they were constructed, Robinson says.

Slate roofs, wood gutters, weight-and-pulley windows, plaster walls and old building materials require special attention, experts say. Luckily, there are numerous places where owners of historic homes can find information about which projects they should and shouldnt attempt on their own.

Cities, preservations societies, restoration enthusiasts, and even businesses that specialize in historic renovation offer workshops and classes. Window repair, plastering, basic fireplace fixes and tiling are among the most popular subjects.

Understanding your homes construction and appreciating historic renovation methods are the first step, says Benjamin Curran, department head for historic preservation at Savannah Technical College in Georgia. Through its Historic Homeowners Academy, the school teaches classes geared to the do-it-yourselfer.

When homeowners try to apply modern solutions to old homes a remodel can easily turn into a re-muddle, Curran says. For example, using the wrong mortar can damage old bricks.

He recommends taking a class and consulting with a professional or historical preservationist.

From there, its a question of what is achievable. What is the breadth of your skill set? Where might you stretch yourself and learn more? Curran says.

Jim Wigton, president of the Monrovia (California) Historic Preservation Group, says it was formed nearly 40 years ago by residents who were restoring homes and wanted to share knowledge.

At the beginning of the organization, we invited craftspeople in to share how to do things, says Wigton, adding that group also offers a home tour and works on city-wide preservation projects.

Livengood, who has experience restoring antique carriage and tractors, plans on repairing the 40 wood windows in his foursquare house this spring. Using tips from a professional restoration company, he will replace the rope that holds the cast-iron weights that allow the windows to move up and down, and will paint the windows interiors. Hes hired a professional to tackle the exterior. He anticipates the work he does will reduce the repair costs by $200 per window.

Windows are a good DIY project because the work is more time-consuming than difficult, says Danielle Keperling, who with her parents and husband owns Historic Restorations in Lancaster. Her company is open to teaching the how-tos in order to reduce project costs, she says.

To maintain a homes historical character, repairing old windows rather than installing new ones makes a big difference, says Keperling.

Windows show the age of the house, she says.

Whenever Doug Heavilin hires a professional to work on his 1902 Queen Anne Victorian in Franklin, Indiana, he shadows the person, soaking up as much information as he can.

Ive learned 90 percent of what I know about plumbing by sitting there and watching a plumber, says Heavilin, who is restoring the 4,700-square-foot house with his wife, Amy. Theyve finished five of the homes 22 rooms.

During their restoration journey, theyve learned to install tile, hang wallpaper and drywall, repair plaster, and match stain and paint. He once engineered a solution to create rounded replacement pieces for their homes turret.

The Heavilins read books and magazines, watch videos, take classes and swap tips with other homeowners before starting a project.

But they also know things might not go as planned, and say its important to be flexible. You never know what youre going to find, says Amy Heavilin, recalling the time they discovered that their dining room chandelier was wired to a pipe with a coat hanger.

Were at the point where Im pretty comfortable with whatever we find, Doug Heavilin adds. Im not always happy, but Im comfortable.

Excerpt from:
DIY work on older houses takes extra know-how, flexibility | The ... - Prescott Daily Courier

ONTARIO The Ontario school district bond promotion committee is continuing its efforts to promote a school district bond worth $24 million that will be up for vote during the May 16 special district election.

The committee is parent-run and consists of 30 to 40 members, said one of the groups chairs, Jamie Taylor-Blumer.

This new committee was formed in January shortly after the dissolution of the school district bond work group, which had been tasked with the planning and structure for the bond proposal.

One of the tasks the promotion committee took on was to help administer a pre-bond telephone survey from Feb. 1-14, Taylor-Blumer said.

According to the survey data, based upon answers of the 300 survey respondents out of 506 residences called, 64 percent of the respondents said they would support a $24 million bond at $1.50 per thousand with a $4 million match from the Oregon Department of Education.

The total proposed project sits at $28 million, with $24 million being asked for the bond and $4 million slated to come from the state, should the bond be approved on May 16.

The $4 million is a one-time thing, explained committee chairman Gerry Blumer. He went on to explain that because of current financial troubles being experienced with the state of Oregon, there is likely no second chance with this money.

The program providing the matching funding, the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program, has the Ontario School District ranked number one on a priority list for receiving the matching funds.

The bond promotion committee has also helped the district with creating an information brochure to hand out to parents during school functions. Included are financial facts, and tax and general information about the bond.

According to the brochure, approximately $20.1 million of the total $28 million will be spent on stadium light pole replacement, resurfacing of parking lots, relocation of the band room, upgrading building exteriors and complete window replacement, a complete locker room remodel, and a new gymnasium with a weight room and wrestling facilities.

Ontario High School has an existing gymnasium, but according to the school district, practice begins as early as 5 a.m. and ends as late as 11 p.m. for some sports in order to accommodate every athletic team.

Additionally, the proposal has stenciled in $7.9 million to be spent on security upgrades at Aiken, Cairo and Alameda elementary schools, along with a five classroom additions at Aiken, one classroom addition at Cairo, and two classroom additions at May Roberts Elementary.

The additions at the elementary schools are designed to address overcrowding at May Roberts and Alameda schools the only two elementary schools which enroll kindergarten through grade six.

The main goal of the committee, however, is engaging the community about the bond.

We just want people to be informed, Taylor-Blumer said.

In addition to parents from the committee spreading information about the bond, the group has also been in cooperation with community organizations including EUVALCREE, Lions Club, various assisted living facilities, and others in order to reach out to residents who might have limited access to a phone or a computer.

The bond would need to be approved through a simple majority on May 16, Blumer said. Should it be passed, residents would pay $1.50 per thousand of assessed value for the average Ontario home. An average monthly impact would be $12.50 per month.

The committee has two more meetings before the bond election, Taylor-Blumer said.

According to Taylor-Blumer, the measure number on the ballot will be 23-57.

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64 percent of those asked support $24 million bond - Ontario Argus Observer

NEWMAN - Even as it breaks ground on the first project funded by an $11 million bond re-authorization approved by voters last November, the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District is looking ahead to improvements at a number of campuses.

School board members recently authorized staff to get bids on a number of potential improvements, ranging from construction of a new classroom wing at Yolo Middle School to re-roofing of the high school.

These are the most important items to get costs on, commented Superintendent Randy Fillpot. This doesnt mean that we are going to have enough money to do all this. We have to get some numbers down. We will get an idea of the costs involved.

He said the list of potential projects was refined by the districts facilities committee and architects, and reviewed by a citizens bond oversight committee.

The list of potential projects includes a mix of new construction and renovation.

Fillpot said the district is working to be as strategic as possible in addressing facility needs. For example, he told the board, getting bids to replace all aging HVAC systems on some campuses makes more sense than replacing those units one by one as they fail.

Construction of a library/classroom wing to finish off the Hurd Barrington Elementary School campus was previously identified as a top priority - and was deemed an urgent enough need that the district committed to going forward before it knew if the bond authorization would be approved.

That project broke ground Monday.

They believe they can get the foundation piece done during spring break, Fillpot said of the contractor. They will come back at the end of the school year and start putting up the walls and trusses, and hopefully they are working inside by September.

That project, he said, will take more than $2 million of the initial $5.5 million bond series recently issued by the district. The remaining $5.5 bond series is an estimated two years out.

Board members will prioritize future projects when the bids are finalized - but two likely to be given strong consideration include the Yolo classroom wing and the Orestimba roof.

Based on the (enrollment), Yolo is probably the one that needs to be done next, Fillpot told Mattos Newspapers.

As for Orestimba, he added, there are wings where (the roof) is leaking like a sieve.

The Yolo project is estimated to carry a nearly $6 million price tag, according to the superintendent, so it may have to be timed with the second bond series. That project will qualify for state matching funds, Fillpot noted, but the district may have to wait a few years to be reimbursed.

Ultimately, Fillpot said, he is hoping the district can at least get under way with all of the top priority items identified - but it wont be known until bids are in how far the budget will stretch.

In addition to the OHS roof and Yolo wing, the district is getting bids on a remodel of the office area at Bonita; HVAC projects at Hunt, Von Renner, the OHS field house and two alternative education classrooms; fire alarm system upgrades at Von Renner, the OHS gym and Hunt; and electrical upgrades at the OHS field house and snack bar and at Bonita.

In addition, the district will get bids on potential energy efficiency projects funded through Proposition 39. Those projects include classroom window replacement in the main wings of Hunt and Von Renner, replacement of the windows in the Hunt gym and improvements at Bonita.

Continued here:
NCLUSD eyes facility projects - Gustine Press-Standard

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Desert King Windows was founded in Oro Valley in 1999. SinceDesert King Windowsopened,over 15,000 homes have been updated with energy efficient windows and doors! Along the way, many changes and improvements have occurred but one thing has always stayed true the obsession to detail, customer service, and unparalleled value. Withall ofthat experience and products backed with a lifetime warranty, you can trust that Desert King Windows knows the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home with products that will last a lifetime in our extreme desert climate. At Desert King Windows, we take pride in our local and family owned roots. We believe in a straight-forward no bull approach so you can have the peace of mind that you are working with an honest and reliable company with no surprises.This is proven with our no down payment policy. If you are on the market for energy efficient windows and doors, put your trust into Desert King Windows. We will not let you down.

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A conman has been jailed after being caught using a window repair business to cheat elderly and vulnerable people out of thousands of pounds for the third time in as many years.

At an earlier hearing at Truro Magistrates' Court Liam Hawkins, 36, from Trelissick Road, Hayle, had initially admitted one charge of obtaining money by deception, contrary to the Fraud Act, but had denied eight other charges. But in a a last-minute change of heart he admitted further charges of taking money from elderly customers with no intention of undertaking the repair works or providing a refund.

Read more: United States Air Force confirms F15 jets flew over Cornwall after reports of horse deaths

The court was told that Hawkins had two previous convictions relating to 12 almost identical offences and that one of the latest offences was committed just seven weeks after he received a suspended prison sentence in July 2015. He has also failed to make any refunds or compensation payments as ordered by the court at the 2015 hearing.

This time the magistrates heard that Hawkins had admitted cold-calling his victims and lying about working in the area and that he had never ordered the promised replacement windows from the suppliers. Instead he deliberately took the cash deposits, according to prosecutors from Cornwall Council Trading Standards, who had carried out a lengthy investigation into his fraudulent actions.

One charge he admitted involved making a false representation to Roger Dugdale in November 2015 that he had taken a deposit to order parts or materials and perform work at his home, intending to make a gain of 3,100 for himself.

Magistrates sentenced Hawkins to a total of 38 weeks behind bars with a warning that he would serve longer if he failed to make satisfactory arrangements to repay his victims.

Read more: A man has died after falling off a cliff at Lands End

Nigel Strick, Cornwall Council's Fair Trading team manager said: "This is the third time that Mr Hawkins has appeared before Truro magistrates in three years and the third time he has been convicted of offences involving fraud. These latest offences are almost identical to those for which he received a suspended prison sentence in July 2015. Yet despite his previous convictions Mr Hawkins has taken no heed of the warnings issued by the previous courts and has continued to offend.

"Trading Standards investigators were particularly concerned that once again his latest offences were specifically targeted at elderly and vulnerable consumers and the impact of Mr Hawkins' behaviour on his victims in terms of increasing their fear of crime, of losing trust in other people and of causing anxiety and upset has been graphically seen during the investigation.

"Once again this case reinforces the message that you should never deal with anyone who turns up at your door unannounced, no matter how convincing they may seem and no matter how tempting their special offers may sound."

Read more: See all the latest news here

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Conman Liam Hawkins from Hayle defrauded elderly and vulnerable over double glazing for third time - Cornwall Live

The $2.08 billion capital plan that Mayor Martin Walsh unveiled last week highlighted a slew of infrastructure projects in Dorchester and Mattapan, including school and library repairs, park investments, and a new firehouse for Meetinghouse Hill.

This plan prioritizes investments in Bostons neighborhoods and is a direct reflection of the feedback we received from thousands of residents who contributed ideas to our planning processes, Walsh said in a statement. I am proud that we are able to put the wheels in motion to begin investing in projects that are important to Bostons people, and that will prepare our city for a year of groundbreaking success.

A major ticket item for Dorchester, the new Engine 17 fire station, was slated for $13 million in FY17s budget and is now allotted $19 million across five years. Fire officials say the station is sorely needed to support one of the busiest fire companies in the city.

The centrally located hilltop fire station is not in the most convenient location, with the Fire Department in talks with First Parish Church about the possibility of constructing the new station on vacant church-owned property closer to the Winter Street intersection.

Education is a hallmark of the FY18 budget, for which the city rolled out capital and operating plans separately this year, guided by the citywide planning study Imagine Boston 2030. Walsh has committed $1 billion in facility investments over the next decade for Boston Public Schools buildings.

Planned capital investment projects in Dorchester, MattapanFive schools would receive a collective $9.8 million for roof or boiler repairs, including replacing roofs at the McCormack and Dever schools and replacing boilers at Boston Latin School.

About $2.5 million for security improvements would go in part to the Everett School, the Rev. Haynes Early Education Center, the Murphy School, the Henderson School, and the Chittick.

A $29.9 million window replacement program for seven schools is under way, including work at the Community Academy of Science & Health, TechBoston Academy, and Young Achievers K-8 School. The Mattapan Early Elementary School, which remains operational through June as the Mattahunt school, receives $1.2 million in the proposed budget for renovations.

Several Dorchester library projects have been given boosts in the proposal, which sets aside $18 million across multiple years for site acquisition, design, construction, and furnishings for a new branch library at Uphams Corner. The budget also proposes a $94,000 investment in an interior reconfiguration project at the Lower Mills Branch Library.

The plan includes a $12.1 million investment to conduct a facility assessment, develop a building program, and support the construction of a new facility for the Fields Corner Branch Library. A study is under way to assess the value of a $12.6 million investment for a new branch library on Adams Street.

The mayors office maintains that accessible neighborhood green space is an ongoing priority, with $1.2 million of a $3.7 million renovation of McConnell Playground already allocated for this fiscal year. In FY18, the Doherty-Gibson Playground would receive $400,000 to repair or replace field floodlights and upgrade the electrical system. Downer Avenue Park would be given $1.15 million for an overall refurbishment. The former Hopkins Street Garden is slated for a $50,000 investment in to design the Odom Serenity Garden.

Mattapan is less robustly served by proposed investments, benefitting from the broader $5 million pathways investments in Franklin Park and the $3.7 million renovation of nearby Harambee Park in Dorchester. Walsh has also committed to a $28 million investment funded by the sale of the Winthrop Square garage to fully renovate Franklin Park, the citys largest green space.

BCYF projects in Mattapan are budgeted for multi-million-dollar boosts. The Gallivan Community Center is slated for $2.96 million in improvements, and the Mattahunt Community Center would see a $1.9 million investment for an interior refurbishment and $500,000 to improve exterior lighting, which would conclude in FY18.

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City capital plan boosts projects in Dot, Mattapan: $19m marked for firehouse on Meetinghouse Hill - Dorchester Reporter

Unless youre attached to a corporate network with a well-managed Update Server, Win10 will give you all of Microsofts patches, according to Microsofts schedule. You can usually keep the reboot limited to a time when you arent working, but the patches come whether you want em or not. Worse, if you uninstall a patch, every time you reboot or log on again, the same patch comes barreling at your machine. Its like Sisyphus 10.0.

As long as Microsofts patches, thats great. But the minute theres a problema faulty driver, a cumulative update that refuses to install, a conflict between the patch and one of your programsforced updating can cause mayhem.

Fortunately, Microsoft has a program that allows you to block and hide specific updates. Wushowhide, known by its cryptic Knowledge Base number KB 307930, scans to see which updates are pending and lets you hide individual updates.

To use it, head over to KB 307930, then download and stick wushowhide.diagcab on your machine. Next, follow these steps precisely:

1. Run wushowhide.diacab.

2. This parts important: Click the link marked Advanced. Uncheck the box marked "Apply repairs automatically." Click Next.

3. Wushowhide will run for a long time. When it comes back up for air, click the link to Hide Updates. You see a list like the one in the screenshot.

4. Check the update(s) you want to avoid, click Next, then Next again. The chosen patch(es) wont be installed, until you go back and uncheck it.

Depending on your version of Win10, you may have options to slow down updates. No matter what Win10 says, this tool will block an update dead in its tracksbut watch out. If Microsoft releases a new version of a patch, itll switch off the hidden checkmark, so you have to go back and hide it again.

Read more here:
Top 30 free apps for Windows 10 - InfoWorld