Widgets
Widgets are what you put in the Columns to the Left and right.
They can be order, add text, add eventbright etc.....
WordPress comes pre-packaged with a variety of Widgets. If those are insufficient for your needs you can install new ones by searching the WordPress Plugins Directory which is accessible from the Plugins -> Add New menu.
adding a plugin ( widget)
Helpful page for Widget in wordpress
http://codex.wordpress.org/WordPress_Widgets