With 2011 coming to a close, Patch is taking a few moments to look back and highlight some of the stories that tugged at our heartstrings and flared our tempers.

What story impacted you the most? How did the event shape the community? Tell us in the comments.

In December, a Bel Air cupcake shop won the popular Food Network show "Cupcake Wars." The win drew attention to the store and plenty of community support.

Shelley Stannard, owner of Flavor Cupcakery, told Patch she feels winning "Cupcake Wars" was less an individual triumph and more a win for Bel Air and small business.

"I don't think of it as much as a personal victory, but as, 'Wow, look at what we all can do,'" said Stannard.

Stannard is also looking at the possibility of opening another store in Cockeysville.