Firstly, congrats on getting the best boards around and welcome to the community. (everyone here is pretty wonderful when u ask for help , seriously)
Secondly .. some help for you.
If you want a left column - try here :
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=91888
This is an Add on for 3.5.x and should have an installer in it - read the first thread and ill should explain all - ask on the thread if you have an issue.
If you want the same on the right :
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=94495
Hope that helps
Taz
p.s. if you only want it on the forums home page , try this thread.
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=117988