BOSTON (AP) -- Gov. Deval Patrick is winding down his second and final term in office and preparing to hand over the reins of power to his successor on Beacon Hill.
Patrick on Tuesday is holding an "open house" for members of his administration, legislators and other elected officials who wish to stop by his office to say farewell. But the governor had no public events on his schedule.
Patrick's final day in office on Wednesday will be steeped in tradition. The schedule includes a meeting in his office with Republican Gov.-elect Charlie Baker during which the outgoing and incoming chief executives will exchange several ceremonial gifts.
Patrick will then make the "lone walk" down the front steps of the Statehouse, a longstanding tradition for departing governors.
Baker will be sworn-in on Thursday.
