There must be something good about this volcano . . .

Yes, there is something that is very good about having a volcano so close to a town- the fertile soils (perfect for agriculture). Located on the slopes of Mount Etna is a patchwork of vineyards, olive groves and orchards. They are currently being used for growing citrus fruits, olives, figs, grapes, and other crops.They also as I hear produce very nice wine (no I am not an alcoholic - my dad is).Of course they would, thanks to the beautifully fertile soils around that area. The soil is also ideal for growing rice but of course there are still dangers of an eruption causing the Sicilians to lose all their crops.

A Sicilian vineyard growing in the shadow of Mount Etna. The inhabitants of Sicily must balance the advantage of rich volcanic soil with the dangers of losing their crops and farms to an eruption from the still-active volcano. Picture from geology.com